In Zambia, implementing universal primary education for its youth has become a high priority. However, in many regions in Zambia, primary school completion rates remain as low as 78.6% in some areas and for girls as low as 73%. Rates are especially low in the Northern Province, where Sr. Rita Hamuwele Mapenzi, Little Sisters of Mary Immaculate (LSMI), serves.
Sr. Rita was awarded an ASEC Two-Year Scholarship in 2016 to attend the Kasama College of Education. In December 2018, Sr. Rita graduated with her Diploma in Primary Education and felt well prepared to teach children at the primary school level. Sr. Rita says after completing her education,
“I am ready to help that little child there, to grow both in spirit, in knowledge, and in the love of God.”
She also says of the ASEC program,
“Many thanks to ASEC for continuous support ensuring that we understood why we were studying helping the most vulnerable in society, women and children. To keep my charism and spirituality during my studies...and how to handle the challenges of life.”
Sr. Rita is now serving as a primary school teacher in Kasama, Zambia. She’s implementing the knowledge and skills she learned in the program to benefit her community.
She is also a positive role model to young girls, encouraging them to pursue their own education.
Testimony from Sr. Rita
"What the Lord has done for me I cannot tell it all.
I remember those days I reached KACE to begin my three-year program in early childhood education. After a few awkward experiences my dreams were becoming shattered.
Thanks be to God for everything is possible with him because I had to embrace humility which helped me pull through both academically and socially.
Many thanks to ASEC for continuous support ensuring that we understood why we were studying helping the most vulnerable in society women and children. To keep my charism and spirituality during my studies as the young people I was studying with were on different levels and how to handle the challenges of life.
The two-year sponsorship I received will go along way in my life, the life of the congregation and the children I will serve in schools and society. I pray for you that you may continue with the same spirit to help many others so that they can offer better services to the church and society at large.
Today as I celebrate and give my success story, I extend my gratitude to the donors and my Provincial Superior and councilors for the support and encouragement. God bless you always.
Thank you very much."
