Travel in the African Province with Kathy Gibbons

Kathy Gibbons, Grant Writer for the African Province, traveled with Sr. Cecilia Nya, Province Leader, to Nigeria, Ghana and the Republic of Benin at the end of 2003. Kathy enjoyed meeting many of the African sisters, novices and candidates as well as visiting each of the project sites.

Kathy's efforts are primarily focused on funding four projects:
  • Holy Child Agricultural Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria;
  • Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child in Giri, Nigeria;
  • Primary Health Care Centre and Vocational Centre, Jikwoyi, Nigeria;
  • Candidates Residence, Cape Coast, Ghana


    Kathy has chronicled her experience in nine albums. Click on the underlined text to view each album.

    Abuja Area Land: Two of the projects (the model secondary school for girls in Giri and the health care/vocational centre) are located in the greater Abuja area. Abuja is Nigeria's capital. This album shows Azu Rock, the backdrop of Abuja, as well as pictures of the School property and the Health Care/Vocational Centre site.

    Abuja Area Loyola Jesuit College: While visiting Abuja, Kathy stayed in the convent at Loyola Jesuit College, a coed secondary school run jointly by the Jesuits and Sisters of the Holy Child. This album highlights the campus and may give you a sense of what is envisioned for Cornelia Connelly School of the Holy Child.

    Accra, Cape Coast and Takoradi: Although Kathy's time in Ghana was limited to the South, she visited Accra, Cape Coast and Takoradi. This album includes pictures of Holy Child College in Cape Coast, the seven candidates, the land where the Candidates Residence will be built and the sun setting over the Atlantic. In Takoradi, Kathy stayed at Holy Child Training College and met with the Province Leadership Team.

    Holy Child Agricultural Project: While in Abeokuta, Kathy saw the Integrated Agricultural Centre. This album highlights Sr. Margaret and Sr. Loretto who work at the Centre, the construction in progress, the bore hole, well and water tanks, as well as the recently completed chicken house and baby chicks.

    Holy Child College in Lagos: While visiting Lagos, Kathy toured Holy Child College, a secondary school for girls. This album includes shots of campus buildings, classrooms and students in their dormitories.

    Keffi Street: Scheduled for completion in the Spring of 2004, this compound includes a Multi-purpose Centre and the Provincial House. The Centre will be used for Retreats, Conferences and Counseling.

    Novitiate and the Centre for Renewal: In Jos, Kathy saw the Novitiate and Centre for Renewal. This album shows buildings, gardens and the process of tie dying.

    Provincial House: The Provincial House in Ikeja was Kathy's home while in West Africa. This album includes pictures of the house, Sr. Cecilia's Feast Day Party, and the sisters in the community.

    Visiting Songhai: Kathy traveled to the Republic of Benin to visit Songhai Centre. Songhai is where Sr. Margaret and Sr. Martina studied integrated agriculture (crop production, animal husbandry, aquaculture). This album will leave you with images of what Holy Child Integrated Agricultural Centre could become in the future.

    Contact Kathy at kgibbons@shcj.org.