By Albert Santoli | Project Leader
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:
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