Sr. Gertrude Muhatia of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK) congregation in Kenya believes that the skills, knowledge, and integrity she has developed help her daily in her goals to teach students at Kenya Medical Training Center. Sr. Gertrude, a 2017-2021 HESA alum, is currently a nurse educator and national examiner and believes that her training through the HESA program was certainly “not a waste.” She is a valued member of her team and aims to empower students through individual and group feedback.
Sr. Gertrude was one of six Kenyan ASEC alumnae whose ministry sites were visited by an ASEC Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (M&E Officer) in 2023. During these site visits, the M&E Officer toured the ministry sites in-person and interviewed ASEC alumnae, as well as coworkers, supervisors, and beneficiaries of the ministries.
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Sr. Gertrude (center) stands with staff outside her ministry site in Kenya.
Upon reflection with the ASEC M&E Officer, Sr. Gertrude was able to recall that prior to participation in the HESA program her methods of teaching were not conducive to the students’ needs. Sr. Gertrude believes that ASEC has helped her grow her skills of communication, relationships, and leadership to better empower the students with whom she works. Sr. Gertrude also recalled the impact of a Reflective Learning Workshop she attended as a part of HESA. She quoted a valuable phrase, stating that individuals “learn to know, learn to do, learn to be, and learn to act, what you are learning.” Sr. Gertrude explained that she takes this perspective when learning and encouraging students.
Car received through a grant written by Sr. Gertrude.
Throughout her time at Kenya Medical Training Center, Sr. Gertrude has had a multitude of achievements. She has become qualified as an examination officer and is a member of the Secretariat of Examinations in Kenya. In 2021, Sr. Gertrude was able to secure a vehicle to provide transportation for sick women religious and secured hospital equipment to be utilized for student training.
Sr. Gertrude’s skills are recognized by those around her as well. Raphael Pinto, a student of Sr. Gertrude, stated that Sr. Gertrude has been “instrumental to [him] and the whole facility.” Gertrude's guidance and feedback has taught Raphael both academically and spiritually. Sr. Gertrude believes that ASEC has provided her valuable communication skills that have improved her ability to assist students in their learning. Sr. Gertrude is a testament to the value of knowledge, communication, and humility and continues to impact the lives of students each day.
