Recent News & Reflections
- Building Bridges – Strengthening Communities: A Night of Storytelling with ASEC
- The Impact of SLDI’s Basic Technology Workshops
- Hope for Uganda’s Elderly & Injured
Empowering Sisters to Lead
The Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) program, the largest program run by ASEC, has a clear and simple purpose: to provide leadership and technology training to Catholic sisters in Africa.
SLDI Program Structure
Above: Sisters improve their record keeping and reporting with ASEC-SLDI workshops, where they learn to use Microsoft Excel. One sister says, “It is my first time time to sit in a class and learn something which I can apply straight. We are on fire. We are thinking of how to go back and start it!”
Technology & Leadership Workshops
In the SLDI program, sisters complete workshops in technology and leadership over a three-year period:
- Year One: A month-long technology workshop in the Basic Technology or Web Design track
- Year Two: A month-long leadership workshop in either the Administration or Finance track
- Year Three: A month-long leadership workshop in either the Administration or Finance track
Field Trips
Field trips began in 2015 to provide a “hands on” learning experience for sisters. Participants visit an array of model projects and sites, such as:
- Sustainable farms, like Ukweli Home of Hope biogas plant in Kenya and Tenti Green Farm in Nigeria
- Government institutes, like the National Institute of Political and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Nigeria
- Community hospitals, like the Cottolengo Centre for orphaned HIV positive children
- Schools, like Bigwa Sisters’ Seminary School in Tanzania
Some field trips visited projects led by SLDI alumnae. Sisters, instructors, and coordinators all reported high levels of satisfaction with this new addition to the program.
Becoming Alumnae
Upon graduation from the program, sisters receive a laptop to assist them in continuing their work at home. Alumnae are expected to mentor at least 3 other sisters and are encouraged to invite their mentees to attend the annual alumnae workshops.
Equipped with a strong foundation of skills, many our SLDI alumnae go on to pursue a college diploma or Bachelor’s degree, some through our HESA program.
ASEC alumnae report mentoring 70,100+ individuals, serving over 9.5M+ people. By implementing projects with their new skills, ASEC alumnae report creating an estimated 6,400+ jobs.
Alumnae Workshops
SLDI Alumnae and their mentees engage in continuing education and networking through SLDI’s annual alumnae workshops. In these three-day workshops, sisters can:
- learn more about a specific topic or skill area
- share successes and challenges they experience in their work
- discuss emerging issues
- broaden their skills
- network with other alumnae and their mentees.
Institutional Capacity Building (ICB)
Housed under ASEC’s SLDI program, ICB supports the internal strength and the external service of National Conferences/Associations and congregations in Africa as they strive to positively impact human development. In the ICB program, ASEC recognizes the existing capacity of Institutions of Women Religious and collaborates to strengthen systems and improve the vitality and vibrancy of women religious in Africa (Since 2019). Learn more
SLDI Outcomes*
Since the program’s inception in 2007:
- SLDI has served more than 4,400 sisters through technology and leadership development workshops.
- ASEC alumnae (SLDI & HESA) have raised over $88.6M+ in grants for their communities.
- SLDI mentees have raised $353,000+ in funding for human development projects.
- The top 3 ministries of SLDI participants are teacher, administrator and bursar.
- 52% of sisters’ projects impact more than one UN Sustainable Development Goal.
For more detailed information about our outcomes, please see our evaluation reports and presentations.
SLDI Evaluation Reports
- SLDI Phase VI, Year 3 (2025).PDF
- SLDI Phase VI, Year 2 (2024).PDF
- SLDI Phase VI, Year 1 (2023).PDF
- SLDI Phase V, Year 3 (2022).PDF
- SLDI Phase V, Year 2 (2020).PDF
- SLDI Phase V, Year 1 (2019).PDF
- SLDI Phase IV Key Outcomes (April, 2019).PDF
- SLDI Phase IV, Year 3 (2018).PDF
- SLDI Phase IV, Year 2 (2017).PDF
- SLDI Phase IV, Year 1 (2016).PDF
- SLDI Phase III (2013-2015).PDF
- SLDI Phase II (2010-2013).PDF
- SLDI Phase I (2007-2009).PDF
Success Stories from SLDI
The Impact of SLDI’s Basic Technology Workshops
Sr. Lucia Ngaba, OP, shares how ASEC’s SLDI Basic Technology Workshop transformed her ability to serve her community through improved communication, organization, and creative contributions that strengthen her congregation’s mission.
Hope for Uganda’s Elderly & Injured
After a life-altering injury, Augustine Kitonsa found healing, purpose, and hope at a center run by Sr. Regina Nakyeyune, GSS, an SLDI alumna using her training to support over 60 vulnerable individuals in Uganda.
Inspiring Women Leaders in Uganda
A pioneer graduate of ASEC’s SLDI program, Sr. Theresa Nambaziira, DM, uses her leadership training to mentor others, empower communities across Uganda, and even inspire a Member of Parliament.
Empowering Communities to Move Out of Dependency in Malawi
In Malawi, Sr. Stivelia Macloud, SBVM, used the knowledge she gained through ASEC’s Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) to launch an agricultural project that empowers vulnerable community members to break the cycle of poverty through farming.
Reducing Maternal Mortality in Malawi
When a mother in Malawi faced a life-threatening childbirth complication, Sr. Maureen Chalamanda, SOL—a three-time ASEC alumna—used her education to save both mother and baby, proving how vital trained sisters are to community healthcare.
ASEC’s 25 Years of Impactful Service
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.
Banyatereza Coffee: Brewing Change Through Sustainable Agriculture
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.
ASEC Transformed my Administration Skills
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.
A Heartfelt Thank You to ASEC
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.