Thanks to SRW donor support, Sisters from around the world are strengthening the health of their communities through an innovative e-learning program. Medicines for Humanity’s E-Learning for Health Workers offers low-cost online learning solutions for Sisters working as local healthcare providers. The self-paced courses cover topics including healthcare program management and leadership, nutrition, maternal and child health communication, advocacy, and more. Fourteen PeaceRoom Sisters registered for courses from across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with SRW covering enrollment costs.
Sr. Sherly Thomas, from the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon in India, enrolled in a 9-week healthcare management course. She reports the course has been an enriching experience, providing valuable insights crucial to improving her congregation’s services to vulnerable communities. “One of the key aspects I appreciate is the focus on sustainability and ethical decision-making in healthcare, which aligns closely with our mission to serve those most in need,” she says.
Sr. Consolata Maria Ikeh is a Sister of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Mother of Christ currently studying in Rome. She enrolled in an advocacy skills development course. She finds the engaging content covers essential topics like psychosocial support, which Sr. Consolata believes valuable in addressing the emotional and mental resilience needed for advocacy work. “They taught us how to navigate challenges, maintain motivation, and support both ourselves and others in advocacy spaces,” she reports.
Sr. Consolata is excited to use her new skills to organize awareness campaigns and foster discussions about key social issues in her community, and to collaborate with advocacy groups to contribute to policy dialogues and grassroots initiatives.
Sr. Mary Mwaka Simuunza (pictured above) is a biomedical scientist at St. Mary’s Mission Hospital in rural Zambia, and enrolled in a Maternal and Child Health Communication course. Pregnant women in her community face many challenges, and she especially wants to ensure mothers in her community receive proper prenatal care. “I wanted to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively communicate with these women, address their concerns, and provide them with the support they need to make informed decisions about their health,” she says.
Sr. Mary says the course is eye-opening. “One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of forming support groups for pregnant women. Through these groups, women can share their experiences, receive emotional support, and learn from one another.” She also learned how vital a father’s involvement can be in impacting maternal and child health outcomes. “In our community, the general feeling is that maternal and child health only concerns women. By engaging fathers and other support groups, we can promote healthier relationships, encourage active participation, and foster a sense of responsibility.”
We look forward to sharing more from these Sisters about the impact of their coursework. Check out the Medicines for Humanity website to learn more!
Earlier this month, SRW CEO Sr. Irene O’Neill visited New York City for Catholic Sisters Week. Alongside PeaceRoom Coordinator Beth Blissman, Sr. Irene attended the Commission on the Status of Women at the United Nations World Headquarters. They met with leaders and changemakers from across the world to amplify SRW’s mission and the voices of […]
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