By: Lebohang Maluke
MASERU – In a bold step forward for women’s empowerment, the Sisters Leadership Development Initiative (SLDI) celebrated a significant milestone as they hosted SLDI’s Finance (10) and Administration (12) 4th graduation ceremony through the African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC).
The occasion marks completion of the programme themed, ‘Igniting hope, building bridges, creating impact,’ aiming to equip women with the skills and knowledge to navigate the business environment through effective economic participation.
The graduates, now equipped with relevant expertise, symbolize a promising future for women in Lesotho, as they pave way for a capable and inclusive society.
In an inspiring address to the graduates and attendees, African Sisters Education Collaborative (ASEC) Lesotho Country Director, Sister Mamokotjo Francina Mokoteli, shares the organization’s vision of “rescuing those in abundance.” Sr Mokoteli explained that, “ASEC’s mission is to bring light into the lives of our sisters by providing them with opportunities for education and empowerment.” ASEC sisters believe every woman has the potential to create significant impact within her community, and they are committed to helping them reach their full potential.
The vision highlights the importance of empowering women through a “religious turn of attitudes to God’s unconditional love.”
With conviction, they believe that every woman is created in the image and likeness of God, and therefore, deserving of dignity, respect, and opportunity. Through work, they instill in sisters a sense of worth and purpose that excels their current circumstances, collectively empowering them to embrace their faith as a source of strength and guidance.
During their three-year journey with ASEC, the graduates of the Financial and Administration programme not only gained valuable skills and knowledge but also cultivated an intangible yet invaluable asset—wisdom. They absorbed the practical and spiritual wisdom that comes from navigating challenges, fostering meaningful relationships, and cultivating a deeper understanding of their own potential.
In an era where technological advancements continue to reshape our world, the women of ASEC embraced the power of digital learning, traversing the vast oceans of knowledge with the sails of technology through online learning.
Empowered with the access to digital tools, they acquired not just the practical skills necessary for financial and administrative success, but also a newfound appreciation for the transformative potential of Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
Part of the graduation class Sister Blandina ‘Maseboka Tsibela, as she addressed her peers and the officials present, SR Tsibela shared her heartfelt words of gratitude for the support and guidance she received during her time with ASEC, she thanks, “her fellow graduates for the teamwork, dedication, and self-confidence that we have cultivated during our time with ASEC. It is through these values that we have grown and flourished.”
“… to BAM Group instructors, as graduates they offer to them utmost gratitude for their patience, wisdom, and commitment to education and empowering women. Their guidance has been instrumental in shaping us into capable, confident women. Their work continues to inspire and uplift many more”
“The simple yet profound statement, ‘Educating a woman is educating a nation,’ speaks to the transformative potential of education in the lives of women and their wider communities.
“When a woman is educated, she becomes more than just a recipient of knowledge. She becomes a wellspring of empowerment, a driving force that shapes the future of her home, her community, and her nation. With her newfound skills and insights, she not only empowers herself, but also inspires those around her, fostering a culture of education and opportunity that transcends generations.”
As the graduation ceremony drew to a close, the assembled graduates and attendees were left with a sense of awe and inspiration. The SLDI had not only celebrated the hard-earned achievements of its participants but also ignited a spark of hope and possibility for the future of Lesotho.
With their newly acquired certified knowledge and wisdom, the SLDI ASEC graduates of the Financial and Administration programme stand as proud beacons of progress, their triumphs a testament to the boundless potential of women’s education and the power of community in fostering change.