Doreen Ajiambo

Violent clashes throughout Sudan have forced women religious to shut down their ministries and join hundreds of thousands also fleeing their homes. "Our country is now dead," one sister said.

Following the deaths of more than 100 cult followers in what is now known as the "Shakahola Forest Massacre," Catholic sisters and church leaders in Kenya are pressing the government to implement tighter regulations on religious bodies and clerics.

Religious sisters and other church leaders in Malawi, Madagascar and Mozambique are aiding victims of Tropical Cyclone Freddy, which has killed more than 600 people and displaced hundreds of thousands of others.

A Kenyan church program seeks to improve the lives of hundreds of young people with addictions and at risk of teen pregnancy.

As Pope Francis prepares to arrive Feb. 3 in South Sudan, religious sisters hope his visit will stir political leaders to finally come together and agree to restore peace to the youngest country in the world.

Catholic groups welcomed the historic deal reached at the United Nations climate summit to establish a "loss and damage" fund for vulnerable countries, even while negotiations fell short in other areas, they said.

As the town of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt prepares to host the latest U.N. climate change summit, organizations have already created a wish list of what they expect the convening will achieve.

Thousands of girls in Lesotho are forced to abandon their education as punishment for being pregnant. The Good Shepherd Sisters of Quebec run a center that shelters and supports teen moms.

Trained pastoral caregiver and counselor Sr. Eusebia Maselitso Lerotholi's ministry has evolved into being the mother of many through an orphanage home. Despite the challenges, she tells GSR that she has achieved a lot.

Religious leaders, including Catholic sisters, have praised Kenyans for maintaining peace and calm after the country's Supreme Court on Sept. 5 upheld William Ruto's presidential victory over Raila Odinga.

Chaos broke out in various parts of Kenya following the announcement of the victory of President-elect William Ruto, prompting religious leaders to urge residents to maintain the peace as Kenya waits for further instruction.

Photos - In the weeks leading up to the election, Catholic sisters nationwide have conducted peace campaigns and civic education to avert violence before, during and after the election.

Incarnate Word Sister Mary Magdalene has become a hero for championing peace campaigns in slums around Nairobi to ensure harmony and peaceful coexistence before, during and after Kenya's Aug. 9 elections.

Sr. Letta Mosue died July 19 near Rustenburg, in South Africa's North West province. Those who knew Mosue described her as a person with a golden heart, independent mind, and honesty, someone who changed people's lives.

"God always has a plan for every human being," one sister said, encouraging peaceful elections. "As we choose our leaders, he has already made his choice. Let us respect whatever the outcome is."

Faced with reduced acreage for farming due to surrounding mountains and unpredictable weather conditions, Sr. Cecilia Sekhopha turned to greenhouse farming to increase food production and earn extra income for her congregation.

Treating COVID-19 patients in Kampala, Uganda, was frightening and challenging. Said Sr./Dr. Assumpta Nabawanuka: "We would have run away from this pandemic, but the Holy Spirit kept us strong."

Sr. Anna Lereko of the Sisters of St. Joseph of St.-Hyacinthe in Lesotho has dedicated her life to ensuring every child can receive a formal education in a country where young boys are often denied it.

In Leribe, Lesotho, Sr. Victoria Mota is changing the lives of young people. She started a sewing center at Holy Family High School in 2015 to empower youths and ensure they come out of poverty.

The Catholic Sisters COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassadors Campaign, supported by the Hilton Foundation, has helped increase the number of Ugandans vaccinated against COVID-19 from 5% to 38% in about six months.