Strathmore University Business School Signs MOU with the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA)

Strathmore University Business School (SBS) & the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the 21st of February 2022 at the SBS Transcentury Auditorium. The MOU officially flagged off the Conrad N. Hilton funded project to train Catholic Sisters in the region on sustainable social enterprise development.  The ceremony was attended by: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic & Student Affairs, Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga; Executive Dean, Strathmore University Business School, Dr. George Njenga; Ag. Executive Dean, Dr. Angela Ndunge; ACWECA President, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo; ACWECA Secretary General, Sr. Bridgita Samba; as well as other SBS & ACWECA representatives.

The opening remarks were given by Dr. George Njenga, who is a member and chair of the   advisory board for the Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP). He emphasized the importance of the initiative to develop capacities in the four target regions (Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Zambia). This project’s formulation and objectives have been spearheaded by Dr. Njenga,, together with Sr. Jane Wakahiu who is the Associate Vice President, Program Operations and Head of Catholic Sisters, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation (CHF). The objectives of the project are to transform social ministries owned and managed by Catholic Sisters into sustainable social enterprises through capacity building, research, coaching and mentorship, as well as to support Sisters in identifying collaborative networks that will broaden their horizons.

Representing the Strathmore University, management board, Dr. Gachenga reiterated the board’s commitment to support and ensure the success of the project’s objectives.

Both SBS & ACWECA are faith based institutions and have a deep conviction for service to society in line with the principles of the Christian identity. Therefore, this partnership is rooted in similar values and ideals, providing opportunities for both parties to contribute to each other’s missions. These sentiments were echoed by Dr. Gachenga.

Her final remarks were dedicated to the CHF team, who attended the meeting virtually. She applauded them for their commitment to empowering Catholic Sisters through supporting initiatives and projects geared towards community development, both regionally and globally.

ACWECA President, Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo, expressed her gratitude towards all the partners who worked to make the project possible, stating the importance of developing capacities of Sisters in the ACWECA regions.  “Sisters have been operating enterprises for many years and contributing to the growth of their communities through social ministries and charitable organizations. However, this model hasn’t been sustainable,” she stated.

The baseline study for this project, conducted jointly by SBS & ACWECA identified a need for training and coaching in key thematic areas, whereby a curriculum was developed.

She underlined ACWECA’s expectation of Strathmore University during the duration of this partnership – to oversee the training of Catholic Sisters in the target regions, while being sensitive to the cultural differences that may present themselves.

Sr. Rosalia further expressed her gratitude to the CHF team with special thanks to Sr. Jane Wakahiu who has devoted her efforts to enriching the lives of Sisters through capacity building projects. She reiterated the intention for a long-term partnership between ACWECA, SBS and CHF, with hopes of collaboration on more projects in future. To close off, Sr. Rosalia gave an honorable mention to The Miller Center at the Santa Clara University (SCU), giving thanks for their mentoring and coaching of the first cohort of the Sisters’ Blended Value Project.

Thereafter, Dr. Angela Ndunge gave her remarks focused on the background of the project, giving an overview of project objectives & expected outcomes. The project aims to reach 600 Sisters in 40 congregations in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda & Zambia. It will be implemented in line with four strategic pillars:-

1. Capacity Building
2. Research Output
3. Collaborative Networks & Conferences
4. Financial Inclusion Solution

Capacity building will be in the form of training programs to equip the Sisters with knowledge on how to successfully operate social enterprises through 6 individual & institutional courses. Research outputs expected are 4 journal papers, 4 case studies & 4 practitioner reports. The collaborative networks and conferences purpose is to hold 100 summits annually, and during year 2 & 3, have 100 participants during conferences. The final pillar is the establishment of a financial inclusion solution (incubator/accelerator platform) that will give Catholic Sisters access to funds to aid in further developing their social enterprises.

These four pillars are the guiding framework for the project and the execution of each will determine the success of the project.

So far, a curriculum for the project was developed during a workshop attended by SBS faculty & ACWECA members. The timetables and curriculum for keynote programs are complete and recruitment of participants is ongoing. Development of additional keynote programs is currently ongoing, concurrently with the recruitment of faculty and coaches who will facilitate these programs.

The MOU was signed by Dr. Elizabeth Gachenga, together with Sr. Rosalia Sakayombo. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Dr. George Njenga, Dr. Angela Ndunge, Dr. Nancy Njiraini & Sr. Bridgita Samba.

We expect the launch will take place in late April, and will be attended by key stakeholders from The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Strathmore University Business School & the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa.

Keynote programs are scheduled to begin in early March.

Article by Katherine Keango

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