Beyond Charity: The Development of the Mission of the Daughters of Charity in Sub-Saharan Africa

Theresa Eke recounts the history of the Daughters of Charity’s service in Africa and explains the evolution of their approach to poverty alleviation there. The Daughters learned the importance of knowing the cultures and languages of those they served. At first, they addressed poverty with donations of material goods, but later they empowered the poor, teaching them skills and helping them establish farms and businesses, particularly through helping them to purchase equipment. They learned to listen to what the poor themselves said would help them. They supported high school and university education, especially for women and girls. The Daughters also provided shelter, education, healthcare, and other social services to people with disabilities, who were formerly left to die of exposure. Through the institutions the Daughters created, people with disabilities have become more integrated into society, although much work remains to be done. Much of the Daughters’ current efforts are aimed at making systemic change to eradicate marginalization and poverty.