THE RELIGIOUS SISTERS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

led by Sister Juunza Mwangani and Sister Rosalia Sakayombo

MAZABUKA, ZAMBIA

The Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit, who dedicate their ministry to education, health, pastoral and social work, youth, and social entrepreneurship, were founded in 1971 by Bishop James Corboy, SJ, of the Diocese of Monze, Zambia. This year’s Opus Prize Laureate has become a model enterprise in Zambia, having partnered with the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to implement a project that imparts eco-friendly agriculture and entrepreneurship skills to ensure food security among disadvantaged women. The Sisters are also engaged in transformational leadership that aims to transform the mindset of youth in Zambia, who have often been led to believe that life is only worthwhile if someone has undergone formal education and secured a white-collar job. Their program emphasizes the acquisition of a combination of both academic learning and entrepreneurial skills by young people. The Sisters believe that this approach will transform the social systems and eventually break the cycle of poverty.

Through their Emerging Farmers Initiative, youth are trained to become successful entrepreneurs who are sensitive to preserving and replenishing Mother Earth – our common home. This initiative is specifically focusing on youth because they hold the future of Africa, and Zambia in particular. The Religious Sisters of the Holy Spirit believe that this change in approach to fighting poverty will be sustained if it is introduced to younger generations in their formative years.