By Benedict Mukoni…………..
The African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) marked a significant milestone on September 28 2024, celebrating 25 years of unwavering dedication to educating and empowering Catholic sisters across Africa at St. Peter’s Catholic parish, Nsambya in Kampala, Uganda.
The silver jubilee event, themed “Igniting hope: Building bridges; Creating Impact” was celebrated in tandem with the 6th graduation of Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI). About 116 sisters graduated and among them were 49 sister who received certificates in financial management, 51 in administration, and 16 in web design.
The event drew thousands of guests, including ASEC alumnae, partners, and church leaders from various parts of the country.
In her keynote address, the chief guest Dr. Brighid Blake, reflected on the organization’s remarkable journey: “From humble beginnings to impacting over 10,000 sisters, ASEC’s commitment to education and empowerment has transformed lives, communities, and the Church.”
According to Dr. Blake, ASEC has served 400 congregations and 10,000 Sisters in Africa. Close to 4,500 have graduated from SLDI, High Education for Sisters in Africa (HESA) and scholarship programs. Over 1,000 Sisters have completed bachelor’s degrees, 300 master’s degrees, over 600 diplomas and certificates, and one PhD, she added. This will foster a cadre of educated, confident leaders capable of addressing Africa’s complex challenges.
She highlighted that in Uganda specifically, a total of 591 Sisters have completed SLDI, including a few Sisters who graduated on that same day of the silver jubilee. 72 Sisters have completed master’s degrees, 129 bachelor’s degrees, 53 diplomas, and 61 more Sisters from HESA are set to graduate this year. “Uganda’s Sisters have much to be proud of.”
The celebration included a commemorative sacrifice of the Holy Mass presided over by Bishop Sanctus Linos Wanok who appealed to sisters to serve in humility, obedience with faith and courage so that there is a difference between a sister and any another person. Consecrated women he added, have to serve as consecrated women.
The president of the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU), Mother Dr. Speranza Namusisi, congratulated ASEC for the great milestone achieved noting that being in the field for 25 years is not only a blessing, but a great achievement. She thanked Conrad Hilton Foundation for the support offered to sisters in different parts of the world and various disciplines, mostly in education, since it was education being celebrated in addition to the silver jubilee.
“We are glad that we are selected among many countries to benefit from the education collaborative. I know some countries are not there, but we were part of the first group to benefit from this.” Mother Speranza noted.
At the same event, a campaign dubbed Educate a Sister project was launched, speared by Centenary bank with a contribution of UGX 10 million which was handed to ASEC by the head of commercial banking, Mr. Jingo Micheal.
The ASEC Country coordinator, Sr. German Keneema, expressed gratitude to Hilton Foundation for putting a big smile on the faces of the many sisters who have benefited from HESA and SLDI programs. She assured them that the impact of ASEC’s work will continue to ripple out through ASEC’s beneficiaries, touching hearts and minds of many generations to come.
She added that educated sisters serve essential roles, acting as leaders, teachers, healthcare providers, and advocates for the marginalized in society. The fruits of this educational endeavor have extended beyond expectations, citing the report released by ASEC office. “ASEC beneficiaries in 10 countries have collectively raised over 19 million for community projects, positively impacting over 200 million people.” Sr. Germina revealed.
“We are grateful to God for entrusting to us the mission to plant seeds of hope and to build bridges of opportunities. As we embark on our next chapter of ASEC, let us work together with renewed energy and determination to ensure that the vision of empowered women of faith continues to flourish.” Sr. Germina noted.
Alumnae shared powerful testimonies, highlighting ASEC’s profound impact, stating that it has enabled most of them to pursue their dreams and serve their community with dignity.
ASEC’s silver jubilee marks a new chapter in its mission to educate and empower African sisters illuminating the path toward a brighter future for all.
Congratulations, ASEC on this remarkable achievement!