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.

ALL NEWS general sldi hesa service scholarship icb research reflections success beneficiaries current Sister Stories

Now viewing General News see all news »

Sr. Joan Chisala, CSJB, ASEC’s Programs Coordinator in Zambia, lost her battle with COVID-19 on June 16, 2021.

Sr. Joan Chisala, ASEC Programs Coordinator Zambia & Former Visiting Scholar, Loses Battle With COVID-19

Jun 28, 2021: [Zambia, USA] It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of Sr. Joan Chisala, CSJB, on June 16, 2021.

The Virtual SLDI Partners Workshop took place from June 15-17, 2021, with attendees logging in from the USA and the 10 African countries ASEC serves.

ASEC Holds SLDI Virtual Partners Workshop In Preparation For Phase VI of the Program

Jun 23, 2021: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] A three-day virtual workshop enabled staff and partners to collaboratively prepare for Phase VI of ASEC’s largest program.

Malawian sisters who graduate from ASEC's programs are invited to annual Alumnae and Reflective Learning Workshops. This enables sisters to continue networking and continue their education through presentations and discussions on relevant topics and emerging issues. Pictured: Participants of ASEC Alumnae Workshop in Malawi (February, 2020).

ASEC Forming Effective, Collaborative Agents of Change in Malawi

May 17, 2021: [Malawi] "ASEC programs need to be commended and encouraged," says Rev. Fr. Dr. Alfred Chaima. "We pray that the sponsors continue to invest in these programs."

ASEC Board of Directors attending the 2021 annual meeting on April 29, 2021. Present at the meeting but not pictured are Carroll Juliano and Sr. Florence Hee.

ASEC Holds 2021 Annual Board Meetings Virtually

Apr 30, 2021: [USA] April 28-29: ASEC’s annual Advisory Board and Board of Directors Meetings took place via Zoom.

Charism, Spirituality, Mission and Ministry Webinar Takes Place March 15-17

Apr 26, 2021: [USA] Through collaboration, ASEC and CARA facilitated a 3-day virtual webinar for the representatives of National Conferences/Associations of women religious in ASEC’s 10 countries of operation.

ASEC will participate in Marywood University’s Virtual Research Day on Tuesday, April 20, 2021.

ASEC Participates in Marywood University's Virtual Research Day

Apr 13, 2021: [USA] Marywood's Virtual Research Day provides ASEC the opportunity to increase awareness of our mission among university students, faculty, staff and local community.

Sr. Lucy's arrival to the US was scheduled for August 2020 but has been delayed due to COVID-19. She is currently studying remotely with researchers at CARA to prepare for her fellowship.

7th Visiting Scholar Selected for CARA Research Fellowship

Apr 12, 2021: [Uganda, USA] Sr. Lucy Dora Akello, LSMIG, Uganda, selected for six month research fellowship with The Center for Applied Research in the Apostolate (CARA) Georgetown University.

Through ASEC's HESA program, 37 sisters graduated from ASEC partner institution, Veritas University, on January 30, 2021, in Abuja, Nigeria. Five HESA graduates were recognized at the ceremony, receiving awards for “best in class” in their respective academic departments.

Five HESA Sisters in Nigeria Graduate as Head of Department

Mar 8, 2021: [Nigeria] Five HESA sisters receive Head of Department awards at Veritas University graduation ceremony for their outstanding academic performance.

Sr. Irene holding her Valedictorian award at the CUEA graduation ceremony in November, 2020.

Graduating as 2020 CUEA Valedictorian and Top of Class

Jan 4, 2021: [Kenya] HESA participant Sr. Irene Kwena receives honors as top graduating student and valedictorian of her class at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Kenya.

Thank you to our amazing partners, donors and friends (Donations between 9/1/2019 and 8/31/2020)

Appreciation for ASEC Donors in 2020

Dec 9, 2020: [USA] Thank you to our amazing 2020 supporters! What we do is not possible without you. You are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Clockwise, from top left: Alumnae workshop in Kenya (Feb. 2020). Sr. Victoria Ajio, MSBVM, attending a South Sudan SLDI Finance workshop. Sisters in Cameroon receive laptops during an Administration workshop. Tanzanian sisters receive books at a 2020 Administration workshop.

Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) Program, 2020 Year in Review

Dec 9, 2020: [Cameroon, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Nigeria, SouthSudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, USA] A year in review of the Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) program. Read about milestones, news and experiences from 2020 as SLDI Phase V begins.

In March 2020, sisters participating in ASEC's Scholarship Program in Tanzania gathered for orientation, thanks to our generous donors who sponsor them.

Scholarship Program 2020: A Monumental Year

Dec 9, 2020: [Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia] A year in review of ASEC's Scholarship Program for women religious in Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Ghana and Kenya. Read about the program growth, celebrations and achievements as 2020 comes to an end.