Religious Sisters Leading the Way to Peace

Two groups of dedicated religious sisters gathered in Ngong (Kenya) and Kampala (Uganda), as the second phase of our programme in Central and Eastern Africa unfolds.

 

During the Training of Trainers sessions, the air was heavy with stories of conflict and loss, but also with the promise of renewal. These women, many of whom have witnessed violence in their communities, were not there to reflect on the past alone—they have come together to learn how to transform the future.


Through Pax Christi International’s “Empowering Religious Sisters on Active Nonviolence and Peacebuilding” programme, they are preparing to become beacons of hope, peacebuilders in a world that so desperately needs them.


The ripple effect of this transformative work is spreading throughout the region. From Kenya to Uganda, sisters are taking the lessons they’ve learned and passing them on—healing wounds, resolving conflicts, and building bridges where division once reigned. Their efforts are not just changing lives—they’re shaping entire communities.

KENYA

New Beginnings and Growth


The second phase began in Ngong, Kenya in partnership with the Association of Sisterhoods in Kenya (AOSK). A mid-term evaluation conducted in March 2024 showed tremendous progress, with participants sharing powerful testimonials about the program’s impact.

Spreading the Message of Peace


The sisters have actively led peace initiatives in their congregations, schools, and parishes. Over two months, 155 sisters trained more than 845 young people, igniting a wave of positive change across communities, spreading the values of peace and nonviolence.

UGANDA

First Steps in Uganda


In July 2024, 14 sisters from various congregations gathered in Kampala, Uganda, for the Training of Trainers, in partnership with the Association of Religious in Uganda (ARU).

Empowering a New Wave of Peacebuilders


The sisters are currently taking their new skills into their communities, leading transformative efforts in peacebuilding and trauma healing.

Testimonies from the Field - Voices of Transformation

The sisters who participated in the program have reported significant personal growth, enhanced leadership skills, and a stronger ability to support others. Trainer sisters in Kenya, Uganda, and other regions are sharing their knowledge with enthusiasm, reaching beyond their immediate communities to engage with teachers, local leaders, and adults.

Sr. Mahima, a member of the Society of the Helpers of Mary, shared her experience of transitioning from trainee to trainer.

Hear from Sr. Christine, Sr. Mary Rita, Sr. Scovia, Sr. Jane Rose, and Sr. Joyce as they share their impressions of the training and reflect on how it will impact their life and their apostolate service.

Looking Ahead

We invite you to stay tuned for future updates on our ongoing efforts in the region. In the meantime, please help us amplify our mission by sharing our work and encouraging these courageous peacebuilders.

Expanding Our Reach: Advocacy for Peace Across Africa

In addition to our programme empowering religious sisters and youth, Pax Christi International is deeply involved in various advocacy initiatives to promote peace and justice throughout Africa. Working closely with local partners and civil society, we amplify the voices of those affected by conflict and push for systemic changes that foster long-term peace. Whether it’s through supporting grassroots movements or engaging with policymakers, our commitment to peace in Africa extends beyond capacity-building programs, ensuring that our impact is felt at both local and global levels.

Pax Christi International and the Europe-Central Africa Network (EurAc) have issued an open letter following the recent webinar “Towards Sustainable Peace in the DRC”. This letter addresses the escalating crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo and underscores the urgent need for action from all stakeholders, calling for immediate nonviolent solutions. The letter is available in English and French.

We attended the Spiritan Conference of the Circumscriptions of Africa and the Islands (SCCAI) workshop in Madagascar from August 4th to 11th, 2024, focused on Justice, Peace, and Integrity of Creation. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between PCI and SCCAI, paving the way for future collaboration in promoting peace and nonviolence across Africa.

Our global efforts to promote just peace and nonviolence are made possible by the generous support of our donors, for which we are deeply grateful. If you wish to contribute to our mission, please click on the button "Donate Now" to give securely & quickly via PayPal. For US Tax Deductible Donation please click here. Thank you so much!

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