When Sr. Christine Mubanga first arrived at Kalubula Primary School in rural Zambia, she was greeted not by a school building—but by a grass-thatched shelter and just twenty students, none of whom could afford basic supplies. Her mission was daunting: grow the school and uplift education in the surrounding villages. But in a region neglected by the government, where families barely survived through subsistence farming, the challenge stretched far beyond just a lack of classrooms and supplies.
Because of Kalubula’s remote location, Sr. Christine and her students had to walk long distances through unsafe terrain just to attend school or access services—with no public transport in sight. In nearby villages, girls as young as twelve often dropped out due to early pregnancies or forced marriages. With no role models and little support, many children simply stopped coming. Faced with this heartbreaking reality, Sr. Christine knew she had to act—and she had an idea that no one expected from a teacher.
She started a small farm.
When the crops began to grow, Sr. Christine used the food to provide meals for her students. The promise of a healthy meal each day drew more children to class and gave parents a reason to send them. Attendance began to rise—but new hurdles emerged.
The COVID-19 pandemic had dried up financial support, and the growing school had no budget to keep up with demand. While the meals kept students coming, they still sat in unfinished buildings without electricity, plumbing, or even safe transportation home. Sr. Christine began to feel the weight of her mission pressing down hard. “I cried most of the time,” she shared. “I felt like I was being punished for sins I didn’t commit.”
At her breaking point, Sr. Christine considered leaving religious life altogether. But a conversation with a fellow Sister changed everything. Her friend told her about Sisters Rising Worldwide (SRW)—and that they could help.
That one connection became a turning point. With the help of SRW’s COO, Kelly Mallon Young, Sr. Christine joined the PeaceRoom—an online hub that connects Sisters with resources, collaborators, and funding. Through SRW’s support, she found not only aid but a community that understood her mission.
Today, Kalubula is thriving. SRW donors helped build new classrooms and hired more teachers to serve nearly 600 students and a new vehicle was purchased for students and staff to travel safely. A new computer lab and solar power system are currently under construction. The school recently celebrated a 100% passing rate—meaning all students qualified for secondary education. In fact, the local Ministry of Education was so impressed that they asked the Sisters to open a secondary school, offering even more opportunities for children in the area.
“I’m still a religious Sister today because I’ve come to believe God works miracles in our lives,” says Sr. Christine. “He does not forsake His children. I thank God for the support I’ve received from Sisters Rising Worldwide.”
To our generous donors: thank you. You didn’t just help build a school—you gave Sr. Christine and her community the strength to keep going. You gave hope to those unseen in the world today. And together, we can continue to help God work miracles in the lives of courageous women fighting for justice around the world.
Let’s hear it for SRW COO Kelly Mallon Young! The University of Dayton just announced that Kelly is the recipient of the 2025 Christian Service Award. The University of Dayton presents the Christian Service Award to alumni whose “life’s work best reflects the unique quality of service and sacrifice to others consistent with the Marianist […]
When Ward Brehm first heard about Sisters Rising Worldwide, it came through a curious invitation from a friend of SRW, Ed Flaherty. Ed said, “I want you to have breakfast with me and three nuns.” Ward waited for the punchline, but the meeting turned out to be no joke. Sitting across the table from Sister […]
