ASEC focuses on empowering African religious women in their home countries. Sisters are strategically places to be key players and problem solvers in the areas of Africa that need the most help. These sisters work tirelessly with zeal and unwavering commitment to improve the conditions of millions of people within their communities, especially in rural and poor villages in sub-Saharan Africa. ASEC alumna Sr. Eulalia, who works at the Mother Earth Centre in rural Zambia, is no exception.
Mother Earth is a Comboni Missionary Sisters (CMS) Centre in Mongu, Zambia that promotes:
- sustainable agriculture
- the enhancement of rural livelihoods
- food security and nutrition for farmers and their families
- mitigation of climate change impacts in the western province of Zambia
- care of the environment
- spirituality, formation, pastoral and social outreach
Cultivation and processing of Moringa powder at Mother Earth Centre in Mongu, Zambia.
One of the objectives at Mother Earth is the cultivation and processing of Moringa, a plant known worldwide for its nutritional and medicinal benefits and industrial uses. The leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. At Mother Earth, Moringa is produced organically by CMS and a group of Moringa farmers.
Over 6,000 trees have been planted and 100 moringa farmers are undergoing training for organic farming.
The Mother Earth Centre reaches out to women in the rural areas (800 women per year) to promote improved nutrition and has created 4 jobs.
Renewable energy such as windmills, solar power, biogas and earth bags are used to sustain the project.
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Moringa Farmers at Mother Earth Centre in Mongu, Zambia
Updates (September, 2017)
The following updates have been provided by Sr. Raquel Hernandez Gonzalez, Manager of Moringa and Care of the Earth for the Mother Earth Centre
Students visit Mother Earth Centre
Students of the University of Monterry, Mexico visited Mother Earth to learn about the process and benefits of Moringa.
During the past months, a group of students of the University of Monterry, Mexico visited Mother Earth. The students enjoyed their visit, saying that they felt in touch with the Earth in the peaceful atmosphere. The students were amazed of the benefits of Moringa, and had the opportunity to help with the process of washing Moringa leaves.
Construction of Factory and Staff House
CMS has also been working on the construction of an eco-friendly factory and staff house to establish a farmer's processing and marketing center.
Construction of Mother Earth Centre in Mongu, Zambia: Factory and Staff House
Sr. Raquel concluded her update with the following quote:
"Even though Mother Earth started in 2011, it is still a dream to be achieved. We continue doing our small contribution to the environment every day. Also, we have open hands and arms to those ones who like us do not want to remain indifferent towards the disfigurement and destruction of creation."
Using the skills she's learned through ASEC's SLDI program, Sr. Eulalia has secured a total of $261,109 for the Mother Earth Centre via partnerships, grants, and fundraising.
