Renewal of Hilton Grant for SLDI Phase II

ASEC received a second grant from the Conrad C. Hilton Foundation in 2010 to continue with the SLDI program. The program was expanded to include Zambia, expanding SLDI’s reach to six total countries.

Capacity-building of African Sisters and the development of leadership competencies for effective ministry are at the heart of the mission of ASEC and the needs of African Sisters. Our new grant running from 2010 through 2013 is based on the outcomes and experiences of Marywood University and ASEC in designing, implementing and evaluating the SLDI pilot project from 2007 to 2010. This project will provide technological and/or leadership skills to 400 African Sisters in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. In addition, it will facilitate the ability of the participants to mentor at least three other colleagues in order to expand the program’s capacity to reach a larger population.

The primary components of the project are the following:

• Technology Training in Year 1
  The participants in the current project demonstrated a diverse range of technological expertise which created some challenges. In response, eight workshops accommodating a total of 110 sisters will be conducted in the six countries in Year 1. Six of the workshops will provide a basic introduction to computers for those at entry level. Two of the workshops will focus on Web design to accommodate those who need to learn more advanced applications. This series of technology workshops will enable potential SLDI participants to develop the skills needed to enhance their participation in the leadership training curriculum.

• Leadership Development Training Year 2 and Year 3
  This course will focus on leadership development scheduled in an eight-week program over two years and will be held in the countries of Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia. The proposed model was developed to maximize participation and retention. The current faculty has developed criteria for admission to the program. Participants will be selected through an application process that will include: basic skills in technology; ability to be present for both sessions; commitment to the time and work involved; and opportunity through employment to use the material taught. Each country will select the number of participants based on the capacity of the facility housing the program. In general, enrollment will be on average 25 participants.