On March 16, 2026, delegates from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation paid an official visit to the beneficiaries of the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) / Higher Education for Africa (HESA) scholarship programme at the Catholic University of Ghana at Fiapre in the Bono Region of Ghana.
The visit served as an important engagement platform between the sponsors and the Catholic Sisters benefiting from the programme, offering an opportunity to review progress, celebrate achievements, and strengthen partnerships.
The meeting was organized to foster interaction between the Hilton Foundation delegates and HESA beneficiaries to present the achievements and impact of the HESA programme in Ghana.
It was also to provide a platform for alumnae to share their success stories and to express appreciation to sponsors and partners for their continued support.
The Higher Education for African Sisters (HESA) programme was established in 2013 by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and being implemented by the African Sisters Education Collaborative.
The programme aims to provide access to higher education for Catholic Sisters across Africa, equip them with academic and leadership skills for community transformation and support tuition, technology, and distance learning opportunities.
HESA operates in collaboration with Catholic University of Ghana, Marywood University, Chestnut Hill College and Rosemont College.
Ghana is among the first seven countries selected to benefit from this initiative.
A major highlight of the meeting was a short presentation delivered by Sr. Martha Attakuru, SHCJ, the Project Coordinator of Ghana.
Her presentation focused on: the history and mission of the HESA program, its implementation and growth in Ghana, academic and leadership achievements of beneficiary sisters and the broader impact of the programme across Africa.
The presentation showcased remarkable accomplishments of HESA beneficiaries in Ghana, particularly at the Catholic University of Ghana:
Sisters have consistently excelled academically, they have been awarded “Best Graduating Student” on three occasions and some have delivered “valedictory speeches” during graduation ceremonies.
Graduates are serving as educators, administrators and Community leaders. They are actively contributing to “social transformation and development”within their communities.
The HESA programme continues to demonstrate significant impact across the continent.
By 2025, over 234 Sisters had graduated from the programme. At least 81 graduates received honors or awards. The initiative has strengthened the role of women religious as “agents of change” in Africa.
Three distinguished alumnae shared their personal journeys and experiences: Sr. Gifty Saah, SVI, Sr. Mary Lydia Sarpong, RVM and Sr. Grace Akunna John-Emezi, HHCJ. They highlighted, how the HESA programme transformed their academic and professional lives, the ripple effect of their education on communities and institutions and their role in mentoring and inspiring future beneficiaries.
Their testimonies underscored the “transformative power of education” and the importance of sustained investment in women religious.
Dr. Larissa Agbemelo-Tsomafo, Liaison Officer of the Catholic University of Ghana, expressed gratitude to the Hilton Foundation for, selecting the university as a partner institution and supporting the education of sisters who are making meaningful contributions to the school and society at large.
Angelique Mutombo, representing the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, encouraged the sisters to remain committed to their educational journey, continue being agents of goodness and service and use their knowledge to uplift others and transform communities.
The visit by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation delegates to the Catholic University of Ghana marked a significant moment of reflection, appreciation, and renewed commitment.
The HESA programme has, elevated the academic standards of Catholic Sisters in Ghana. It has Strengthened leadership capacity among women religious and contributed meaningfully to community development and social change.
The success stories and achievements presented during the meeting reaffirm the “enduring impact of education as a tool for empowerment”, and highlight the critical role of partnerships in advancing opportunities for women across Africa.
Present at the meeting were Nana SangBender, Programme Officer and Andrea Grimes of Conrad Hilton Foundation, Rev. Fr. Dr. Mark Owusu, Lecturer of Cathoilc Unversity, 44 continuing Sisters at Catholic University from various Religious Congregation such as Sisters of the Incarnate Word(SVI), Handmaids of the Holy Child Jesus (HHCJ), Religious of the Blessed Virgin Mary(RVM,), Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI), Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church (SMMC), Franciscan Missionaries of Mary(FMM), Daughters of the Most Holy Trinity (FST), Sisters of the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus(EHJ), Society of the Holy Child Jesus(SHCJ), Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent de Paul(DC), SSPS, Holy Cross Sisters (CSC) and O.S.B, etc
Sr. Rebecca Asante, SVI ( Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana- CASCON-GH)
