In East and Central Africa, Sisters´ Blended Value Project (SBVP) continues to quietly yet profoundly transform the lives of Catholic Sisters, equipping them to turn their social ministries into self-sustaining enterprises that continue to empower their communities. Implemented by Strathmore University Business School (SBS) in collaboration with the Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), and supported by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation. The project celebrated the completion of its three-year phase on Wednesday, 27th November 2024, highlighting its significant impact on religious communities across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.
The genesis of SBVP is based on a 2021 baseline survey commissioned by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which sought to understand the challenges Catholic Sisters face in income-generating activities within their congregations. The findings revealed critical gaps in capacity building, particularly in areas such ase leadership, financial management, project management, and networking. “We realized that the Sisters needed more than just financial support—they needed comprehensive skills development,” explained Dr. Angela Ndunge, Principal Investigator for SBVP. “The project’s curriculum combined academic rigor with practical training, empowering the Sisters to develop the leadership and entrepreneurial skills necessary to successfully manage social enterprises.”
As this phase of the project comes to a close, the impact of SBVP is clear. Over the past three years, the project has not only strengthened the capacity of the Sisters but has also fostered the growth of sustainable social enterprises that are creating jobs and improving livelihoods in their communities. “The SBVP program has significantly enhanced the leadership, financial, and project management capabilities of the Sisters,” said Dr. George Njenga, Chairperson of the SBVP Advisory Board and Founding Dean of Strathmore University Business School. Through this program, the consecrated women have not only developed social enterprises but also become catalysts for social change in their communities. They are now leaders in both their congregations and in their communities.
The initiative has also led to the development of valuable knowledge resources, such as case studies and research papers, which are helping to expand the understanding of social entrepreneurship, particularly within religious contexts. “The case studies and success stories from this project are invaluable,” added Dr. Nancy Njiraini, Academic and Research Lead for SBVP. “They provide insights into how faith-based organizations can build sustainable social enterprises that create long-term social value.”
The SBVP as an initiative was designed with a singular goal: to empower Catholic Sisters to transform their ministries into viable, income-generating social enterprises that could provide long-term social benefits for their communities. The program addressed the unique challenges these women face in managing such initiatives, particularly in regions where resources are scarce, and entrepreneurial skills are in high demand.
Looking ahead, SBVP´s legacy continues to resonate. The social enterprises launched during this project phase remain operational and flourishing, with the Sisters continuing to leverage the skills and networks built during SBVP. “There is still much work to be done,” said Dr. Mungai, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Strathmore University, reflecting on the long-term impact of SBVP. “What we’ve built with the Sisters is just the beginning. We hope that the lessons from SBVP will inspire other programs that continue to empower religious communities to make lasting contributions to their societies.”
As the event concluded, there was a deep sense of gratitude for the partners who had made SBVP a success. Strathmore University Business School’s academic leadership, ACWECA’s regional presence, and the strategic financial support of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation have all been instrumental in the project’s success. “We thank the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation for its unwavering commitment to this initiative,” said Dr. Ndunge. “Their support has been crucial in making this project a reality, and together with ACWECA and Strathmore University, we have made a real difference in the lives of the Sisters and the communities they serve.”
With the completion of the formal project phase, a clear call to action was issued: the success of SBVP depends on ongoing support from both new and existing partners. The Sisters and their social enterprises must continue to receive the necessary guidance to ensure their sustainability. “The responsibility now lies with the Sisters themselves,” said Dr. Njiraini. “They are the change-makers, the leaders, and the innovators. It’s up to all of us to continue supporting them in their efforts to create a brighter future for their communities.
Sr. Yangi, the Deputy Secretary General of ACWECA captured the essence of SBVP’s legacy: “This project has shown us that when faith and entrepreneurship come together, incredible things happen. The Sisters are now poised to continue leading with purpose, and the work we’ve done together will have a lasting impact on the communities we serve.”
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Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation foresees a world in which improving the human condition is a shared and sustainable goal. “Love one another, for that is the whole law,” Conrad Hilton wrote in his will. The peoples of the world “deserve to be loved and encouraged—never to be abandoned to wander alone in poverty and darkness.” That is our resolve.
