Counseling and Faith Formation
Sisters who pursue additional studies with the support of the AAC:SS are a great resource in the communities where they serve and to one another.
Degree programs in counseling empower Sisters to help people break their silence about HIV/AIDS. It is the silence that further burdens a person’s ability to live with the disease and seek help.
“African women religious have the will to break the silence surrounding HIV/AIDS and to alleviate the conditions of poverty that impact family and community life.
Sister-to-Sister is behind us 100% in helping each of us fulfill our mission.”
Degree programs in faith formation enable Sisters to fully witness their faith among the HIV/AIDS community with the goal of delivering compassionate care.
Course work is based on African culture and our Christian faith, which enables Sisters to serve the HIV/AIDS community with the greatest sensitivity. Many say their studies are a step forward in the growth of their faith and their commitment as African women religious.
A major development in the fall of 2018 was the addition of a new degree program at Uganda Martyrs University. Called Transformative Spiritual Leadership and Faith Development, this program addresses the many issues that lie beyond the concerns specific to HIV/AIDS, especially the impact of extreme poverty on individuals and their communities. Based on African culture and our Christian faith, the program will help our Sisters serve the HIV/AIDS community with the greatest sensitivity.
These are some of the major topics covered in AAC:SS-supported degree programs:
- Understanding scripture and revelation
- Faith seeking understanding in the 21st century
- The transformative spirituality of joy and hope
- Challenges to human growth and development
- Consecrated life and vows in the African context
- Techniques for the development of critical thinking
Impact. To date, 150 Sisters have completed degree programs in counseling with the support of AAC:SS. Another 11 Sisters completed their MA in counseling and 6 others are currently studying for the MA. Additionally 48 sisters completed their Diploma in Transformative Education and Faith.