Since 2004, WGC has worked in partnership with the Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Zambia, a land-locked African country the size of Texas.

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word during their visit to Zambia’s Mission, 2016.

Our focus, which mirrors the sisters’ mission there, is helping women escape extreme poverty in this region where families live on less than $2 a day. Strengthening our community development and educational projects there in conjunction with CCVI sisters is the goal of an immersion trip currently underway.

WGC Executive Director Lisa Uribe and WGC Board Member Barbara Aranda-Naranjo joined Sr. Jean Durel, CCVI, on the journey to Zambia through mid-July. Barbara also serves as Associate Provost for Community Engagement at UIW and is using the trip as discernment for possible collaborations for the Ettling Center for Civic Leadership, begun by WGC’s late co-founder, Sr. Dot Ettling. Sr. Jean is on the CCVI General Leadership Team.

Mission in Zambia, Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, 2016.

The group has been meeting with the CCVI sisters who have been living and working in Zambia, Srs. Laura Edith, Cecilia, and Cristina, about how best to continue in collaboration to serve those living in the Mongu region —  who are eager to be provided continued training and resources for promoting life skills, small business development, nutrition, health and wellness.

Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word in Zambia. 2016.

WGC’s immersion trips and projects have centered on those things, as we work especially to help women become advocates for their families and dignified agents of their own destiny.

Possibilities in addition to cultural exchange trips would include the placement of Incarnate Word missionaries in Zambia.

Please keep the trip participants in your prayers!

* For more stories about Women’s Global Connection, a ministry of Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word, please visit their website at www.womensglobalconnection.org