The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program provides Catholic sisters with access to higher education, enabling them to lead transformative ministries across Africa. With over 2,196 sisters enrolled in programs since 2012, HESA empowers women religious to take on leadership roles in education, healthcare, and community development.
The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program facilitates access to post-secondary education for Catholic sisters in Africa. More than 2,196 sisters have participated in HESA since 2012, representing 281 unique congregations. Through HESA, sisters are studying for college diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees at ASEC’s 24 partner higher education institutions in 10 African countries and online in the U.S.
HESA was designed with a framework that recognizes Catholic sisters as adult learners with unique educational needs. Sisters typically join HESA from ministry work and having been out of school for many years. To facilitate networks and support structures, HESA students participate in cohorts of sisters at partner higher education institutions and receive technological and academic support to ensure their success as students, scholars, and women religious including Orientation and annual Reflective Learning Workshops.
After 12 years of implementation, findings from evaluation data and alumnae success stories demonstrate that HESA positions Catholic sisters as leaders of vital ministries, congregations, and communities who address sustainable development in Africa. In 2024, 79% of HESA alumnae reported gaining leadership roles within their ministries and 66% reported leadership roles outside of their ministries. Building on expertise gained through educational attainment and capacity-building workshops, HESA alumnae exemplify ASEC’s core value of leadership as confident and competent women leaders in their societies.
HESA maintains a 96% retention rate, indicating that the majority of sisters who enroll complete their studies.
98% of HESA graduates feel more confident as a result of participating in the HESA program.
97% of HESA alumnae report receiving degrees that are relevant to their ministry and needed in their community.
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Enrollments
As of July 1, 2024, approximately 828 sisters were actively enrolled in HESA at partner higher education institutions in 10 countries in Africa. In the 2023-2024 grant year, HESA welcomed 100 new students who participated in Orientation in preparation for their studies and formed cohort networks at partner institutions.
Sisters participating in the HESA program are highly motivated and academically successful, maintaining a comprehensive 96% retention rate. Sister students actively engage in student life, provide spiritual enrichment through campus ministries, and average a B grade point average, with 77% receiving a B average or higher. Many sisters serve as student leaders among their lay and religious peers. Sr. Mariana Ignace Audifas Kavishe, CSS, for example, graduated from Catholic University of Health and Allied Sciences (CUHAS), Tanzania, in November 2023, with a Doctor of Medicine degree and leadership experience as the Secretary of the CUHAS Priests and Sisters Union for two years.
Graduations
More than 1,411 sisters have graduated from HESA with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. During the 2023-2024 year, 249 sisters graduated from HESA. More than 84 graduates in 23-24 reported receiving honors and other special awards. Notable recognitions include:
- Sr. Constance Chalwe Mandona, SCJ, who was awarded Best Student in Bachelor of Arts with Education at the Zambia Catholic University.
- Sr. Yvonne Chipasha, SFMA, who was awarded Best Student in Bachelor of Commerce with Education at the Zambia Catholic University.
- Sr. George Francsica Khooa, SNJM, who received several awards including the Alina and Paul Mokete Memorial Award for Best Student in Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry, the Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority Award for Best Student in Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry and the Chembi Laboratories Award for Best Student in Chemistry at the National University of Lesotho.
Partnerships
ASEC continues to maintain 24 partnership agreements with higher education partners in the U.S. and Africa to deliver HESA. Many partnership agreements were renewed over the last year in preparation for the next phase of HESA which began in July 2024. Since July 1, 2023, HESA renewed online-onsite agreements with Chestnut Hill College (U.S.) and Veritas University (Nigeria), Rosemont College (U.S.) and Catholic University of Eastern Africa (Kenya), Chestnut Hill College (U.S.) and Catholic University of Ghana, and Marywood University (U.S.) and University of Kisubi (Uganda). HESA also renewed onsite agreements with National University of Lesotho, Zambia Catholic University, Holy Family Nursing and Midwifery Training College (Ghana), Veritas University College (Nigeria), Catholic University of Malawi, Catholic University of Cameroon, Bamenda, and Catholic University Institute of Buea (Cameroon).
HESA Phase IV Approval
ASEC submitted a grant application for HESA IV to the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation which was approved in early 2024. HESA IV will serve 424 sisters in 10 countries between 2024-2028. The grant also includes funding for activities such as the HESA Partners Conference and research.
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This article is addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goal(s):
