ASEC News

African Sisters Education Collaborative Expands Reach to Zimbabwe

African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC)

Participants from Zimbabwe, ASEC’s U.S. staff, and ASEC Board members join in a virtual meeting for the historic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ASEC and the Conference of Major Religious Superiors Zimbabwe (CMRS-ZW).

The African Sisters Education Collaborative has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors Zimbabwe, marking the 11th country in ASEC’s mission to empower Catholic sisters across Africa.

“I’m confident that together we will achieve great things and make a profound difference in the lives of our people,” said African Sisters Education Collaborative’s Board of Directors chair, Sr. Barbara Spears, SNJM at the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors Zimbabwe (CMRS-ZW).

“We are so happy at ASEC to welcome Zimbabwe into the ASEC family, and we thank God for this new blessing.”

The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC), a nonprofit organization empowering Catholic women religious in Africa, has signed into a MoU with the Conference of Major Religious Superiors Zimbabwe (CMRS-ZW). Signed on August 8, 2024, this agreement formalizes a partnership aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for Catholic sisters in Zimbabwe, with goals being, fostering leadership, spiritual growth, and capacity building within religious communities.

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Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Ph.D., Executive Director of ASEC, signs the MoU with CMRS-ZW, solidifying a partnership that will bring educational opportunities to Catholic sisters in Zimbabwe.

Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Ph.D., Executive Director of ASEC, signs the MoU with CMRS-ZW, solidifying a partnership that will bring educational opportunities to Catholic sisters in Zimbabwe.

ASEC, founded in 1999 has been at the forefront of educational initiatives across Africa, reaching women religious in ten countries through educational programs. The MoU with CMRS-ZW takes ASEC's reach to 11 countries and represents a strategic collaboration that will further extend ASEC’s reach ensuring that sisters in Zimbabwe have access to the proven initiatives that have led to ASEC’s success in the 10 other countries. 

Under the terms of the MoU, ASEC will implement scholarships tailored to the needs of Zimbabwean sisters, focusing on bridging the gap to higher education and fulfilling the educational credentials needed to carry out their ministries better. ASEC has committed to providing the necessary funding, facilitators, and logistical support for the scholarship program in Zimbabwe. Both parties have emphasized the importance of collaboration and mutual support being central to the partnership's success.

ASEC U.S. staff celebrate the signing of the MoU with CMRS-ZW, a significant step in ASEC’s mission to empower more Catholic sisters across Africa through education.

ASEC U.S. staff celebrate the signing of the MoU with CMRS-ZW, a significant step in ASEC’s mission to empower more Catholic sisters across Africa through education.

This partnership is expected to significantly enhance the leadership capacities of Catholic sisters in Zimbabwe, enabling them to address challenges within their communities. This collaboration between ASEC and CMRS-ZW brings together educational expertise and local knowledge to empower women religious, preparing them to lead and serve in their ministries.

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Your generosity can help ASEC extend its life-changing programs even further. With additional funding, we can expand deeper into Zimbabwe and reach other African countries where Catholic sisters are eager for the educational opportunities ASEC provides. By sponsoring a sister’s education, you’re not just empowering one woman—you’re helping to build stronger communities and create a ripple effect of positive change. Your contribution will directly impact the success of our programs and help us reach even more communities in need.

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This article is addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goal(s):

Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning Reduce inequality within and among countries Revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development

Sr. Mercy Machona, CMFC
Profiled in article
Secretary General CMRS Zimbabwe Office - None  

Jake Danna Stevens
Author
Media & Communications Manager, Mission Advancement  

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