The SBVP team in Nairobi received a call from the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus-Zambia on 22nd August 2023. Sr. Astridah Banda was still in a celebratory mood, noting they had a successful event. “Beneath the open expanse of the sunlit sky, an intense aerobics session unfolded, transforming the outdoor space into a dynamic arena of movement,” She narrated. The rhythmic thump of music merged seamlessly with the rustling leaves and distant chirping birds, infusing the atmosphere with electric energy in Lusaka, Zambia. The natural setting became the backdrop and inspiration as participants gathered on the barren ground. “With every jump and twist, the sun’s warmth embraced, and the cool breeze wove through the air, invigorating bodies in motion. Each collective exhale mingled with the airy symphony of nature, transcending the confines of walls to connect with the expansive world.” she stopped to catch up her breath. This is not an exaggerated script; it is a story that inspires growth.
It is not just aerobics, though. Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus-Zambia observed that many schools around the country offered girls opportunities, leaving out boys. Fueled by a commitment to fairness and inclusivity, the sisters embarked on a purposeful mission to bridge the gap. Their resolute decision was to provide boys with the same access to high-quality education that their female counterparts were enjoying. In response to this discerning observation, the sisters undertook a purpose-driven initiative to offer quality education to the boy child. Their determined course of action is constructing an ultramodern boys’ boarding school. The total cost for completing the entire project amounts to approximately USD 10M. Given the huge amount involved, the sisters have been organizing fundraising projects such as aerobics workout sessions involving their senior government officials to raise money to help complete the project.
In 2022, the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus participated in the Sisters’ Blended Value Project (SBVP) training on the Social Enterprise Program (SEP) startup by Strathmore University in Lusaka, Zambia. This comprehensive training equipped sisters with the vital insights to establish a school. Acknowledging the project’s complexity, the sisters applied the concept of resource management and mobilization they learned. They approached the project in stages rather than attempting an all-encompassing implementation. The approach demonstrated their strategic foresight and understanding of the SBVP training.
The Catholic Church has played a substantial role in driving educational development in Africa and the global South through its leadership and provision of services. This has been achieved by offering the communities pastoral, academic, social, and health services. Central to these efforts are the Catholic Religious Sisters, who, through their dedicated commitment and generous service, have significantly contributed to advancing education in Africa. They have achieved this by establishing and managing schools at all levels. Their tireless dedication keeps the Church at the forefront as a proficient provider of educational services to the people. In recent times, however, these dedicated ministries of Catholic sisters are grappling with a fresh challenge: a scarcity of funds and a noticeable decline in donor contributions, leaving them with financial constraints.
Amidst these challenges, the Dominican Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus are determined to realize the dream they started. They plan for accessible open aerobic sessions, with each participant contributing around USD 6 per session. The inaugural aerobic fundraising session yielded a remarkable sum of USD 5,000, underscoring their commitment to their cause. Their latest fundraising initiative amassed USD 4,300, further attesting to their relentless determination.
The congregation has meticulously chartered various events, including a food expo, movie primer, Christmas concert, and presidential dinner. With this strategic approach, they aim to host two events every four months as they advance toward their aspirations.
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