In the tranquil setting of Ciela Resort in Lusaka, Zambia, the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP) celebrated the sisters’ graduation. In her welcome remarks, Dr. Angela Ndunge, Deputy Executive Dean of Strathmore University Business School, expressed her profound pride in the exceptional achievements of the sisters graduating that day, highlighting their demanding yet rewarding journey. Commending their hard work and dedication, Dr. Ndunge congratulated the graduates on their accomplishments.
The Sisters Blended Value Project is implemented by Strathmore University in partnership with the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) and funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. It is a timely and enriching experience for the participants. As expressed by Sr. Clare Moomba, the national president of the Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS), the transformative nature of the Sisters Blended Value Project in fostering self-sustainability among religious women cannot be underscored. According to Sr. Clare, SBVP empowers sisters to utilize local revenue through the learned principles of social enterprise. “The graduation invites us to harness the power of local resources, applying the innovative concepts we have acquired. Through social enterprises, we can amplify our impact economically and as agents of positive change in our communities.”
Sr. Juunza C. Mwangani, Senior Hospital Administrator at Monze Mission Hospital in Zambia and Grant Manager, Eco-friendly Agriculture, narrated how they leveraged the training from the SBVP to write proposals for their multi-million-dollar project in Zambia. She urged sisters to see beyond traditional approaches, encouraging them to embrace the entrepreneurial spirit. “Let us use the skills we have gained to grow enterprises that align with our mission, contributing to the broader goals of the Church. The SBVP journey is not just an academic achievement; it’s a call to action, an invitation to pioneer sustainable initiatives that reflect our dedication to evangelization.”
The personal enrichment experienced by the graduates was a common theme. Sr. Maria Shawa, from the Religious Sisters of Charity, who participated in the Foundations of Social Entrepreneurship Management Programme, noted that they were equipped with essential competencies such as negotiation, managerial prowess, problem-solving, and effective communication and fostered a deeper understanding of diverse personalities and dynamics. These skills, acquired through the SBVP, have found practical application beyond social enterprise, enhancing everyday interactions and contributing to the overall development of their institutes and communities.
In Zambia, 18 sisters participated in the Leading and Managing Sustainable Enterprises Programme (LMSEP), 19 in the Managing Social Enterprises Programme (MSEP), 23 participated in the Foundations of Social Entrepreneurship Management Programme (FSEMP), and 6 sisters participated in the Executive Coaching for Managers Programme.
As the ceremony concluded, Dr. Nancy Njiraini, Academic and Research Lead for the Sisters Blended Value Project, noted the enduring impact the graduates would have on their communities, emphasizing that their newfound knowledge and skills were not just for personal growth but for the betterment of society.
The Sisters Blended Value Project has undeniably empowered a cohort of remarkable individuals, arming them with the tools needed to lead with faith, compassion, and innovation. Their journeys are testaments to the transformative power of education. As they step into the next chapter of their lives, they carry the promise of positive change for their congregations and the communities they serve.
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