By CISA
NYABURURU, AUGUST 6, 2024 (CISA) – The School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) are commemorating a remarkable 50 years of service and presence in Kenya, a journey that began humbly in Nyabururu in the Catholic Diocese of Kisii in 1974. Over the decades, their presence has expanded across Kenya, touching lives in three dioceses and two archdioceses by 2024. Their mission of education and unity has profoundly shaped the communities they serve.
The story of SSND’s involvement in Kenya began with a pivotal visit to the USA in 1971. Bishop Tiberius Charles Mugendi, who had recently been ordained Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Kisii, arrived at the Good Counsel Hill in Mankato, USA. Seeking to provide Kenyan Sisters with advanced education and invite American sisters to elevate the educational standards for indigenous sisters in his diocese. Bishop Mugendi was guided to the School Sisters of Notre Dame. He had been searching for a solution to the educational needs of the local sisters, many of whom required completion of basic education.
During his visit, Sr Margareta, the Provincial Leader of Mankato, arranged for the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph from Asumbi to receive education in Minnesota. The first Kenyan Sisters arrived in 1972, and over the years, ten Kenyan sisters completed their degrees in Minnesota, laying the groundwork for the SSND mission in Kenya.
In July 1973, Sr Eunice Silkey, then Provincial Leader, submitted a proposal to the Provincial Chapter. The proposal aimed to enhance the education of indigenous sisters and to establish a secondary school in the Diocese of Kisii. The proposal received strong support, leading to the arrival of the first SSND Sisters in Kenya on August 28, 1974. Known as the “3 Ms,” Srs Maris Simon, Mara Frundt from the Mankato Province, and Sr Mary Martin Colbert from the Chicago Province, began their journey in Nyabururu, Kisii, where they initiated the St. Francis Upgrading Center, now called St. Francis Spiritual Center run by the Asumbi Sisters.
Initially collaborating with the Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph of Asumbi, the Upgrading Center was later expanded to accommodate various religious communities. Over 97 sisters attended the centre, furthering their education and enriching their communities.
In 1977, SSND took over Gekano Girls Secondary School in Kisii Diocese, renaming it St. Theresa’s in honour of Blessed Mother Mary Theresa Gerhardinger their foundress. Sr Dianne Perry and Sr Kathryn Berger started the school year in January 1978. Under Sr Ann Schoch’s long tenure as headmistress from 1984 to 1990, St. Theresa’s Gekano grew significantly in infrastructure and academic reputation. The school’s leadership continued with Srs Audrey Lindenfelser, Michael Marie Laux, Jeanne Goessling, Joan Marie Van Beek, Carolyn Anyega, and Joyce Nyakwama.
In 2008, St. Theresa’s Gekano Girls Secondary School was handed over to the Sisters of the Blessed Virgin Mary. During this period, Archbishop Zaccheus Okoth of Kisumu personally invited Sr Eunice Silkey to teach in the seminary, though the seminary existed only in concept at the time. Sr Eunice began working at Ojolla Girls Secondary School, now Archbishop Okoth Girls Secondary School, where SSNDs contributed significantly to building and shaping the school. In 1991, the school was transferred to the Sisters of Mary of Kakamega.
In 1997, SSND sought a second secondary school location in Kenya and chose Kiptere in the Catholic Diocese of Kericho. The school’s initial structures were built with donations, and the convent was established in three small huts. Sr Michael Marie Laux served as the first headmistress, supported by Srs Joyce Nyakwama and Mara Frundt. With the expansion of the school, St. Patrick’s Fathers sought additional land and funds for development.
In 2008, the SSND community expanded to Nyalienga in HomaBay Diocese. Pioneer members, Sr Mara Frundt and Sr Rose Ngacha initiated the Children’s Outreach Program, serving 34 needy families and 119 children. This program evolved to include youth and agriculture initiatives.
The Magwagwa Community in Kisii Diocese was established in 2018 with pioneer members Sr Marceline Anyega and Sr Beatrice Chepngeno. Here, SSNDs have worked closely with the parish to support women, youth, and small Christian communities.
In 1990, recognizing the need for stability, SSNDs began forming African women into the community. The formation began in Kisumu, leading to the construction of a Formation House for postulants at Kanyakwar. Sr Kathryn Berger oversaw the building, and Sr Mary Kerber became the first postulant director. The East African Novitiate opened in Nairobi in 1993, with the first novices beginning their formation in January 1993. The novitiate in Nairobi eventually became a House of Studies and Ministry.
Throughout their history in Kenya, SSNDs have engaged in diverse ministries beyond formal education, including pastoral care, environmental action, health, and teacher training. Today, the School Sisters of Notre Dame are present in six communities across Kenya, serving in various ministries, and continue to educate and uplift women, youth, and children in five dioceses and archdioceses.
