As part of their academic course of study, many participants of the Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program are required to make original research contributions prior to completion of their degrees. These final research projects are often quite rigorous in nature, requiring empirical work to generate new knowledge, advance the sisters’ field of study, and provide fresh perspectives on a particular line of inquiry. This is somewhat distinctive to the African countries in which the HESA program operates, especially at the bachelors degree level, as full research studies are usually not undertaken until the masters or doctoral levels in the United States.
Sr. Lydiah Shirotsi of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK) attended Tangaza University in Kenya, earning a Bachelors of Education through the HESA program. For her research requirement, Sr. Lydiah chose to examine the impact of the HESA program on societal transformation in her study entitled The Impact of the HESA Program on Societal Transformation: A Case Study of Catholic University of Eastern Africa, Tangaza University College, and Chemchemi Alumni. This study was particularly unique, as few studies external to ASEC have been conducted on the impact of the HESA program.
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Sr. Lydiah joining with the young ones in the village.
Sr. Lydiah utilized a mixed-methods approach, incorporating a self-administered questionnaire and interview protocol, targeting HESA alumnae in Kenya (N = 44). Results indicated that the education gained by HESA program graduates has helped transform society. Sr. Lydiah’s study found that alumnae of the HESA program are equipped with skills and knowledge that allows them to make a positive impact on those they serve. Specific examples of HESA alumnae impact from her study included—initiation of farming projects, successful fundraising endeavours, and founding of small businesses. Sr. Lydiah also concluded that the HESA program assists in the spiritual development of Catholic sisters, increasing their love for God and humanity.
Sr. Lydiah with learners from her village after completing community service.
In Sr. Lydiah’s study, HESA alumnae reported “having gained leadership skills, teamwork, self-improvement, critical skills for analysing issues, making the right judgments, being ethical, and understanding reality.” Many of the results discovered through Sr. Lydiah’s study mirrors HESA evaluation outcomes, bolstering ASEC’s HESA impact assertions.
Since graduating from Tangaza University in November 2024, Sr. Lydiah has been serving her congregation as a novice formator in Tanzania, preparing young sisters for religious life. In the coming school year, she will officially begin serving as a primary school teacher. Sr. Lydiah also continues to be an advocate for HESA, recommending that the program be expanded to serve more sisters and create even greater impact in the years to come.
