African Sisters Education Collaborative
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.
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.
Sr. Maria N. Isaya, a religious woman of the Institute of the Little Sisters of St. Francis in Tanzania, started her journey with ASEC in 2016 through the Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA). Since then she has brought transformation to her community by using her skills to provide education to those in poverty, improving their overall quality of life.
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.
Sr. Grace became the first woman religious elected as Faculty Student President at CUCG in 2021 and since then she has been using her ASEC education to better her congregation.
Taking care of kids takes a village – something ASEC Sisters understand well. It is not just tucking them in at night and making sure they are accounted for during the day, it is also making sure their future is taken care of as well.
“In 2010-2019 average annual global greenhouse gas emissions were at their highest levels in human history, but the rate of growth has slowed.” – IPCC Report on climate change.
Education can open opportunities for positive change, but before that, it opens your eyes to the things that need to be changed.
“The work you do on a daily basis is strengthening the capacity of the sisters you serve.” – Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Ph.D.
Each ASEC Sister brings a unique purpose to their communities
as a result of their education and leadership training, empowering them to fight for social justice as exemplified in these eight projects.
Sr. Mary Persico, IHM, Ed.D., President, Marywood University; ASEC Board of Directors Founding Member, reflects on her 2019 trip to Kenya, Africa, humbled and grateful for her experience of reverence.
Catholic sisters in Africa see how using their education to help just one person can have an exponential positive effect on their communities.
