KENYA: President of Hilton Foundation Elated by Success of Consecrated Women’s Projects
Sr. Henriette Anne FSSA
The president and CEO of Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Mr. Peter Laugharn, on his visit to the east African country Kenya, expressed his delight for the successful projects run by the Religious women in Strathmore University and the Catholic University of Eastern Africa (CUEA).
“The work you do is tremendous, we are here for your success, we are here to make you succeed,” disclosed Mr. Laugharn who has a vast experience with the foundation and nonprofit experience internationally.
Addressing the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation grantees and partners who attended the dinner meeting at Nairobi Serena Hotel on 12th July 2023, from various organizations, including the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences of Eastern Africa (AMECEA), Association of Sisterhoods in Kenya (AOSK), Religious Against Human Trafficking Kenya (RAHT) and members of the Conference of Contemplative Communities in Kenya, the president encouraged caring for the people saying, “Look up to people when you can. Look down on no one”.
In his Wednesday speech, Mr. Laugharn who was the convener of the meeting noted that the work done by the Sisters resonate well with the values of Hilton foundation, that is “Integrity, humility, thinking big, stewardship, and compassion.”
“Catholic Sisters are unsung and the work that they do, the people that they help are also unsung,” the President said adding, “Catholic Sisters are doing a tremendous amount of good work in this country, some of which we fund and some of which they do on their own.”
Discussing the strategies that the program is putting across, Mr. Laugharn said, “There are four strategies of the program; Sisters’ education, formation and care; ministries to develop human potential; building Sisters’ leadership global, national and local partnerships; and finally, research and evaluation.”
In a sideline interview with journalists, the president of Hilton Foundation stressed that his purpose for visiting Kenya was to see the progress of Sisters’ projects which the Hilton Foundation funds, to understand the projects better and to help them flourish.
During the interview, he underscored that “Kenya is becoming a million-income generating country and as the country becomes more prosperous, often some people become wealthier, while the others are struggling and therefore, Sisters are the most important agents to reach the vulnerable and marginalized in the country.”
For Sisters to continue with the aspect of helping society, the CEO encouraged them to continue with their ministries in education, training youths for employment, enterprise, and child protection.
He stressed that the future is bright with the sisters who are empowered.
