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. Draru with street boys at Kwetu Home of Peace, a rehab
center in Nairobi, Kenya where ASEC alumnae serve (Oct., 2018).

Time Conceals, Reveals: Executive Director reflects on her first year

Dec 24, 2018: [Kenya, Tanzania, USA] ASEC Executive Director Sr. Draru Mary Cecilia, LSMIG, Ph.D. reflects on her first year in the U.S. and the role of faith, time and collaboration in healing our global community.

The CNDK sisters holding garments from their clothing and fabric manufacturing business in Huruma Rombo, Tanzania.

CDNK sisters use talents and skills to build a sustainable congregation

Oct 29, 2018: [Tanzania] The CDNK sisters are living proof that through quality education and a willing spirit for hard work, African sisters can sustain their congregations, serve their communities and bring about positive attitudes in the fight against poverty.

Volunteering in Tanzania through ASEC's Service Learning program changed her life.

Volunteering in Tanzania Changed My Life

Oct 17, 2018: [Tanzania, USA] Marywood University alumna Emily Schweiger reflects on volunteering in Tanzania through ASEC's Service Learning Program and its effects on her life.

Members of a farmer support group pose with Sr. Teresa for a photo. She spearheaded a project to train nearly 50 farmers in new farming technology to help reduce food shortages in Gwaza Village in Dedza, Malawi. Of course, Sr. Teresa sent this photo along to funder of this project so they could see the impact their donation has made. This is key to donor retention.

Donor retention strategies to win donor confidence

Sep 18, 2018: [Malawi] Sr. Teresa shares how she won the confidence of her donors and how donor retention plays an important role in receiving funding for multiple projects that can benefit the community.

Since 2002, the Sisters of St. Therese have been providing victim-offender prison care support alongside other employees and volunteers. The sisters work tirelessly to ensure the respect of the rights of inmates and a smooth reintegration into society. The sisters use a holistic approach to prison pastoral care. Here, they pose with inmates and their children at a Christmas party they organized.

Sisters Fighting Corruption and Injustice in Africa

Sep 17, 2018: [Cameroon, Kenya] SLDI and HESA alumnae are using their education to stop corruption and injustice in Africa by promoting peace, justice and strong institutions.

142 students of Ntcheu Roman Catholic Primary School, Malawi, are planting trees in Africa.

Primary school students planting trees in Africa

Aug 28, 2018: [Malawi] Sr. Bertha teaches nearly 150 primary school students in Ntcheu, Malawi how to plant and care for trees and protect our precious environment.

The Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) through the lens of ASEC programs.

Faith and Development: A Celebration of ARU at 50

Aug 14, 2018: [Uganda] ASEC Executive Director reflects on our partnership with the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU) in celebration of ARU's golden jubilee.

SLDI participant Sr. Vera Ndifoin prepares to give a motivational speech to 100 women and children.

Participants of SLDI Workshops Discuss Their Achievements

Jul 26, 2018: [Cameroon, Lesotho, Malawi, Zambia] Several participants of SLDI workshops are using their education to help their congregations and communities.

Improving women's education in Nigeria

Jul 11, 2018: [Nigeria] As Nigeria struggles to educate and keep girls in schools, religious sisters have taken matters into their own hands, working to improve access to education in Nigeria.

SLDI alumna, Sr. Immaculate, obtained funding for a library and science laboratory as well as learning materials to fill both of them.

Saving the World Through Quality Education (SDG 4)

Jun 14, 2018: [Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda] Sisters across Africa recognize that there is no better way to use their education than to share it, and that is exactly what they are doing.

To ensure health and wellness for all, we all have to take action. That's why so many of ASEC alumnae projects focus on SDG 3: Good health and well-being.

Saving the World Through Health and Wellness (SDG3)

May 31, 2018: [Cameroon, Nigeria] While saving the world may seem like an impossible feat to some people, religious sisters across Africa are taking on projects that promote good health and wellness. Through SLDI alumnae projects, approximately $4.6 million in contributions have been made to sustainable development goal 3, which promotes health and wellness.