Kenya: Communication network empowers Sisters, promotes evangelization
By Sr. Christine Masivo Cps
In a groundbreaking initiative, Catholic sisters in Kenya, under the umbrella of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK), have officially launched the Communication Network for Catholic Sisters (CNCS). This new network aims to enhance evangelization through modern social communication, reflecting the sisters' commitment to using media for social transformation. The launch event on Friday, June 14, followed a two-day preparatory workshop in Nairobi, where 13 professional sisters` communicators were trained in communication, aligning with CNCS objectives among them being to equip sisters with the skills needed to thrive in the digital age.
Social media security and AI training
The preparatory workshop included comprehensive sessions on social media security, protection, and cyberbullying, led by renowned expert Mr. Kennedy Kachwanya. He emphasized the inevitability of encountering cyberbullying on social platforms and advised the sisters to respond with grace and an evangelistic spirit. "We must use the challenges we face in the social space to evangelize and help transform the people," he remarked, highlighting the sisters' mission to promote understanding and compassion through their online interactions.
A significant focus of the workshop was training on Artificial Intelligence (AI), led by Br. Elias Mokua SJ. He highlighted AI's transformative potential in communication, stating that, "AI gives us more time for creativity. We must use it to recreate our way of thinking and move forward." This session aimed to empower the sisters with the knowledge to leverage AI for more effective evangelism and storytelling.
Stories that need to be told
Present at the launch were representatives from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, Sr. Jane Wakahiu, LSOSF, Associate Vice President of Program Operations and Head of Catholic Sisters Initiative, Angelique Mutombo, Senior Programs Officer, Catholic Sisters Initiative Africa and Sr. Agnes Njeri Program Officer for Catholic Sisters initiative, Africa. Also, Sr. Josephine Kangogo, DSH, Chairperson of the Association of Sisterhoods of Kenya (AOSK) and CNCS Board Chair, Ms. Christine Nguku from the Media Council of Kenya and various Catholic media houses.
Reflecting on the journey from the network's inception to its launch, Sr. Jane Wakahiu shared her excitement and gratitude. "This network was once a dream, but through collective effort and big thinking, it has become a reality. The sisters have stories of hope, love, and courage that need to be told with tenderness and care," she said. She urged the sisters to use the network to share their stories through the lens of Jesus and their mission of healing.
Sr. Kangogo reiterated the critical role of communication in society, emphasizing, "Communication is the lifeblood of every progressive society and everyday living. Providing the right and credible information is paramount." She expressed confidence that the CNCS will enable sisters to share their stories with precision and authenticity, thereby strengthening their evangelistic efforts and advocacy for the voiceless.
Communications Network for Catholic Sisters (CNCS) is funded by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, which has a long-standing commitment to supporting Catholic sisters. Sr. Wakahiu highlighted the Foundation's belief that "charity is a supreme virtue," and noted the Foundation's support in alleviating human suffering through the sisters' dedicated work and compassionate hearts.
Impacting society through media
Sr. Michelle Njeri OSF, Director of CNCS, outlined the network's goal to provide a unified communication channel for religious sisters from various congregations. "This network aims to enhance our capacity for evangelization through media, fostering greater connection and collaboration among us," she stated. Sr. Njeri emphasized that CNCS will provide a platform for catholic sisters to amplify their voices through coverage of various apostolates for evangelization and social transformation. “CNCS will be guided by its core values of prayer, integrity, accountability, respect, diversity, networking and partnership “she added
"Our vision is to be a dynamic network of empowered Catholic sisters, evangelizing through stories of social transformation," Sr. Njeri emphasized as they launched the network. The mission of this network is to promote the apostolate of Catholic sisters through media visibility for evangelization and social transformation. By sharing our stories, we aim to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding and compassion in society."
New era for Catholic sisters in Kenya
The launch of the Communication Network for Catholic Sisters (CNCS) marks a new era for Catholic sisters in Kenya. By embracing modern communication tools and platforms, the sisters are enhancing their evangelistic efforts and making a significant impact on society. Through their stories of hope, love, and courage, they are fostering a more compassionate and understanding world. As the sisters move forward with this new platform, they are poised to share their profound stories and messages with a wider audience, fostering greater understanding and compassion in society, and this will undoubtedly continue to be a beacon of light and transformation in the digital age.
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