Entrepreneurship Project Lauded for Fostering Self-Reliance among Catholic Sisters in Eastern Africa

The project that is being implemented in Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, and Tanzania has been designed to support Catholic Sisters in developing sustainable social enterprises.

The initiative follows a survey commissioned by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in early 2021, which highlighted issues Catholic sisters encounter in their ministries, including insufficient funding, limited leadership abilities, and challenges in maintaining financial and organizational sustainability.

The project is aimed at improving the Sisters’ capacities, connecting them to networks, and providing them with information hubs, as well as robust financial services.

In her address during the November 27 event organized under the theme, SBVP Journey: Elevating and Celebrating Impact, Sr. Samba said that the project aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 17, which she said seeks to strengthen partnerships to achieve sustainable development.

She said that over three years, Sisters in the Program have collaborated with governments, private entities, and civil society to build impactful social enterprises. “Religious Sisters are now active participants, advocates, and beneficiaries in addressing societal challenges,” she said.

More in Africa

Entrepreneurship Project Lauded for Fostering Self-Reliance among Catholic Sisters in Eastern Africa

Read the article

The ACWECA official disclosed that the initiative has reshaped the understanding of profit-making among the sisters, enabling them to build sustainable enterprises while addressing community needs.

She said that training provided by Strathmore Business School played a key role in equipping Sisters with the skills needed to navigate entrepreneurial challenges.

Emphasizing the importance of partnerships in achieving the goals of the SBVP, Sr. Samba recognized the support of the Conrad Hilton Foundation, SBS, and other stakeholders whose contributions she said have helped scale up various congregational enterprises.

She said the challenges faced during the project’s implementation were opportunities for learning and improvement. “These challenges are stepping stones for rethinking and reviewing our strategic models,” she said.

Sr. Samba said that ACWECA remains committed to building on the foundation established by the SBVP. She said, “We will continue to strengthen the capacity of sisters and foster long-term social enterprises that create meaningful impact.”

The ACWECA official stressed the importance of prudence in managing ecclesiastical properties and diversifying financing to ensure sustainable growth.

She appreciated those who contributed to the project’s success, saying, “This initiative reflects our collective vision to empower sisters and communities through innovative and sustainable practices.”

Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.