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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A Little Nun - A Poem By Sr. Esther Koros, OSF

Jan 1, 2024: [] "A Little Nun" is a heartfelt poem by Sr. Esther Koros, OSF, an alumna of ASEC’s SLDI Administration Track celebrating the transformative impact of ASEC on women religious.

Sr. Given Chibesakunda, CSJB, Scholarship recipient in Zambia holds newborn twins.

Scholarship 2023 Year in Review

Jan 1, 2024: [Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania] Since 2012, ASEC’s Scholarship Program has enabled over 790 sisters in seven African countries to pursue secondary and higher education, empowering them to serve their communities more effectively.

2023 Service Learning participants at service sites in Ghana.

A Return to Africa

Jan 1, 2024: [Ghana] The ASEC Service Learning Program resumed in 2023, with students from Chestnut Hill College and Marywood University traveling to Ghana for three weeks, where they engaged in volunteer work, cultural immersion, and academic study.

Clockwise from the top left: Sr. Innocentia Ndikum, SOM, at poultry raising project in Cameroon, Sr. Immaculator Rugumila, FDCC, with scout children at Canossa Primary School in Tanzania, Sr. Harriet Baker, IHMR, cares for patient in Uganda.

ASEC's Path to Sustainability

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] ASEC empowers Catholic sisters in Africa to transform marginalized communities through education and leadership, with its Path to Sustainability Initiative securing future support via a matching challenge grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation.

ASEC nurtures multi-layered partnerships that further its mission in accordance with the gospel call to unity and solidarity. Recognizing the shared goal of furthering educational opportunities for women religious in Africa, ASEC works together with partners in the spirit of global sisterhood to support the personal and spiritual growth of sisters in Africa.

Partnerships Rooted in Collaboration

Jan 1, 2024: [Kenya, USA] Collaboration is central to ASEC's mission, exemplified by partnerships with educational institutions and national conferences of religious across ten African countries, all aimed at empowering Catholic sisters through education, as highlighted in the 2023 HESA Partners Conference.

HESA students top: Sr. Maureen Chepkemoi, SMI
Bottom left to right: Sr. Catherine Etyang, SMK and Sr. Irene Wawira Njeru, FMA, serving in Kenyan ministries.

Higher Education for Sisters in Africa 2023 Year in Review

Jan 1, 2024: [Ghana, Kenya, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program empowers Catholic sisters in Africa by providing access to post-secondary education, resulting in over 1,144 graduates across 24 partner institutions in 10 African countries and the U.S.

SLDI participants Top left: Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, with water project participants in Malawi
Top right: Basic Technology Workshop participants in Uganda
Bottom: Sr. Nancy Njari, RA, with students in Kenya

Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) 2023 Year in Review

Jan 1, 2024: [Cameroon, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, USA] The Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) empowers Catholic sisters in 10 African countries by enhancing their leadership, technology, and financial skills, resulting in significant community impact.

CARA-ASEC Visiting Scholar from India tours a tulip field during her stay at ASEC Headquarters in Scranton, PA, USA.

Research for a Brighter Future

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] ASEC’s commitment to research has been the cornerstone of its success, driving program development and shaping the future of education for Catholic sisters in Africa, while its Research Initiative continues to expand knowledge, empower sisters as researchers, and build a central repository of valuable data.

In 2004, ASEC hosted a conference at Marywood University for African sisters in leadership positions to enhance their understanding of technology and to mutually explore avenues for access to education in their countries.

How Far We Have Come!

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] From a bold seed planted 25 years ago, ASEC's mission to educate Catholic sisters in Africa has blossomed into a powerful force for change, transforming communities across the continent.

Collaboration: Where visionary partnerships turn dreams into reality, creating lasting impact across Africa and beyond.

The Path to Prophetic Collaboration

Jan 1, 2024: [USA] ASEC celebrates 25 years of impactful collaboration, driven by the vision and courage of its Founding Mothers, whose pioneering spirit and dedication have transformed lives across Africa and the globe, with every donation this year matched 1.5 times by the Hilton Foundation to continue this legacy of hope and service.

ASEC sisters give a reading of the Holy Bible at an SLDI graduation held in Uganda in October of 2018.

In Her Words: Lenten Reflection

Mar 24, 2023: [none] We are almost halfway through Lent. We have gone through the first three weeks and are almost through the fourth week. This is a good time to pause and check in on how we are progressing with our Lenten resolutions.

ASEC sister Sr. Honorine with pupils during cooking practicals in Cameroon

Going where the need is greatest, exemplifying hard work, and solving social issues: 5 things we can learn from ASEC sisters

Mar 9, 2023: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia] “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:5

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.

Sisters join in prayer during a 2018 HESA workshop in Uganda.

Deciding to Become a Nun: The Process

Jan 10, 2023: [USA] If you have ever wondered about the process of becoming a nun, you are not alone. It turns out it takes a lot of commitment, dedication and time to prepare before taking one's final vows.

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.

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