Capital
Juba
Population
≈12.1 million
Total Served
1051
Alum Funds Raised
≈$417,000
Pictured Above: Lake Kazana and scenic beauty of Maridi area, South Sudan.
1Total participants served; some Sisters may have been served by more than 1 program.
22018 Statistical Yearbook of the Church, Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Recent News & Reflections
- Rejoice, Rebirth, Renewal: Reflective Learning in Action
- Advancing ASEC’s Mission
- Celebrating 25 Years of Impact: ASEC’s Silver Jubilee Across Two Continents
View All Articles From South Sudan
Complete Country Report
Download the South Sudan Country Report (PDF) for statistics about students and alumnae of ASEC's programs.
The Republic of South Sudan, located in East Central Africa is the world’s youngest nation. The country gained independence on July 9th, 2011, in which the citizens overwhelmingly voted for total autonomy from Sudan.
Education opportunities and employment are extremely limited in South Sudan, especially for women.
There’s been a 37% increase in the number of women religious in South Sudan from 2012 to 2021.
ASEC works with congregations registered with the Religious Superiors Association of South Sudan (RSASS).
Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) in South Sudan
SLDI has been working in South Sudan since 2013.
ASEC has served 97 Catholic sisters from South Sudan through the SLDI program.
An SLDI training facility was established in 2016. Before that, sisters from South Sudan attended workshop sessions in Uganda and Kenya.
Political instability and conflict presents challenges in planning and delivering workshops in South Sudan. Travel within the country can be difficult and the safety of the sisters attending workshops is a concern. ASEC acknowledges the need for SLDI in South Sudan and will continue to serve the country despite challenges. In December 2016, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, outgoing ASEC Executive Director and Sr. Lina Wanjiku, ASEC East Africa Regional Director visited ASEC’s country office, SLDI workshop site and the Catholic University of South Sudan. Past Executive Director, Sr. Jane Wakahiu wrote an article for Global Sisters Report, describing her experience visiting South Sudan and reaffirming the need to support the sisters and individuals who are among the most vulnerable
SLDI Partners of South Sudan
- JY Auditors & Management Consultants (Hamza Inn Compound, Juba Main Market- South Sudan, South Sudan)
- Religious Superiors Association of South Sudan (RSASS) (Juba, South Sudan)
Higher Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) in South Sudan
HESA has been working in South Sudan since 2013.
ASEC is supporting 83 Catholic sisters in South Sudan to study for degrees and diplomas through the HESA program.
HESA Partners of South Sudan
- Catholic University of South Sudan (South Sudan)
- Religious Superiors Association of South Sudan (RSASS) (Juba, South Sudan)
- The Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA) (Nairobi, Tanzania)
3HESA total served is reported by the country of the institution where the sister is studying. Some sisters travel to a different country to attend specialized programs of study.
Success Stories from South Sudan
How can we measure the impact of education?
We measure the impact of education through qualitative data by interviewing ASEC sisters, both those current students and alumnae. Through learning their stories, we can connect the dots between education and transformation, both within the sisters and their communities.
Protecting the Planet: How ASEC Sisters have honored Mother Earth
“In 2010-2019 average annual global greenhouse gas emissions were at their highest levels in human history, but the rate of growth has slowed.” – IPCC Report on climate change.
Educating the Educated: First ASEC Sister to Obtain Ph.D. Improves Schools in South Sudan
We know that education has the power to transform and change lives, but we seldom consider those who use research and study to improve education. This incredibly unique role is valuable to the spreading of knowledge and skills throughout Africa.
Ripple Effects: Sisters Serving Individuals in Need
Catholic sisters in Africa see how using their education to help just one person can have an exponential positive effect on their communities.
One Sister’s Solutions to a War Torn South Sudan
Sr. Faida noticed how difficult it was for her neighbors to obtain healthy food during lockdown. So, she and the sisters taught them how to plant vegetables using sacks and broken buckets on their veranda.
Catholic Nuns Improve Food Security in Africa
In Africa, severe food insecurity and undernourishment is on the rise. But, educated Nuns are changing that reality for the communities they serve.
Teachers in Africa Battle Educational Poverty
Across Africa, Catholic Sisters battle educational poverty and so much more as they mold the minds of the future generation.
Rebirth; Sisters Renew Hope in Africa for the Poor and Marginalized
ASEC educates religious women who are renewing hope in Africa for poor and marginalized communities. Catholic Sisters provide hope in Africa many people living who are afraid to begin life anew due to disease, poverty and lack of resources.
Sisters Build Hope by Improving Infrastructure in Africa
Catholic Sisters are using their education to build infrastructure in Africa as they work towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9 (SDG 9): Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.
Financing the Future Generation
Find out how Sr. Agnes Manzede Freda is using her ASEC sponsored education to help support a children’s program in Uganda.
The Challenges of Consent & Respect for All Human Life
Sr. Olivia’s faith in God, internal strength and education all play important roles in protecting and defending the lives of unborn children carried by young rape victims in a South Sudan health clinic.
The Sister Going Above & Beyond to Provide Health Services in South Sudan
Sr. Florence uses her nursing skills to care for her patients and her SLDI Finance training helps her to manage the clinic. Every single day she goes above and beyond to bring quality healthcare to the sick who need her.
When the Teacher Becomes the Student: Serving a Desperately Understaffed School
When Sr. Lucy arrived at the school she was eager to help mold young minds, but she never imagined that, in the end, it was her mind that would be molded.
For questions regarding South Sudan, please contact:
