Ministry of Study
International Locations – The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) in Province of Africa are serving in diverse ministries. The sisters are educators in whatever service they are rendering, directly or indirectly educating adults, youth and children to develop their potentials to the fullest. However, for sisters to give quality service and be competent in their area of service they need to regularly update themselves and receive professional training as our current world reality demands. Sisters study within their countries and abroad, courses relevant to our ministry.
Recently, one of our sisters who is a beneficiary of the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation scholarship program graduated with master’s degree in occupational and environmental health and safety.
“Goodwill,” our foundress says, “does not suffice for lack of competence.” In a fast evolving world, there are many avenues for evangelization of the young people, women and children. Sisters make efforts to equip themselves, learn and become more conversant with state of the art technologies.
At tertiary institutions, sisters acquire transferable skills which will enable them make more impact on the society. Having a credited degree means a sister is knowledgeable in a certain field, knowledge which can be put forward for the benefit of the society and the advancement of God’s mission. Thus she becomes better equipped to educate with the conviction that the world can be changed through the transformation of persons.
Studying at tertiary institutions also gives avenues for interactions and building relationships with people of diverse backgrounds and faith/religious beliefs. Sisters take this opportunity to evangelize and witness to our charism and our catholic faith. Through their interactions and presence, they model how to live a good Christian life especially to young adults.
Our foundress, Blessed Mary Theresa of Jesus reminds us: “It is imperative that we zealously continue our education in order to meet the exceedingly high demands made … in our time.” Therefore, good number of our sisters are in the ministry of study to prepare themselves for their ministry as nurses, teachers, administrators, councilors, etc.