In a quiet village of Mukumu, Kenya, a powerful story of hope, resilience, and transformation is unfolding. At the heart of it are the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega (SMK), a congregation with a bold mission: to empower the girl child through education, protection, and nurturing faith.
Founded in 1932 by the Mill Hill missionary fathers from Holland, the Sisters of Mary were rooted in the spirit of primary evangelization and education. Recognizing the deep cultural inequalities that often, left girls confined to household roles, the sisters — supported by the Ursuline Sisters of Bergen — made it their life’s mission to elevate young women through schooling. Today, their founder’s vision continues to thrive in remarkable ways.
A Safe Harbour for Student Nurses
Sisters of Mary offering a safe accommodation to support young women’s education in Mukumu
One of the congregation’s standout initiatives is the hostel project for nursing students at St. Elizabeth Mukumu Medical and Technical College. Sister Josepha Angeline Atswele, the Superior General of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega, explains the driving force behind the project:
“Many young girls pursuing studies in nursing were forced to seek unsafe accommodations in the surrounding villages. Vulnerable to early pregnancies, crime, and exploitation, these young women faced immense challenges that threatened to disrupt their education and futures,” she says adding that, the Sisters’ solution was simple yet profound: bring the girls closer, within the mission’s protective compound. Here, the students live in a secure, nurturing environment that fosters academic success, personal growth, and spiritual nourishment.
Sr. Angeline Atswele, Superior General, Sisters of Mary of Kakamega
Sister Pamela Musinzi, deputy principal at St. Elizabeth Mukumu Medical and Technical College, emphasizes the importance of this effort. “Where our school is currently, we have a lot of insecurity issues,” she shares. “This facility has been of great benefit in terms of security. It also gives them more time to study, less stress, and greater peace of mind.”
For a modest monthly fee of about $20 (2,000 Kenyan shillings), the hostel provides not just a roof but support — a chance for young women to focus on their dreams without fear.
Beyond Shelter: Building Responsibility and Opportunity
But the Sisters’ commitment does not end with providing housing. They extend their support to young mothers who, due to life’s harsh circumstances, find themselves struggling. These young women are offered employment opportunities within the mission as cleaners and cooks, allowing them to rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose.
Being close to the Sisters also opens doors to deeper faith formation. Many young women are inspired to grow spiritually, with some even discerning vocations to religious life themselves — a powerful testimony to the environment of compassion, service, and hope that surrounds them.
The Challenges and the Dream
Despite the evident success, the hostel project faces challenges. The existing facility can accommodate only 60 students, while many more young women desperately need safe housing. With limited funds, expanding the hostel to accommodate an additional 60 girls remains a dream — one that the Sisters hope to realize through prayer, hard work, and the generosity of supporters.
Sister Josepha puts it simply: “We protect them by keeping them around. It helps them grow up responsibly, maturely, and safely.”
A Legacy of Empowerment
The story of the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega is a reminder that true empowerment begins with compassion, courage, and a commitment to justice. By investing in the girl child, the Sisters are not only changing individual lives; they are shaping stronger families, healthier communities, and a more equitable future for all.
In a world that often overlooks or underestimates the potential of young women, the Sisters’ work shines as a beacon of what is possible when faith meets action – and when dreams are given the shelter they need to grow.
