Sr. Kayula has worked with the Jesuit Social Apostolates, the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). In 2014, Pope Francis appointed her as a Member of the Pontifical  Commission for the Protection of Minors and she served in this capacity for 8 years. Currently, she is the National Coordinator of Talitha Kum Zambia (TAKUZA), working to prevent and address human trafficking.

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I am honoured to be appointed as the Talitha Kum Africa Regional Coordinator as this responsibility will serve as a significant platform for carrying out the mandate my congregation, the Religious Sisters of Charity, placed on each Sister, that of working to prevent and address human trafficking wherever one was serving. This commitment dates back to the 2007 General Chapter which, over the years, has seen renewal as the issue of human trafficking continues to be at the centre of our social justice mission.

Talitha Kum International is a valuable space for engagement in anti-human trafficking work. The emphasis on networking and collaboration is essential, facilitating the growth of our work as we carry our mission, both at National and Regional levels. 

I therefore consider it my primary mission to promote strong networks within the Africa Region – building on what the outgoing coordinator, Sr. Yvonne Clemence Bambara from Burkina Faso, has done brilliantly over the past six years. I also wish to strengthen anti-human trafficking advocacy, drawing on my work experience in the field of social justice over the past 24 years. Working very closely with national coordinators, hub coordinators, and Youth Ambassadors, we will do everything possible to address human trafficking issues in Africa which are becoming increasingly complex, especially in the context of widespread human smuggling and irregular migration across the region. 

It’s a privilege for me to be part of the Talitha Kum International Coordinating Committee (TKICC) as this global platform will provide me with opportunities to learn best practices from other members. I am therefore deeply grateful to both the UISG leadership and the leadership of my Congregation for this opportunity to serve in this role. I will rely on your continued support and accompaniment.

Sr. Kayula G. Lesa, Religious Sisters of Charity