The move ends efforts by a local charity to revitalise the 150-year-old complex.

The plan, developed by Taste Nature Social Enterprise and chaired by Clinton Chambers, sought to use the site for organic farming, health services and educational programmes.

However, the Dunedin operations manager for the Catholic diocese, Paul Olsen, dismissed the idea.

"Clinton's proposal is Clinton's proposal and won't be happening at Holy Cross. So that's the start and end of it" said Olsen.

Church's decision signals finality

Olsen's remarks indicate that the church has no intention of moving forward with the charity's vision for the complex which has been largely unused since 1997 when the seminary moved to Auckland.

While the church has not elaborated on its reasons, Olsen confirmed that any plans for the future of the property are "commercially sensitive".

The Holy Cross site, which features a chapel, dining hall and accommodation for 100 people, has fallen into disrepair over the years.

Parts of the building, including the lecture theatre, show signs of neglect.

Chambers had hoped his charity's activities, including organic food production, healthy cooking and integrative health practices such as yoga, could breathe new life into the property.

Disappointment for local charity

The church's rejection leaves Taste Nature Social Enterprise seeking a new location for its initiatives.

A disappointed Chambers remains optimistic about continuing the charity's mission elsewhere.

Local MP Ingrid Leary also shared her disappointment, calling the church's decision "a shame" and acknowledging Mr Chambers' dedication.

"He has a successful track record in business and a big vision that aligns his values of a circular, sustainable economy and empowerment of young people" she said.

Uncertain future for former seminary

The church has not disclosed any specific plans for the Holy Cross complex.

Chambers says "When one door closes another opens. We have a good, strong concept that is workable and sometimes challenges are a catalyst for change".

The initiative, a part of the Sisters Branded Value Project (SBVP), aims to equip sisters with business skills and resources to ensure the sustainability of their ministries across East Africa.

Sr Celestine Nasiali, the regional coordinator of SVBP, said the conference is a pivotal learning opportunity.

She said it is vital that they learn from other social entrepreneurs outside their ministry so they can emulate these people, return to their institutes and implement the skills in their Social Ministry.

The programme, implemented by Strathmore University, supports sisters from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zambia.

Participants acquire knowledge in enterprise management and networking, empowering them to drive financial sustainability in their congregations' social ministries.

Equipping Sisters for sustainability

The programme was launched in response to a 2021 Conrad Hilton Foundation survey highlighting the challenges faced by Catholic sisters, particularly where there is limited funding and sustainability in their ministries.

By integrating social entrepreneurship into their work, sisters can secure the necessary resources to continue providing essential services.

Dr Angela Ndunge, the Investment Director of SBVP, noted the importance of training in helping sisters sustain and expand their outreach to underserved communities.

Ndunge said it is essential that the great work the sisters do is sustainable and that they earn money to support themselves.

She said that many of the sisters involved in the programme come from congregations that provide crucial services to the marginalised and in the running of schools and hospitals.

As Ndunge pointed out, these ministries often fill gaps left by the private sector.

"When you're looking for a place to get services, a lot of times the sisters will be the ones who are available, especially to those who are unable to access private sector services."

Focussing on women entrepreneurs

The Sisters Branded Value Project focuses on women-led businesses, recognising that women often face significant barriers in starting and sustaining enterprises.

Eunice Kimani, Strathmore University's head of Entrepreneurship Programmes, emphasised the importance of supporting women entrepreneurs.

"We are focusing on women because they are the ones running very successful businesses, especially in Kenya and even across Africa" Kimani said.

"Yet they face a lot of challenges when trying to set up and grow their businesses."

Source

• NTVUganda