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.

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Sr. Lydiah Shirotsi, SMK, serving the homeless in Nairobi, Kenya.

Investigating the Impact of the HESA Program

4 days ago: [Zambia] Sr. Judith Zulu, RGS, received a national award in Zambia recognizing her outstanding service as a healthcare provider, made possible through her ASEC-supported education in Clinical Medicine.

Sr. Agnes Kachali, SHR, Geography Teacher at Kaseye Girls Secondary School, Malawi.

Predicting Future Deforestation Levels in Malawi

4 days ago: [Malawi] Through her research on deforestation and her work as a teacher, Sr. Agnes Kachali is educating communities in Malawi to protect the environment and inspiring young people to take action for a sustainable future.

"Women Belong in All Places Where Decisions Are Being Made”: Catholic Sister Lawyers

2 weeks ago: [Tanzania] Through ASEC’s education programs, Catholic sisters in Tanzania are breaking barriers in the legal field as they teach, practice law, and advocate for justice and gender equality in their communities.

ASEC Staff from Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya were in attendance at the CERRA-Africa Global Research Network Symposium in Nairobi.

HESA Alumnae Inspire at CERRA-Africa’s Research Network Symposium

3 weeks ago: [Cameroon, Kenya, Zambia, USA] At the CERRA-Africa Global Research Network Symposium in Nairobi, Kenya, HESA alumnae and ASEC staff presented impactful research, highlighting the vital yet often-overlooked contributions of Catholic sisters to sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

Realizing the Dream: Empowering Women in Uganda

last month: [Uganda] After surviving heartbreaking loss and poverty, Angelina Akoth’s life was transformed through a business training program led by Sr. Veronica Biribawa, MCESM, an ASEC HESA alumna, using her education to uplift women in Uganda.

Sr. Gertrude supervises during a medical camp.

Training Future Nurses in Kenya

last month: [Kenya] As a nurse educator and national examiner in Kenya, Sr. Gertrude Muhatia, SMK, uses her ASEC-sponsored education to mentor students with compassion and professionalism—empowering the next generation of healthcare workers.

Overcoming Unemployment in Kenya

2 months ago: [Kenya] In Kenya, Sr. Georgette Sawadogo, DDS, is using her ASEC-sponsored education to fight youth unemployment by creating jobs and empowering young people, especially young mothers, through vocational training and social entrepreneurship.

Sr. Maureen J. Chalamanda, SOL, providing treatment in her rural outreach program.

Reducing Maternal Mortality in Malawi

3 months ago: [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.

Sr. Agnes Mmanga, SOL, at Stella Maris Girls Secondary School.

Bridging the Gap to Higher Education in Malawi

3 months ago: [Malawi] In Malawi, Sr. Agnes Mmanga, SOL—a three-time ASEC alumna—used her second chance at education to become a special needs teacher, now helping girls overcome the same academic barriers she once faced.

Grateful Hearts: A Gift of Learning for African Sisters

8 months ago: [Kenya] Through her heartfelt poem, Sr. Anastacia Oyieko, FSHJ, expresses deep gratitude for the transformative impact of ASEC. With every opportunity given, Sisters are igniting hope, building bridges, and creating lasting impact—empowered to serve, uplift, and heal communities across Africa.

Sister Margaret Wanda in her role as a superior graciously receives the vows of a junior sister

ASEC my Enabler: From learner to leader

8 months ago: [Kenya] With the support of ASEC, HESA alumna Sr. Margaret Wanda, DOJGS, became a trained nurse and leader, serving as Superior General of her congregation and a board member of CASA-K, where she integrates healthcare and compassionate leadership to uplift both her congregation and the elderly Sisters in her care.

Graduating in ASEC's Silver Jubilee Year: A Journey of Empowerment

8 months ago: [Kenya] With the support of ASEC’s HESA program, Sr. Caroline Wambui Gachoki, SMI, earned her Master’s Degree in Administration and Planning in Education—gaining the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills to make a lasting impact in her community.

Sr. Jackline Mwikali Mwongela, IBVM, leading the Talitha Kum Youth Ambassadors Training of Trainers Workshop in Dodoma, Tanzania.

Little Girl, I Say to You, Rise Up; Igniting Hope for Human Trafficking Survivors

9 months ago: [Kenya, Uganda, USA] Sr. Jackline Mwikali Mwongela, an alum of ASEC’s HESA program and Project Manager at Religious Against Human Trafficking (RAHT) in Kenya, has been empowering women and children to rise above human trafficking through prevention, protection, and partnerships, while offering hope to survivors through education and holistic support.

Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, smiles alongside students as she spreads awareness about early breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Change Through Sr. Grace’s Mission

10 months ago: [Nigeria] Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ is transforming health awareness in African communities through her dedicated advocacy for breast cancer education.

Sr. Vera Bi Kiekiseeh Otia, HHCJ engages with students in a classroom

Technical & Vocational Training in Cameroon

more than a year ago.: [Cameroon] Sr. Vera Bi Kiekiseeh Otia, HHCJ, principal of SPICOTEC in Cameroon, leverages her ASEC education to expand access to technical and vocational training, empowering youth to become entrepreneurs and job creators.

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