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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Sr. Archille Tchinwa, a Sister of Saint Ann (SSA), currently serves as a school teacher and vocation animator for her congregation. She is also a pioneer participant in ASEC’s first French speaking SLDI Finance cohort (2022-2024) in Cameroon. This new offering expands the reach of the SLDI program to the nearly 46% of sisters in Cameroon that are French speaking only, a previously underserved population of sisters in need of the vital skills and knowledge provided by SLDI. Although French-speaking by origin, Sr. Archille enthusiastically offered her perspectives on the pilot French SLDI workshop below.

Crossing the Language Divide: SLDI’s Pilot French Cohort in Cameroon

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] Sr. Archille Tchinwa’s participation in ASEC’s SLDI Finance cohort has transformed her work as a school teacher and vocation animator in Cameroon. Armed with new skills in technology, time management, and social entrepreneurship, Sr. Archille is empowering her community, congregation, and students by applying her knowledge to enhance education and advocate for displaced girls.

Sr. Vera Bi Kiekiseeh Otia, an alum of SLDI and HESA, leads St. Pius X Comprehensive and Technical College (SPICOTEC) in Bota-Limbe, Cameroon, empowers 250 students annually with the skills to become self-employed and create opportunities in their community.

ASEC Alumnae Making Positive Change

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] ASEC’s annual Alumnae Workshops offer professional development and networking for graduates of the SLDI and HESA programs. These workshops help alumnae like Sr. Vera, Sr. Gertrude, and Sr. Catherine make impactful contributions to their communities, whether in education, healthcare, or vocational training, fostering growth and empowerment across Africa.

Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) 2024 Year in Review

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program provides Catholic sisters with access to higher education, enabling them to lead transformative ministries across Africa. With over 2,196 sisters enrolled in programs since 2012, HESA empowers women religious to take on leadership roles in education, healthcare, and community development.

SLDI field trip participants in Tanzania

Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) 2024 Year in Review

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] The Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) has empowered over 4,400 African sisters since 2007, enhancing their leadership skills in administration, finance, and technology, and fostering social entrepreneurship, with graduates making significant impacts in their communities.

SLDI alum, Sr. Monica Kawira Mutegi, SCC, serves as Headmistress at the Holy Cross Nursery and Primary School in Morogoro, Tanzania.

Creating Impact: ASEC Alumnae Impact on Beneficiaries

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] ASEC’s Catholic Sisters Beneficiary Survey reveals the profound impact ASEC alumnae have on their communities, with 97% of beneficiaries reporting an improved quality of life, showcasing the transformative power of educated women religious in Africa.

Building Bridges Through Technological Innovation and Research

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] ASEC’s innovative database, developed with the help of WorX Solutions Management, tracks the impact of its programs and fosters research on Catholic sisters in Africa, improving data integrity, program quality, and partnership opportunities across the continent.

Sr. Esther Wairimu Mwangi, LSOSF, HESA alum, serves at St. Francis Hospital in Kenya.

The Contagion of Selfless Leadership

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] ASEC’s 25th anniversary celebrates the transformative leadership of African women religious, like Sr. Esther Wairimu Mwangi, whose education empowers them to lead impactful healthcare, education, and social services, sparking hope and change across sub-Saharan Africa.

Celebrating 25 Years of Hope: ASEC's Silver Jubilee Milestone

Nov 25, 2024: [USA] The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2024, honoring its Founding Mothers and their enduring vision to empower Catholic sisters in Africa, impacting over 10,500 women religious and millions of lives across the continent.

Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, smiles alongside students as she spreads awareness about early breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Change Through Sr. Grace’s Mission

Oct 31, 2024: [Nigeria] Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ is transforming health awareness in African communities through her dedicated advocacy for breast cancer education.

ASEC Board Chair Sister Barbara Spears, SNJM and Sister Nancy Kamau, LSOSF stand outside the entrance to the Apostolic Nunciature, awaiting guests’ arrival to ASEC’s 25 Jubilee Dinner in Washington D.C.

ASEC Celebrates 25 Years of Transformative Impact: Jubilee Dinner Marks a Milestone for Education and Empowerment in Africa

Oct 16, 2024: [USA] On October 3, 2024, the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) hosted its 25th Jubilee Dinner in Washington, D.C., celebrating its legacy of empowering Catholic sisters through education to address local and global challenges, allowing them to become leaders across Africa.

ASEC’s 25 Years of Impactful Service

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] As we celebrate 25 years of ASEC’s transformative work, we honor the women religious who have spearheaded a movement to enhance educational access for women in Africa. Since its official inauguration in 1999, ASEC has expanded to 10 countries and empowered women religious through programs like SLDI, HESA, the Scholarship Program, Service Learning, and the Research Initiative. These initiatives have equipped countless Sisters with leadership and professional skills to address challenges in their communities effectively.

Banyateraza enjoy using their newly donated coffee hauler.

Banyatereza Coffee: Brewing Change Through Sustainable Agriculture

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] In Uganda, the Banyatereza Sisters are leading the way in sustainable agriculture through their Banyatereza Coffee initiative. With support from ASEC/SLDI and partnerships with the Uganda Coffee Development Authority, the Sisters are transforming 34 acres of land into a thriving coffee plantation. This innovative project not only generates income for the Institute but also fosters community collaboration, land conservation, and pastoral outreach.

Rubanda Primary Health Centre III Receives a donation of Health
Equipment in May 2024.

ASEC Transformed my Administration Skills

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] Sr. Ustina Atwebembere, a Medical Mission Sister, shares how ASEC’s training in leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship has transformed her role as an administrator and community leader. Through skills gained in the program, she has secured grants for impactful projects, implemented sustainable initiatives, and empowered other women religious to take on leadership roles.

Alumni learning how to mix liquid soap at one of their workshops in 2016 at National Seminary Ggaba.

A Heartfelt Thank You to ASEC

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] Sr. Namusisi Teddy DM shares how ASEC’s scholarships and mentorship programs have transformed her life, enabling her to pursue higher education and equip herself with the skills to make a meaningful impact in the education sector.

Sr. Mary Florence Anaso (right) and Sr Anne Christine Auma (left) at their farm in Kidetok

An encounter that changed my life

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] Sister Mary Florence Anaso, LSOSF reflects on her transformative journey with ASEC, celebrating 25 years of empowering women religious in Uganda. Through lessons in servant leadership, entrepreneurship, and agriculture, she has become a community leader dedicated to mentoring others and promoting sustainable development.

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