ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, providing access to educational opportunities. There is much to celebrate regarding the work of ASEC and the impact of Sisters who are benefiting from our programs.

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Sr. Elizabeth with a student at the Ruben Center.

Holistic Support for the Vulnerable in Kenya

Mar 25, 2024: [Kenya] Sr. Elizabeth Wambui Gichuki, DHM uses the skills learned in the SLDI program to help over 3,000 children, their parents, as well as others.

The obstetrical waiting room with mothers during health education.

Financial Assistance for Pregnant Women in Cameroon

Mar 14, 2024: [Cameroon] Sr. Cordelia Uche Anikwem uses the skills she learned in SLDI to write a grant proposal to provide necessary medical support to pregnant women to help reduce maternal and neonatal morbidities and mortality.

ASEC Executive Director Sr.Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG and Joyce, a 12-year-old Maasai girl, walk together on the coast of Tanzania along the Indian Ocean.

Perspectives- 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop in Tanzania

Mar 12, 2024: [Kenya, Tanzania] At just 12 years old a Maasai girl captivated participants at the 2024 SLDI Partner Workshop and represented the impact delivered by ASEC sisters

A Little Nun - A Poem By Sr. Esther Koros, OSF

Jan 1, 2024: [] "A Little Nun" is a heartfelt poem by Sr. Esther Koros, OSF, an alumna of ASEC’s SLDI Administration Track celebrating the transformative impact of ASEC on women religious.

SLDI participants Top left: Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, with water project participants in Malawi
Top right: Basic Technology Workshop participants in Uganda
Bottom: Sr. Nancy Njari, RA, with students in Kenya

Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) 2023 Year in Review

Jan 1, 2024: [Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, USA] The Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) empowers Catholic sisters in 10 African countries by enhancing their leadership, technology, and financial skills, resulting in significant community impact.

Sr. Josephine Kwenga wins People's Choice Award for Project on Sustainable Human Development

Oct 10, 2023: [Kenya] On September 27, 2023 ASEC participant Sr. Josephine Muthoni Kwenga, SJT won a People's Choice Award for her Sustainable Agriculture Project in Kenya.

ASEC to host inaugural fundraiser: "A Night of Storytelling"

Mar 24, 2023: [USA] African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) is hosting the inaugural fundraising event, A Night of Storytelling, on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023, in Marywood University’s Fireplace Lounge in Nazareth Hall from 6:30-8 pm.

Top left: Sr. Angela Chinaenye Ibe of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus; top right: Sr. Kiden Christine Janet, Missionary Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary; bottom left: Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi of the Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus; bottom right: Sr. Bi Eveline Ambe, Sisters of St. Ann

How can we measure the impact of education?

Mar 2, 2023: [Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria, SouthSudan] We measure the impact of education through qualitative data by interviewing ASEC sisters, both those current students and alumnae. Through learning their stories, we can connect the dots between education and transformation, both within the sisters and their communities.

ASEC alumnae learn to make liquid soap at a workshop in Tanzania in January of 2023.

Sisters gather for alumnae workshop, use agriculture to feed communities in Tanzania

Feb 21, 2023: [Tanzania] Women religious go where the need is greatest and do everything they can to fulfill it, including increasing the availability of opportunities for agricultural growth in Tanzania.

ASEC Sisters teach children how to dance at St. Peter Clavery School in Mikumi, Tanzania

Dance in African Christianity and Culture as Explained by an ASEC Sister

Feb 16, 2023: [Kenya, Zambia, USA] After being with ASEC for a year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about Catholic sisters, African culture, and some of the unique and beautiful traditions of Catholicism in Africa. One thing that I’ve noticed is the power of incorporating dance into graduations, mass and religious celebrations in Africa. I wanted to know more.

SLDI alumna Sr. Elizabeth Wambui in charge of the counseling services offered at the Reuben Center in Mukuru, Kenya.

ASEC Staff Visit Kenya for Convening, Graduation and Site Visits

Jan 13, 2023: [Kenya] ASEC Sr. Program Manager Dr. Rosemary Shaver and Finance Manager Betsy Hartshorn were grateful for the opportunity to visit Kenya and see first-hand how ASEC sisters are transforming their communities.

On the left: Sr. Magdalena showcases the manuals she has been able to write for her congregation as a result of her education. On the right: Sr. Magdalena mentors youth on basic technology skills.

In Her Words: A Heart that Appreciates 'Mother ASEC'

Jan 3, 2023: [Tanzania] In 2019, Sr. Magdalena Laurent Izengo started her courses through ASEC's SLDI program in Tanzania. Since then, she has used her knowledge and skills to secure funding for projects that keep children in her community safe. Read about it in her own words.

Sr. Nkechi has been a Sister of the Poor handmaids of Jesus Christ for 19 years. (Right side photo: Photo by Nnaemeka Ugochukwu on Unsplash.com)

Leadership Success: My Life Journey After ASEC

Sep 26, 2022: [Nigeria] Inspired by God’s divine love and the spirit of Saint Katharina Kasper, Sister Salesiana Bach, the then Provincial Superior of the German Province, and her leadership team took a courageous decision to embark on a journey of faith on April 4th, 2006.

Sisters Odette and Cecilia exploring the technology of the phone at an SLDI workshop in Cameroon, 2019.

Using Technology to Strengthen Ministries

Sep 8, 2022: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia] Last spring, the New York Times published an article about how women religious are sharing their experiences through social media platforms, like TikTok. In this article we reflect on the recent trends and explain how our sisters are learning to utilize technology.

ASEC Executive Director, staff, country coordinators and SLDI program participants meet via Zoom to discuss how the program is helping congregations succeed.

SLDI Participants meet with Executive Director, Share the Impact of Computer Technology Workshops

Sep 6, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, USA] ASEC Sisters from Zambia, Tanzania and other countries in Africa have gathered recently for Basic Technology workshops as a part of the SLDI program. Last month they met with ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia to discuss what they learned and why it is important.

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