Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses

Dear Friends,

Since March in the Philippines, there has been a nationwide outbreak of pertussis virus which is more commonly known as “whooping cough.”

The Nursing students, some of whom are scholarship students of Asia America Initiative, have been helping with the local clinics and school campaigns to get the message out and help with vaccinations of children, pregnant women and adults who have not been previously vaccinated. Babies are especially vulnerable as they have no immunity and often stop breathing rather than cough. According to the Center for Disease Control, worldwide, half the children who contract the infection will need hospitalization and 1 out of every 200 children will die.

In developing countries, and especially in remote areas of the Philippines, an adequate number of nurses and doctors in the field of medicine is rare. Globally, 70 percent of the health and social workforce are women. The largest needs-based shortages in these occupations are in East Asia and Africa, which have the world's largest Muslim populations. Within the Philippines, there is currently a shortage of 350,000 nurses, which has devastated the country's public health programs.

More than ever, it has become apparent that new nurses and other medical professionals are needed and must be given the opportunity to study if they have the aptitude and desire to serve their communities. Muslim females around the world lack the opportunity to receive a quality education and to develop professional skills to remedy the health, social, and economic needs of their communities.

AAI, with the help of our GlobalGiving donors, provide scholarships for Nursing students in the Philippines at some of our sponsored schools. These include: Sulu State College of Jolo, Mindanao State University, Notre Dame College in Jolo, Ateneo University in Zamboanga and Our Lady of Fatima University in Manila. These institutions have provided wonderful training and opportunities for Muslim girls, who study alongside their Christian sisters.

When there is an outbreak or other health emergency (such as the Covid19 pandemic or dengue), AAI sponsored nursing students step in to assist the medical professionals when needed. There are many responsibilities they can handle as well as having the opportunity for on-the-job training for when they become a medical professional.

Since 2017, we have supported more than 350 deserving women to become licensed Registered Nurses, Midwives, Psychologists and Technicians who provide professional life-saving care to their neighbors. AAI’s goal in these communities is to build a quality health system accessible to all.

If you would like to continue to support these dedicated nursing students, or begin a monthly donation, please click the link below.

Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses

Thank you again,

Albert Santoli,

Director,

Asia America Initiative

Dear Friends,

Since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a worldwide shortage of licensed nurses.  Due to high training standards, Philippine nurses of every specialty are in high demand. 

We are happy to tell you about a recent Asia America Initiative Nursing graduate who was immediately hired in Manila after passing her Philippine Nursing Board exams.

AAI scholar Khaleela was accepted at an exceptional 4-year nursing program in Manila at Our Lady of Fatima College, leaving her home in Muslim Mindanao. As the only Muslim in her class, gaining peer acceptance and confidence in her new environment took time. Within a year, because of her intellect and personality, she earned a leadership role among her peers, and as she says, "the sky has been the limit ever since."  Khaleela overcame a lack of confidence and surpassed all expectations by graduating with honors. Her achievements are more remarkable due to her studying during the COVID-19 pandemic, when students had to double up on classes and apprentice during hospital shifts. Amazing on-the-job training!

Upon receiving her board certification, she was offered employment at not one but two hospitals in Manila. Education means opportunity, and freedom means having choices to be "the best version of yourself that you can be,” Khaleela reflects. Her educational journey embodies AAI’s mission of opportunity and intercultural teamwork. Her success has empowered her to be a role model for current and future scholars.

Many Muslim females around the world lack the opportunity to receive a quality education and to develop professional skills to remedy health, social, and economic needs. With the help of our GlobalGiving donors, AAI provides scholarships for aspiring Nursing students in our sponsored schools. These institutions provide wonderful training and opportunities for Muslim girls who will study alongside their Christian sisters, fostering trust and shared goals that break down barriers to better their communities.

Since 2017, in each school year, we have supported up to 50 female nursing students with basic educational needs, classroom materials and lab fees, graduation fees, and the cost of living for licensing exams. We now have supported more than 350 deserving women to become licensed Registered Nurses, Midwives, Psychologists, and Technicians -- including two medical doctors. They provide professional life-saving care to their neighbors. As healthcare providers, nurses are symbols of peace and resilience.  They provide vital services to all community members and expand the employment base in some of the most economically deprived locations in the world.

GlobalGiving donors have made it possible for young, talented women from impoverished families to fulfill their dreams.  AAI is honored to have you as part of our extended team.

The goal of the Asia America Initiative is to build a quality health system that is accessible to all.

If you would like add an additional gift of support for these dedicated nursing students or begin a monthly donation, please click the link below.

Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses

I appreciate your support,

Albert Santoli,

Director,

Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website