Sr. Ustina Atwebembere, a Medical Mission Sister, shares how ASEC’s training in leadership, project management, and entrepreneurship has transformed her role as an administrator and community leader. Through skills gained in the program, she has secured grants for impactful projects, implemented sustainable initiatives, and empowered other women religious to take on leadership roles.
I am Sr. Ustina Atwebembere, a Medical Mission Sister, and I am immensely grateful for the knowledge I gained during the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) program. Through this initiative, I acquired vital skills in computer usage, leadership, project proposal writing, project management, entrepreneurship, and resource mobilization. These skills have significantly enhanced my role as the Administrator of Rubanda Primary Health Care HC III and as a leader in the Medical Mission Sisters (MMS) Community. I strive to share this knowledge with other sisters, hoping they will also participate in the program in the future.
The training has transformed my administrative capabilities, allowing me to create a better working environment for my colleagues. I can now produce high-quality reports and project proposals on time, manage resources responsibly, and effectively communicate with team members. Before joining the ASEC program, I struggled with communication and proposal writing. However, the training enhanced my abilities, enabling me to secure grants for various projects, including a ‘Youth Empowerment Project’ that received $4,000 for sewing machines and additional funding for hospital beds and medicines.
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The ASEC program empowered me to delegate tasks effectively, which has eased my workload and helped me meet reporting deadlines. The entrepreneurship skills I acquired led to the establishment of small projects like a mixed fruit garden, rabbit farming, and a pumpkin garden, all aimed at enhancing sustainability and reducing food expenses. Despite challenges such as limited rabbit feed during dry seasons and unpredictable weather, the program has empowered many women in Africa, fostering capable leaders and administrators.
My experience in ASEC has reshaped my view on the vital role women play in education and leadership in Africa. I recognize the immense potential women have in driving educational and social change, and I firmly believe that empowering them with knowledge and skills is essential for community development.
Networking with alumni and mentors has provided a supportive community, offering invaluable advice and collaboration opportunities. Looking ahead, I envision the ASEC program expanding its offerings and that alumni will play a crucial role in mentoring and advocating for sustainability, ensuring its benefits reach even broader audiences.
mpower Women Religious to Lead and Transform Communities
The ASEC program provides Sisters like Sr. Ustina with the skills and knowledge to create sustainable change in their communities. With your support, ASEC can continue to offer transformative education that fosters leadership, entrepreneurship, and resource management. These Sisters are not only leaders in their congregations but also vital agents of change in healthcare, education, and social development.
This article is addressing the following UN Sustainable Development Goal(s):
