ASEC News & Reflections

ASEC is serving Catholic Sisters in 11 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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ASEC Staff from Uganda, Zambia, and Kenya were in attendance at the CERRA-Africa Global Research Network Symposium in Nairobi.

HESA Alumnae Inspire at CERRA-Africa’s Research Network Symposium

Aug 11, 2025: [Cameroon, Kenya, Zambia, USA] At the CERRA-Africa Global Research Network Symposium in Nairobi, Kenya, HESA alumnae and ASEC staff presented impactful research, highlighting the vital yet often-overlooked contributions of Catholic sisters to sustainable development across Africa and beyond.

Sr. Regina Nakyeyune Lawrence, GSS (left), speaks alongside Augustine Kitonsa (right), a resident of Mapeera Bakateyamba Center.

Hope for Uganda’s Elderly & Injured

Jul 24, 2025: [Uganda] After a life-altering injury, Augustine Kitonsa found healing, purpose, and hope at a center run by Sr. Regina Nakyeyune, GSS, an SLDI alumna using her training to support over 60 vulnerable individuals in Uganda.

Realizing the Dream: Empowering Women in Uganda

Jul 24, 2025: [Uganda] After surviving heartbreaking loss and poverty, Angelina Akoth’s life was transformed through a business training program led by Sr. Veronica Biribawa, MCESM, an ASEC HESA alumna, using her education to uplift women in Uganda.

Sr. Theresa Nakamya, DM at ASEC event with Sr. Mary Kyomumuka, DM in 2017 in Kampala, Uganda.

Inspiring Women Leaders in Uganda

Jul 24, 2025: [Uganda] A pioneer graduate of ASEC’s SLDI program, Sr. Theresa Nambaziira, DM, uses her leadership training to mentor others, empower communities across Uganda, and even inspire a Member of Parliament.

Madilyn Grose (right), a sophomore in Art Therapy at Marywood University, shares joyful moments with fellow students and children in Kenya during ASEC’s 2024 Service Learning trip.

Art, Empathy, and Impact: Madilyn Grose’s Transformative Service Learning Experience in Kenya

Jul 24, 2025: [Kenya, USA] Madilyn Grose, a sophomore in Art Therapy at Marywood University, used her creativity and compassion during ASEC’s 2024 Service Learning trip to Kenya, leaving a lasting impact on the children she served, and returning deeply changed by their kindness and strength.

Isabella Schmeltzer, a Chestnut Hill College student, shares a joyful moment with a child during ASEC’s 2024 Service Learning trip to Kenya.

Unique Service Learning Reflections of a Participant: Practicing Teaching Techniques in Kenya

Jul 23, 2025: [Kenya, USA] Chestnut Hill College junior Isabella Schmeltzer reflected on her transformative 2024 Service Learning trip to Kenya, where she connected with students, shared teaching techniques, and gained a deeper understanding of culture, faith, and education.

Sr. Catherine Felix Kimario, SCC, serves at Holy Cross Health Centre in Kihonda, Tanzania, where she educates patients on proper medication use to combat issues like antimicrobial resistance.

Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance in Tanzania

Jul 23, 2025: [Tanzania] Sr. Catherine Felix Kimario, SCC, a 2023 ASEC Scholarship graduate from Tanzania, is combating antimicrobial resistance by educating patients and ensuring proper medication use at the Holy Cross Health Centre.

Sr. Gertrude supervises during a medical camp.

Training Future Nurses in Kenya

Jul 8, 2025: [Kenya] As a nurse educator and national examiner in Kenya, Sr. Gertrude Muhatia, SMK, uses her ASEC-sponsored education to mentor students with compassion and professionalism—empowering the next generation of healthcare workers.

D’Ambra shares a moment of joy and connection through music during ASEC’s 2025 Service Learning trip in Ghana, using her guitar to bridge cultures and hearts.

Practicing Music Therapy Skills in Ghana

Jul 8, 2025: [Ghana, USA] During ASEC’s 2023 Service Learning trip to Ghana, Marywood University student D’Ambra Galvin used her music therapy training to connect with children and support local schools—an experience she says changed her life.

Sr. Mary Cecilia Draru, LSMIG, PhD, Executive Director of ASEC, speaks during the panel “Threats to Civil Society – Religious Education” at the 2025 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Dublin, Ireland.

Inclusion Without Compromise: Sr. Draru Speaks at 2025 Religious Liberty Summit

Jul 1, 2025: [Uganda, USA] At the 2025 Notre Dame Religious Liberty Summit in Dublin, Sr. Draru of ASEC shared a compelling message: true inclusion must embrace individual identity.

Overcoming Unemployment in Kenya

Jul 1, 2025: [Kenya] In Kenya, Sr. Georgette Sawadogo, DDS, is using her ASEC-sponsored education to fight youth unemployment by creating jobs and empowering young people, especially young mothers, through vocational training and social entrepreneurship.

Sr. Stivelia Emily Macloud, SBVM in the Tiyende Limodzi Project gardens.

Empowering Communities to Move Out of Dependency in Malawi

Jun 13, 2025: [Malawi] In Malawi, Sr. Stivelia Macloud, SBVM, used the knowledge she gained through ASEC’s Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) to launch an agricultural project that empowers vulnerable community members to break the cycle of poverty through farming.

Sr. Maureen J. Chalamanda, SOL, providing treatment in her rural outreach program.

Reducing Maternal Mortality in Malawi

May 14, 2025: [Malawi] When a mother in Malawi faced a life-threatening childbirth complication, Sr. Maureen Chalamanda, SOL—a three-time ASEC alumna—used her education to save both mother and baby, proving how vital trained sisters are to community healthcare.

Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ, smiles alongside students as she spreads awareness about early breast cancer detection.

Breast Cancer Awareness: Empowering Change Through Sr. Grace’s Mission

Oct 31, 2024: [Nigeria] Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ is transforming health awareness in African communities through her dedicated advocacy for breast cancer education.

ASEC’s 25 Years of Impactful Service

Sep 28, 2024: [Uganda] As we celebrate 25 years of ASEC’s transformative work, we honor the women religious who have spearheaded a movement to enhance educational access for women in Africa. Since its official inauguration in 1999, ASEC has expanded to 10 countries and empowered women religious through programs like SLDI, HESA, the Scholarship Program, Service Learning, and the Research Initiative. These initiatives have equipped countless Sisters with leadership and professional skills to address challenges in their communities effectively.

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