ACWECA: Catholic Sisters Graduate as Social Entrepreneurs

ACWECA Communications

The Secretary General of the Association for Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA), Sr. Bridgita Samba, said that she envisions a society where Catholic sisters, through their social enterprises, uniquely impact the community and influence the development and advancement of humanity.

She said this at the graduation of the Catholic sisters in Kenya at Strathmore Business School.

Sr. Samba expressed her hope for a society where the dignity of every individual is promoted, driven by the social and economic impact of the Sisters’ faith in God and humanity.

“We look forward to a society where the dignity of every individual is promoted, thanks to the social and economic impact driven by the faith that Sisters have in God and humanity. The work of these Sisters is not a simple task; it is a huge responsibility, but it is not an impossible one.”

She emphasized that this responsibility is significant, but manageable, as Sisters are capable, especially when equipped with the right tools, to serve society. They are change-makers and social transformers.

Sr. Samba noted that Sisters are a force to be reckoned with and embody change, given the passion and faith with which they act when equipped with the right resources.

“I am not talking about people out there; I refer to you who are seated here today -individuals who have been eager to gain greater knowledge to grow their ministries into social impact and sustainable enterprises. Together, Sisters and all other partners can move mountains. What better place could you turn to for this knowledge than Strathmore Business School?”

She explained that the partnership between ACWECA and Strathmore Business School aims to help Catholic Sisters in the region to embrace a business approach.

ACWECA desires to see Sisters networking for the benefit of the communities they serve. Sr. Samba stated that Sisters receive not only knowledge and skills but also the attitudes and concepts essential for their work.

“I would like to call on you to reflect on your journey as individuals, as a team of learners, and as members among students and tutors. I believe it has been a journey with a purpose—one that, had the Sisters not undertaken it, would have resulted in missed opportunities for graduation.”

Sr. Samba thanked the Sisters for taking the challenge to participate in the learning process with the Sisters Blended Value Project. She believes this has been an experience of a lifetime.

Sr. Samba explained that the Sisters Blended Value Project (SBVP) is unique in that it builds the capacity of nuns to effectively run and manage their ministries as social enterprises.

“Most of you will agree that you have run and managed your enterprises with various knowledge and skills that have brought you to your current point.”

She noted that the process the Sisters have undergone has been enlightening, pushing them to go beyond their limitations.

Sr. Samba advised the Sisters to properly manage their resources, fundraise for their projects, focus on the sustainability of their enterprises and congregations, and network with others whose knowledge and skills align with their aspirations for the next 10, 20, or even 50 years to come.