The Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) program facilitates access to post-secondary education for Catholic sisters in Africa. More than 2,096 sisters have participated in HESA since 2012, representing 274 unique congregations. Through HESA, sisters are studying for college diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, and master’s degrees at ASEC’s 24 partner higher education institutions in 10 African countries and online in the U.S.
HESA emerged in 2012 to address the call for access to degree-bearing educational programs for sisters in Africa, which was supported by SLDI program evaluation and conversations with partners in Africa. In 2012, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation provided a pilot grant through SLDI for ASEC to support a first cohort of 18 SLDI alumnae to study education online for one year at Marywood University.
Building on the success of the pilot, the Hilton Foundation provided the first HESA grant to ASEC in 2013. HESA Phase I provided funding for nearly 300 student sisters to study for undergraduate degrees through partnerships with colleges and universities in Africa and the U.S. This included the first cohort of 18 sisters, who transferred to complete their degrees at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) in Kenya, forming ASEC’s first higher education partnership in Africa. Since 2012, the HESA program has expanded to include options for online-onsite hybrid and onsite programs with 24 higher education partners in Africa and the U.S., options for master’s degrees, and opportunities for continued learning through Alumnae Workshops.
The design of HESA recognizes that Catholic sisters are adult learners with unique educational needs. Sisters typically join HESA from ministry work and having been out of school for many years. To facilitate networks and support structures, HESA students participate in cohorts of sisters at partner higher education institutions and receive technological and academic support to ensure their success as students, scholars, and women religious including Orientation and annual Reflective Learning Workshops
After ten years of implementation, findings from evaluation data and alumnae success stories demonstrate that HESA positions Catholic sisters as leaders of vital ministries, congregations, and communities who address sustainable development in Africa.
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HESA enrollments in 2023.
Enrollments
As of July 1, 2023, approximately 1,010 sisters were actively enrolled in HESA at partner higher education institutions in 10 countries in Africa. In the 2022-2023 grant year, HESA welcomed approximately 351 new students who participated in Orientation in preparation for their studies and formed cohort networks at partner institutions.
In Phases I-III, the majority of HESA sisters studied for bachelor's degrees. Master's degrees were added as a study option in Phase II.
Sisters participating in the HESA program are highly motivated and academically successful. Sister students actively engaged in student life, provide spiritual enrichment through campus ministries, and average a B grade point average, with 77% receiving a B average or higher. In addition, the program maintains a comprehensive 96% retention rate.
2023 Reflective Learning Workshops, clockwise from the bottom: Sr. Esther Okorie, MSDP, & Sr. Bernardine Sembe, ICM, in Cameroon, students in Uganda, and students in Zambia
Graduations
More than 1,144 sisters have graduated from HESA with undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. During the 2022-2023 year, 286 sisters graduated from HESA. More than 125 graduates in 22-23 reported receiving honors and other special awards. Notable recognitions include:
- Sr. Paschazia Kokwenda Damianus, STG, graduated from Saint Augustine University (SAUT), Tanzania, in December 2022. She was awarded Best Student in the School of Education and received a scholarship to continue her studies at DHBW-Heidenheim in Germany.
- Sr. Gifty Saah, SVI, graduated from Catholic University of Ghana (CUG) in October 2022 with a Bachelor of Education as the Overall Best Graduating Student. She also received recognition as Best Graduating Student in Education Faculty, Best Graduating Female Student, and Financial Secretary for Pax Romana.
- Sr. Mary Eke Okoro, SJGS, graduated from CUG in October 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in General Nursing as the Overall Best Graduating Student in School of Nursing and Midwifery.
- Sr. Christabel Chileshe Chibwe, SOM, graduated from Monze School of Nursing, Zambia, in November 2022, with a Diploma in Midwifery and Nursing as the Best Graduating Student in Neonatology.
Partnerships
ASEC continues to maintain 24 partnership agreements with higher education partners in the U.S. and Africa to deliver HESA. Since July 1, 2022, HESA renewed agreements with:
- Jordan University College (Tanzania)
- Catholic University of South Sudan
- Saint Augustine University (Tanzania)
- University of Kisubi (Uganda)
- Rosemont College and University of Kisubi
- Catholic University of Ghana
In February 2023, ASEC also signed a new partnership agreement with DMI-St. Eugene University to expand the implementation of the HESA program in Zambia.
