Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses

Graduation

A some areas of the world, a large percentage of Muslim women and girls are denied the opportunity to receive a quality education to realize their professional goals. Some regions, such as the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, are chronoically affected by high poverty and dramatically diminished public health conditions. In the Sulu archipelago in the Philippines, which borders Indonesia and Malaysia, there are less than 20 medical doctors for more than 1.6 million people scattered across hundreds of islands.  A major need exists specifically for the protection of mothers and infants in childbirth. AAI is supporting nursing students at Sulu State College and Mindanao State University . Since 2016, our goal has been to provide opportunities in public health and livelihood conducted primarily by nurses, midwives and traditional medicine practitioners .

Beginning in 2016, AAI's "Support 50 Muslim Girls to Become Nurses" project has adressed crisis conditions at Sulu State College and Mindanao State University in Jolo city.  We have surpassed our original goals for qualified new nurses, with around 300 graduates who have passed their professional exams. These two schools and the private Notre Dame College in Jolo have a combined record of exellence that now can compete on a national scale.  The AAI assistance program is a global model for equal opportunity and compassionate service.. With support of GlobalGiving donors, we provide textbooks, clinical materials, and school supplies to improve the quality of health education.  In addition, our partnerships helps to build bonds of friendship and peace between people of all faiths and cultures.

Sulu State College Chancellor, Dr. Charisma, herself a former practicing nurse and head of the Nursing School, says: "Sulu is indeed blessed to have such caring and unselfish people from around the world who have generously supported  Professor Santoli of Asia America Initiative in his untiring efforts to improve healthcare in our province.  The textbooks and medical equipment provided by AAI in consultation with our administrators have created a partnership that has empowered our faculty and our students.  AAI has also provided scholarships to talented students whose famillies could not afford to pay the extra fees and other expenses required.  May Allah bless our benefactors more.  So that you can continue to be a blessing to others."

In July 2021, new Nursing graduates at Sulu State College were honored with a traditional Cap, Badge and Candle ceremony to pledge a proessional life dedicated to honor, service and professional excellence. These students exemplify the potential of women [and men] worldwide to contribute to their communities, especially during crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global shortages of qualified medical practitioners. .

If you would like to continue sponsoring this worthwhile student nurse program, please follow the link below for year-end giving: 

Help 50 Muslim Nurses Receive Textbooks & Supplies

Thank you to all who have supported the efforts of these young nurses,

Albert Santoli

Director, Asia America Initiative

Links:

• Asia America Initiative website