ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 10 sub-Saharan African countries, providing access to educational opportunities. There is much to celebrate regarding the work of ASEC and the impact of Sisters who are benefiting from our programs.

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ASEC alumnae learn to make liquid soap at a workshop in Tanzania in January of 2023.

Sisters gather for alumnae workshop, use agriculture to feed communities in Tanzania

Feb 21, 2023: [Tanzania] Women religious go where the need is greatest and do everything they can to fulfill it, including increasing the availability of opportunities for agricultural growth in Tanzania.

ASEC Sisters teach children how to dance at St. Peter Clavery School in Mikumi, Tanzania

Dance in African Christianity and Culture as Explained by an ASEC Sister

Feb 16, 2023: [Kenya, Zambia, USA] After being with ASEC for a year, I’ve had the opportunity to learn so much about Catholic sisters, African culture, and some of the unique and beautiful traditions of Catholicism in Africa. One thing that I’ve noticed is the power of incorporating dance into graduations, mass and religious celebrations in Africa. I wanted to know more.

Staff members pose with the DISC assessment chart after the team development conference on February 2, 2023.

ASEC US Staff Learn About Work Styles in Development Training

Feb 7, 2023: [USA] The Collective 180, a consulting group that helps foster positive workplace relationships and environments through assessment-based training and development, spent two days with US ASEC staff recently. This is what we learned.

SLDI alumna Sr. Elizabeth Wambui in charge of the counseling services offered at the Reuben Center in Mukuru, Kenya.

ASEC Staff Visit Kenya for Convening, Graduation and Site Visits

Jan 13, 2023: [Kenya] ASEC Sr. Program Manager Dr. Rosemary Shaver and Finance Manager Betsy Hartshorn were grateful for the opportunity to visit Kenya and see first-hand how ASEC sisters are transforming their communities.

On the left: Sr. Magdalena showcases the manuals she has been able to write for her congregation as a result of her education. On the right: Sr. Magdalena mentors youth on basic technology skills.

In Her Words: A Heart that Appreciates 'Mother ASEC'

Jan 3, 2023: [Tanzania] In 2019, Sr. Magdalena Laurent Izengo started her courses through ASEC's SLDI program in Tanzania. Since then, she has used her knowledge and skills to secure funding for projects that keep children in her community safe. Read about it in her own words.

Sr. Lucy presented the progress of her current research to ASEC staff during a recent visit.

Visiting Scholar visits ASEC Headquarters, Presents Progress on Catholic Research

Nov 16, 2022: [Uganda, USA] Sr. Lucy's research may be able to help congregations in Uganda better prepare women religious for the work of their ministries.

Stock photo by Jesse Orrico, Unsplash.com

Late Sister, ASEC Founder to Donate Body to Science

Oct 27, 2022: [USA] When Sr. Margaret Gannon's decision to donate her body to science was announced at her memorial, some wondered, "Can she do that?" The official answer from the Catholic Church is, "Yes, yes she can."

ASEC Staff and Sisters representing several African countries and the U.S. gave a virtual toast to celebrate Sr. Joyce Rita and Sr. Clare as they depart the organization.

ASEC hosts farewell celebration for Nigeria and Kenya Program Coordinators

Oct 20, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria] Although good-byes are often sad, ASEC Sisters understand well their vows of obedience and living by the will of God. So when it comes time to part ways, farewells have become more of celebrations at ASEC, for the time spent and service given by women religious.

Sr. Margaret Gannon instructs HESA students in Nairobi at HESA orientation.

ASEC Founding Member, Emerita Board of Director Called Home to the Lord

Oct 17, 2022: [] Sister Margaret Gannon, Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary of Scranton (IHM), Ph.D, died Friday, Oct. 14, 2022. Sr. Margaret was a pillar of ASEC, having helped create the organization in its inception and serving as a board member thereafter.

Dr. Rosemary Shaver, ASEC Senior Program Manager, successfully defended her dissertation on September 23, 2022.

Senior Program Manager is awarded Ed.D., doctoral award

Oct 3, 2022: [USA] HESA and Scholarship Senior Program Manager Rosemary Shaver, Ed.D. received her Doctorate in Education from Wilkes University after successful defense of her research on the perceived impact of service learning programs on higher education learners. Through her research she was able to find that it is a transformative experience that promotes self-examination, dialogue, and skill development among participants.

Sisters Odette and Cecilia exploring the technology of the phone at an SLDI workshop in Cameroon, 2019.

Using Technology to Strengthen Ministries

Sep 8, 2022: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia] Last spring, the New York Times published an article about how women religious are sharing their experiences through social media platforms, like TikTok. In this article we reflect on the recent trends and explain how our sisters are learning to utilize technology.

ASEC Executive Director, staff, country coordinators and SLDI program participants meet via Zoom to discuss how the program is helping congregations succeed.

SLDI Participants meet with Executive Director, Share the Impact of Computer Technology Workshops

Sep 6, 2022: [Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Zambia, USA] ASEC Sisters from Zambia, Tanzania and other countries in Africa have gathered recently for Basic Technology workshops as a part of the SLDI program. Last month they met with ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia to discuss what they learned and why it is important.

ASEC Sisters complete a Basic Technology class in Nigeria, similar to the class the sisters in this article completed recently.

Sisters Learn Email, Facebook in Technology Workshop, Use Platforms to Express Gratitude

Aug 31, 2022: [Kenya] ASEC Sisters in Kenya recently participated in a Basic Technology workshop where they learned how to e-mail, create a Facebook page and other ways to communicate via digital platforms. The first thing they did was express their gratitude.

Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia greeted guests at a dinner hosted during the LCWR Conference, August 2022.