Elderly Care Network in Zambia
Centre for Catholic Sisters Wellness Elderly Care Network
Brief Project History
Experiences of the Centre for Catholic Sisters' Wellness in Zambia
The Elderly and infirm sisters care program was initiated by Conrad N. Hilton Foundation in 2023 to empower women Religious Congregations so that they live descent lives in their old age. This program enabled sisters to address the needs of the aging sisters in their communities and to train others to assess and implement geriatric care.
The goal was to focus on supporting elderly sisters with immediate needs such as supportive devices, medical care and to train sisters so that they have the knowledge and skills in taking care of the elderly and infirmed sisters. The establishment of the Elderly Care Network in Zambia in 2023 marked a significant stride in our mission of providing quality healthcare to the Elderly and infirmed sisters, following the example set by Jesus Himself and translating scriptures such as the “Good Samaritan story”.
This project was spearheaded by the Little Servants of the Blessed Virgin Mary Conceived Immaculate (LSMI) under the umbrella of Zambia Association of Sisterhood (ZAS).
Elderly Care Network
Achievements
Project Accomplishments
All objectives established by Hilton Foundation were met. Geriatric experts were engaged and assessments were successful. 350 sisters in 13 Congregations are now supported. Two sisters were trained at Avila School of Gerontology as Geriatric Specialists and were involved in training other sisters from the 13 Congregations in geriatric care.
Beneficiaries are now able to sleep in comfortable orthopedic beds, medications were covered, medical equipment like glucometers, blood pressure machines, exercise equipment, and renovation of rooms were provided. The Major Superiors and beneficiaries are very appreciative of the support given by Hilton Foundation. Challenges remain as not all beneficiaries have comfortable beds, completed renovations and physical exercise equipment. Therefore, there is need for more support.
Hilton Foundation Objectives
Project Objectives
Create and register the Elderly Care and Wellness Network for Catholic Sisters in Zambia
Engage geriatric experts to assess immediate needs of elderly and infirm sisters and suggest interventions
Support 13 Congregations to address immediate needs of 350 elderly and infirm sisters
Identify and train sisters in geriatric care by Geriatric Specialists trained by Avila School of Gerontology-USA
Where We Work
Executive Members
CCCZ has successfully reintegrated children across these districts in Zambia.
Mother Edith Sokoshi
Director of the Network
(LSMI)
Sr. Belinda Chisanga
Vice Director of the Network
(SCJ)
Sr. Dorothy Chongo
Coordinator of the Network
(LSMI)
Sr. Alice Mwiinga Chikonga
Vice Coordinator of the Network
(Handmaid Sisters)
Sr. Grace Musonda
Accountant of the Network
(LSMI)
Achievements
Successes of the Project
The 2024 Assessment of the elderly and infirm sisters in 13 participating Congregations was successfully completed.
The 2024 Assessment of the elderly and infirm sisters in 13 participating Congregations was successfully completed.
2024 and 2025 grants given to the 13 participating congregations, budgets and implementation were successful.
2024 Management and financial reports submitted to Hilton Foundation were considered valid and acceptable.
Drafting of the Network Constitution was completed in April 2025; Constitution was finalized and approved.
Each participating Congregation will receive a hard copy of the Constitution during monitoring visits.
The Network was registered with the Registrar of Societies on December 3, 2025, and a Certificate of Registration was issued.
Geriatric Specialists successfully trained the first group of 13 focal point sisters, who completed training in October 2024 and graduated in February 2025.
Successfully enrolled and trained the second group of 14 focal point sisters who completed training in September 2025 and graduated on January 9, 2026.
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Help us provide dignified care for seniors in our community.