Dear Nursing Student Sponsors,
Asia America Initiative is continuing to support nursing students even during this global pandemic crisis. The need for qualified nurses and front-line health providers has never been greater. Now is an important time in the training of nursing students all over the world. This is especially true since the Covid19 infection rate is most dangerous in hospitals and clinics where many 2nd to 4th year nursing students receive instruction. Most are now restricted from doing adequate experiential field training. Their challenges surpass the normal rigors of higher education and training. Hands-on instruction, observation, and patient interaction are crucial in making skillful and caring nurses in their future careers. Virtual learning is not enough in this field of study.
We are now preparing for nursing students and their instructors who we support in Sulu, Muslim Mindanao, and in Manila, Philippines to return to the classroom and hospital-based training. We are providing protective materials [PPEs] to help protect them from illness. In addition, we are sending additional new textbooks to reinforce their professional studies. There is talk of extending the requirements to graduate which may be necessary, but can be a significant financial burden for the students. We will extend scholarships where possible.
AAI continues to support at least 50 female nursing students with their basic educational needs, classroom materials, graduation fees, and the cost of licensing exams. We are also providing additional PPE for the students as well as technology to enhance their learning experience. As health care providers, the nurses are providing vital services to all community members and expanding the employment base in one of the most economically deprived areas of the world. In addition, they continue to be positive symbols for local youth.
These young women demonstrate the potential success for Muslim women around the world. Muslim females of all ages are being denied the opportunity to receive a quality education and to develop professional skills to remedy the health, social, and economic needs of their communities. They know local areas the best and know what is needed the most.
As of December 2020, AAI has helped support the successful licensing of nearly 400 new nurses in Sulu. In addition, we are sponsoring females in other medical professions. We sponsored a medical doctor in the country of Bhutan, who is now a traditional medicine practitioner. In the Philippines, we are sponsoring two future doctors and one psychologist specializing in trauma counseling. The challenge is to sustain this success.
If you would like to continue your support of these frontline defenders, please click the link below.
Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses
Wishing you peace in the coming year,
Albert Santoli
President, Asia America Initiative
Links:
The Philippines leads the world in natural disasters. Between September and November 2020, a series of typhoons delivered destruction, displacing thousands of families across the island nation. Asia America Initiative and local partners are conducting emergency and long-term relief including food and water to thousands of affected families. We apply lessons learned from two decades of relief programs. We also provide shelter materials, hygiene supplies, medicines, and ongoing post-trauma services.
In November 2020, Super Typhoon Goni delivered destruction across the Philippines. The floods, wind damage, and mud- and rock-slides have displaced more than 400,000 people. In areas of Visayas and Mindanao, many houses and schools were destroyed. New storms and flooding in 2020 have furthered the damage. We continue to care for displaced and severely affected communities. Our assistance goal for 2020 is 30,000 people, primarily children, and elders.
Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 1. If you would like to continue to support this program, your contribution will receive a match from GlobalGiving if made before midnight. Click the link below:
Food and Shelter for Philippine Typhoon Survivors
Wishing you peace in the coming year,
Albert Santoli
President, Asia America Initiative
Links:
In the midst of the COVID pandemic and the battering rain, wind, and 10-foot floodwaters engulfing villages and towns, terrorism and civil war continue to torment the people of the Philippines. Asia America Initiative feels blessed to have groups of loyal donors who have made our ongoing relief programs effective and consistent. In addition, we have emphasized community-based teamwork among local community members. We have bolstered the dignity of men, women, and children to not surrender -- no matter how difficult the natural and man-made calamities are that weigh against their survival.
AAI is pleased to assist ongoing efforts by local villagers and community leaders in the Patikul district of Sulu province to create new villages after years of war and destruction. Many thousands had been displaced and have survived in temporary shelters with support from big-hearted relatives, NGOs like AAI, the Philippine military, and local civic agencies.
For more than 50 years, religious conflict and natural disasters have caused suffering for millions of Filipino children. Our partnership programs empower the forgotten members of society to build model communities utilizing the values of peace and economic development. Inter-faith educational outreach teaches students the value of cooperation and diversity. We provide books, school supplies, clean water, and hygiene supplies. In response to the Covid19 crisis, we are providing protective gear, hand-wash facilities, and clean water systems, as well as nutrition programs for more than 5,000 children.
Sulu Province, with a majority Muslim population and an industrious Christian community, remains near the bottom of the UN's worldwide Human Development Index. In November, AAI proved our commitment to resettling more than 2000 people in two reconstructed villages in the shadow of the Bud Daho mountain. We are targeting at least two additional "Peace Zone" villages to begin resettlement by the New Year.
Giving Tuesday is Tuesday, December 1. If you would like to continue to support this program, your contribution will receive a match from GlobalGiving if made before midnight. Click the link below:
Unite Inter-Faith Children via Education and Water
Wishing you peace in the coming year,
Albert Santoli
President, Asia America Initiative
Links:
