Driven by Compassion
Our purpose is simple yet profound: to ensure that the women who have dedicated their lives to spiritual service never walk alone in their later years.
Our Mission
Providing outstanding care for elderly and infirm sisters in religious congregations across Malawi.
Our Vision
A future where every sister enjoys dignity, companionship, and professional support.
Holistic Care
Customized health monitoring and daily assistance.
Safe Haven
Restructuring houses for accessibility and comfort.
Growing Reach
Currently serving 17+ religious congregations with plans for expansion nationwide.
Our Core Services
We provide a holistic ecosystem of care, focusing on the physical, emotional, and structural needs of our sisters.
Companionship & Care
Enriching lives through dedicated socialization and emotional support programs tailored for elderly sisters.
- Emotional support
- Social interaction
- Personal care assistance
Assistive Devices
Providing essential mobility aids and technology to ensure independence and safety in daily life.
- Mobility aids
- Safety equipment
- Technical training
Safe Living Spaces
Restructuring and upgrading housing to ensure full accessibility with ramps and safety modifications.
- Ramp installations
- Bathroom modifications
- Emergency systems
Supportive Services
Routine health monitoring by professionals and scheduled activities to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.
- Health monitoring
- Medication management
- Nutrition support
CERSMA Philosophy
"Older and infirm sisters should stay in their own religious houses as long as they receive quality care of our services."
All is done with financial aid and support from Conrad Hilton Foundation, CERSMA Trustees, Congregation leaders, Community leaders, and Caregivers. When the needs of the elderly and infirm sisters go beyond the ability of CERSMA to serve them, the religious congregations should be able to plan within their own capacity.
Our Goal
To create a wellness and elderly care network in Malawi and improve quality of care for elderly sisters.
Objectives
1Establishment of Operational Network
To establish and legally register an operational network for elderly care for the sisters in Malawi and to engage in assessing the needs of the elderly and specific interventions.
Recent Development
CERSMA engaged Mr. Chrispin Chimwemwe Ngunde, a Notary Public, Legal Practitioner, and CEO of Malawi Law Society to understand the law of Malawi and begin the process of registering an operational network. The CEO had a meeting with the Project Leader and Congregation Leaders held from 11th July 2024 – 13th July 2024 at St. John's Pastoral Centre in Lilongwe.
2Improved Quality of Health
- Access to psychosocial support
Initiative
CERSMA facilitated sessions between relatives and elderly sisters that promote social interaction, presence, and family visits.
Participating Religious Congregations
Categories of Elderly Sisters
We have three categories of Elderly Sisters:
Category 1
24/7 – those who need skilled personnel
Category 2
Assisted Living
Category 3
Independent Living
Care for the Elderly Sisters
Our Mission
The Care for the Elderly Sisters project was initiated by Sr. Jane Wakahiru, Vice President of the Conrad Hilton Foundation, in conjunction with Sr. Agnes Njeri, Program Officer in Africa, and CERRA Africa. This initiative was born out of comprehensive research conducted in Malawi, which highlighted the need for quality care for elderly sisters.
The Need
The research conducted in Malawi revealed that elderly sisters require specialized care and attention. Our mission is to ensure they receive the dignity, respect, and quality of life they deserve in their later years.
Key Milestone
Initial Meeting
December 13, 2023
Latitude 13 Hotel, Lilongwe, Malawi
Partnership
In collaboration with Association of Women Religious in Malawi (AWRIM)
Project Leaders
Sr. Mary Chimalizeni
Chairperson of the Board
Sr. Georgina Sapangwa
Head of Secretariat
Our Valued Partners
We are grateful for the support of our partners who help us make a difference in the lives of elderly sisters.
Conrad N. HILTON FOUNDATION
International Union Superiors General
Avilla Institute of Gerontology
The Anna Trust
Centre Research in Religious Life & Apostolic
Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops
Association of Women Religious in Malawi
Trickal Holdings
KUHeS