The Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lusaka Expands their Impact after the Sisters Blended Value Project Training

The Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lusaka, a testament to unwavering dedication, were founded in 1961 by Cardinal Adam Costello. Their commitment to the principles of simplicity, humility, and charity, as exemplified by Mary, has been a guiding light. Initially focused on providing education primarily for girls, the congregation has recently started incorporating boys into their schools, a testament to their evolving mission.

A flagship institution under their care is the Annunciation Convent School, nestled in Lusaka’s Ibex Hill area. This modestly sized school, catering to students from baby class to grade seven, is renowned for its high educational standards, making it a sought-after institution. In response to increasing demand, the congregation has embarked on an ambitious expansion project to double the student capacity. This growth provides more employment opportunities for teachers and support staff and generates additional revenue to sustain the congregation’s activities.

Mother Superior Sister Banda, expressed her profound gratitude for the transformative training received from Strathmore University through the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP). She highlighted how the program equipped her with essential skills in social enterprise management, emphasizing collaboration, networking, and professional project management. These skills have been instrumental in advancing the congregation’s initiatives. The training also underscored the importance of corporate governance and professional budgeting, leading to significant improvements in financial management.

Sister Mary Claire, the congregation’s General Bursar, emphasized the benefits of expanding Annunciation Convent School. The increased student body will generate more revenue and provide livelihoods for more teachers and general workers. This financial boost is crucial for covering the congregation’s operational expenses, including food, medical care, and education for the sisters.

Moreover, Sister Claire acknowledged the transformative impact of the SBVP training on their financial management practices. The sisters have adopted more diligent record-keeping and budgeting practices, ensuring funds are used effectively and transparently.

Sister Prudence Nsenge shared her positive experiences with the SBVP. When tasked with identifying a social enterprise to collaborate with during the training, she and her peers focused on the education apostolate. They chose to expand Our Lady of Annunciation Convent School as their primary project. The training provided practical skills in project proposal writing, fund sourcing, and professional financial management, which have been crucial in executing their plans.

Sister Nsenge, a beacon of resilience, stressed the importance of corporate governance in managing their institutions. Inspired by the training, she implemented a self-sustaining egg production project in her community. This initiative, a testament to their resilience, aims to support the community during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and cholera outbreaks, ensuring a steady food supply and financial stability.

The transformative impact of Strathmore University’s SBVP training on the Handmaids of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Lusaka is evident. The sisters have gained valuable skills in social enterprise management, corporate governance, and financial planning. These skills have empowered them to expand their educational initiatives, enhance financial management, and provide more effective support to their community. The congregation remains steadfast in delivering quality education and holistic support to those in need.

Alex Okoth