ACWECA: Beyond the Convent Walls, African Nuns Gain Skills to Advocate for Children, Families
By ACWECA
The Association of Consecrated Women in Eastern and Central Africa (ACWECA) is strategically investing in the communication prowess of its religious sisters, equipping them to more effectively champion the cause of holistic child development across the continent.
Through the Strengthening Capacity of Religious Women in Early Childhood Development (SCORE ECD) program, ACWECA ensures that these influential women powerfully advocate for the well-being of children, mothers, and families in their communities.
This regional initiative underscores a growing recognition of the vital role, effective communication plays in amplifying the impact of development work. ACWECA, a unifying body representing ten National Associations of Sisterhoods spanning Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, South Sudan, Malawi, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, aims to empower consecrated women for deeper evangelization by bolstering their capacity to lead sustainable, high-impact projects.
The SCORE ECD program, a collaborative effort coordinated by Sr. Pauline Acayo from Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and generously funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, is active in Kenya, Malawi, Zambia, Tanzania, and Ghana. It takes a comprehensive approach to early childhood development, addressing the social, physical, cognitive, emotional, and spiritual growth of children aged 0–5 years, as well as supporting expectant and nursing mothers, children with disabilities, and fathers. The program aims to build a strong foundation for Africa’s youngest generation.
Sharpening communication skills for greater impact
Recognizing that impactful messaging is crucial for driving change, ACWECA recently convened a dynamic two-day virtual training in April 2025 to hone the communication skills of 46 Sisters who serve as Early Childhood Development/Integrated Mothers and Baby Course (ECD/iMBC) master trainers. Facilitated by Florence Ogola from PitchNest Communications Ltd, the interactive sessions armed the sisters with essential communication strategies, including the interactive sessions equipped the sisters with essential communication strategies, empowering them to align their messaging with their organizational missions while deepening their understanding of their target audiences.
They learned how to craft powerful, emotionally resonant narratives that reinforce their organizational identity with clarity and consistency. Additionally, the sessions highlighted the importance of building strong relationships with journalists and the broader community to enhance visibility and foster trust. Participants also explored how to navigate the digital landscape effectively, leveraging online platforms and social media for real-time engagement and impactful advocacy. Finally, they gained insights into protecting their reputation by responding to challenges with transparency and effectiveness, ensuring sustained public confidence.
The training employed a highly interactive format, featuring lectures, lively group discussions, and engaging Q & A forums that encouraged active participation from all attendees.
Sisters embrace new communication strategies
The workshop left a lasting impression on participants, who described it as both “transformative” and “practical.” One participant, Norbert Atia Atanga from Ghana remarked, “This training has fundamentally reshaped how we approach communicating our mission. We now understand that every message must be deliberate and have a significant impact.”
Sr. Teresa Banda, ACWECA’s SCORE ECD Program Coordinator, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative. “This goes beyond simply acquiring new skills,” she emphasized. “It’s about amplifying the voices of our sisters within the communities they serve. When we communicate effectively, we not only strengthen our congregations but also significantly increase the visibility and reach of our vital programs.”
Call to Action
“Let us integrate these valuable lessons into our daily work,” urged Sr. Leonida Shimanyula, ACWECA’s Finance Officer. “Strategic communication is not merely a tool; it is an integral part of our ministry. As we move forward, may every word we share reflect our commitment to transformation.”
With renewed skills and a shared vision, ACWECA’s sisters are now better equipped to champion early childhood development, ensuring that their message of hope and empowerment reaches even more families across the continent.
