About Us
Our History
Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Mongu Sancta Maria College of Nursing & Midwifery was established in 2021, to bring access to tertiary and professional training to the youth of Lukulu District, as well as providing training for additional nurses country-wide and so address critical needs.
The old District Hospital which was situated on Church land had remained partially vacant since the relocation of the Hospital to a new site in 2015. A few of the buildings were being used for a day clinic and District Health Offices, but the rest remained vacant and increasingly run-down with time. There is a shortage of nurses in the country, and the Ministry of Health had previously identified the need to establish a nursing school in Lukulu in 2017 within the vacated buildings. Lack of Government resources did not allow this to happen as planned.
The old District Hospital was originally a Mission Hospital which was handed over to the Government in 1999 when the Congregation responsible for running it at that time withdrew from the area. The Diocese was keen to safeguard the land which the buildings are situated on, and to continue to reach out to the local people. The best way for this to happen was for the Church to repossess the buildings and to be active on site.
The Ministry of Health was open to the repossession of the property by the Church and to work in partnership to support a Church-run Nursing College as a Grant-Aided Institution. With this in mind, the Diocese requested and subsequently appointed the Loreto Sisters, resident and ministering in Lukulu since 2006, as Managing Agents of the proposed Nursing College.
Repossession of the site was finalised in September 2020 and renovation works began with immediate effect to transform the vacant buildings into a purpose-fit and well-equipped College of Nursing & Midwifery.
Sancta Maria College Today
Sancta Maria College of Nursing & Midwifery opened in July 2021 with a Diploma in General Nursing and has since grown rapidly through significant infrastructure, academic, and sustainability developments, including the construction of modern hostels making the College fully residential, expanded classroom blocks, transport facilities, enhanced security, and renewable energy and agricultural initiatives. The College has celebrated two graduations with increasing numbers of qualified nurses and continues to strengthen self-sufficiency through water, solar power, and food production. Looking ahead, the College aims to expand into a fully-fledged nursing and midwifery institution offering additional diploma and in-service courses, improved practicum facilities, and expanded recreational, academic, and residential infrastructure to support its long-term growth and community impact.
Sancta Maria College aims to expand programs, enhance facilities, develop on-site practicum and recreational centers, advance sustainability initiatives, and grow staff and accommodations for long-term impact.
Our Vision
To bring greater access to nursing education and health care for all Zambians through quality training in healing and wholeness as exemplified in the life of Christ
Mission Statement
Owned by the Catholic Diocese of Mongu, managed by the Loreto Sisters (CJ) and guided by the standards and norms of NMCZ, Sancta Maria College of Nursing & Midwifery as a Grant-Aided Church institution, will engage students within a framework of Christian values to provide highly skilled and qualified health professionals.
Our Values
Freedom
Justice
Through the development of right relationship with God, self and others, the college values and instills respect through just relationships, just structures and the dignity of each person
Truth
The college values integrity and openness in words, actions and relationships
Empowerment
The College creates an enabling environment to develop skills which give each one confidence to take responsibility in life
