Growing Stronger in Zambia

Sancta Maria College of Nursing & Midwifery in Lukulu has reached an exciting milestone. With the completion of the new kitchen and dining facility and the installation of a solar-powered irrigation system, the College is now better equipped than ever to fulfil its mission: addressing critical healthcare gaps in Western Zambia by training skilled, local nurses. 

The newly opened kitchen and dining room have quickly become the heart of campus life. Funded by a grant from the Noel & Carmel O’Brien Family Foundation, along with donations from other generous supporters, the facility was designed to suit the local context. It features handwashing stations, sliding screened windows for ventilation, a fully fitted cooler room, and a serving counter to efficiently deliver nutritious meals to 280 students and staff. Steel trusses support the wide roof span, ensuring long-term durability. The space is already celebrated as one that nourishes both body and spirit. 

At the same time, the College’s farm is thriving thanks to a new solar-powered pump and drip irrigation system, funded by the Rotary Club of Port Philip, Australia. This innovation ensures a reliable water supply during the dry season, boosts productivity, and reduces manual labour. It enables the College, which houses students on campus, to grow more of its own food and provide each student with three nutritious meals a day. 

By reducing its reliance on external food sources and lowering operational costs, the College is enhancing student wellbeing and progressing steadily toward financial sustainability. 

This transformation is only possible because of your support. Thank you for helping build a stronger, more self-reliant future for nursing education in rural Zambia. 

A Lasting Commitment to Education 

The Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm Scholarship Fund

In May 2025, Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm, beloved educator, advocate, and friend, passed away after a life devoted to serving others. In her honour, Mary Ward International and the Loreto Sisters have established The Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm Scholarship Fund, a tribute to her enduring commitment to dignity and opportunity through education. 

For over two decades in Western Zambia, Sr Elizabeth walked alongside remote communities, supporting community-led schools, building classroom furniture, and championing every child’s right to learn. Her legacy lives on most powerfully at Sancta Maria College of Nursing and Midwifery in Lukulu, where, along with Sr Pat Hanvey ibvm, she established the College to serve the community and create lasting change. 

As manager of the College’s student bursary program, Sr Elizabeth worked tirelessly to ensure that no student was turned away due to financial hardship. She understood that education transforms individual lives and, in doing so, strengthens families and communities. 

“I am the first girl child in my community to go on to further studies,” says current scholarship holder Jacqueline. “I will be a role model to encourage other girls that they can also make it in life.” 

The Scholarship Fund will continue Sr Elizabeth’s life-changing work, providing financial support for students from remote and disadvantaged communities pursuing nursing education. Covering tuition, training costs, travel, and accommodation, the fund enables students to focus wholly on their studies and on becoming the compassionate healthcare professionals their communities need. 

In Sr Elizabeth’s own words, “When a student is awarded a scholarship, their demeanour is transformed from one carrying an impossible burden to a person who is free to laugh and enjoy life.” 

With your support, we can ensure that Sr Elizabeth’s legacy continues to inspire and transform lives. For more information contact mwiaustralia@loreto.org.au

Learn more about the Sr Elizabeth Donnan ibvm Scholarship Fund here.

A Snapshot: The Difference You've Made in 2025

Peru

Child Rights in Huaycán 

In Huaycán, community commitment to children’s rights is growing. This year, 37 primary and secondary teachers participated in child protection workshops, up from just three the year before. Teachers say the program has helped them better recognise risks and changed the way they advocate for children’s wellbeing in schools. 

South Sudan

Early Childhood Health and Nutrition 

At the Mary Ward Health Clinic, 150 malnourished babies and 140 mothers received baby kits, essential medicines, and practical health education. Caregivers are now reporting fewer childhood illnesses, improved energy, and stronger school readiness. Described as life-changing, this program brings families and clinic staff together to nurture healthy, hopeful futures. 

Zambia

Baby Milk

Over the past year, 56 undernourished babies received essential nutritional support, while their mothers and caregivers took part in health education sessions. Volunteers monitor the babies’ growth and provide intervention when needed. Some caregivers walk up to nine hours to access the service, showing extraordinary commitment to their children’s health and wellbeing. 

Kenya

Combatting Human Trafficking 

In Kangemi, an informal settlement in Nairobi, poverty creates conditions for exploitation. In 2025, over 26,000 people, including students, police, local leaders, and motorbike taxi drivers, took part in human trafficking awareness sessions. The community is now better equipped to prevent exploitation, with 35 people rescued and now accessing wraparound support services. 

India

Collective Voices 

In Darjeeling, where opportunities beyond working on a tea estate are limited, career guidance sessions are helping young people consider new directions. So far in 2025, over 50 students have explored pathways for further study and employment. Many are now pursuing courses in geography, political science, and tailoring, taking steps toward futures they once thought were out of reach. 

Vietnam

Vinh Loc Learning Support Program

The Vinh Loc Learning Support Program is helping families build brighter futures through literacy. In 2025, 51 out-of-school children and three parents or grandparents joined classes to improve their reading, writing, and numeracy. These skills are helping families manage daily life, run small businesses more effectively, and inspire children to continue learning. 

Timor-Leste

Mary Ward Sewing Centre 

In Ostico, the Mary Ward Sewing Centre is helping women develop income-generating skills in sewing and tailoring. Participants are now learning how to produce clothes, bags, and uniforms - skills they can use to earn an income, support their families, and take an active role in shaping their community’s future. 

Australia

Women’s Supported Accommodation

The Women’s Supported Accommodation project is helping vulnerable women regain control over their lives. In 2025, ten women and two single-parent families accessed safe housing, case management, and pathways to employment. Tailored support is helping them build confidence, develop independence, and take steps toward long-term stability.