Catholic Sisters Continue to Serve in Africa

Amy Fedele
Amy Fedele • 18 May 2020
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The COVID 19 pandemic has affected most of the countries in the world, including the countries of sub-Saharan Africa.

A successful grant proposal provides members of the HIV/AIDS support group in Malawi with sanitation materials
A successful grant proposal by ASEC staff member Sr. Teresa Mulenga, TS, provides members of 5 HIV/AIDS support groups in Malawi with sanitation materials like tap buckets and soap. The members were also taught proper hand-washing techniques to keep them healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Sr. Teresa Mulenga is a Teresian Sister and Programs Coordinator for the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) in Malawi. She recently wrote a successful grant proposal to supply sanitation materials to 5 HIV/AIDS support groups in the Dedza District in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sr. Teresa is also an alumna of ASEC's Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) program, where she learned valuable grant writing, technology, administration and finance skills to help her be more effective in her ministry to the poor. 

hand washing stations for HIV/AIDS support groupsIndividuals with a chronic illness (like those affected by HIV/AIDS) have a low immune system and are prone to contracting any diseases including COVID-19. Those who are vulnerable need special care during these challenging times.

Sr. Teresa says,

"... I managed to supply tap buckets for keeping water for washing hands, bar soaps and hand wash to members of 5 support groups, reaching a total 125 households."

Watch a video about this project, here.

 

SND sisters feeding the poor on the streets of nigeriaIn Nigeria the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN) are feeding the poor in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Sr. Veronica Fatoyinbo, SNDdeN, is a Program Director in the country for ASEC. She writes,

"It is a good thinking to impose lock down to safe the lives of the citizens from being infected by this virus. However, there is hunger in the city and the Nigeria government have no plan how to feed people who are lock down indefinitely. It is difficult to stay indoor when one’s stomach is empty."

sisters in nigeria feeding the poorSo, in the spirit of solidarity and love, the Notre Dame sisters shared what little resources they have with the poor in their community. The poor were very close to the heart of Jesus as well as the foundress of their congregation, St. Julie Billiar.

You can learn more about ASEC and the efforts of Catholic Sisters serving in sub-Saharan Africa by visiting our website at asec-sldi.org.

Consider donating to support Catholic Sisters' important ministry work during the COVID-19 pandemic.