The Importance of Privileged Women Funding Higher Education in Developing Countries

Dear friends and supporters,

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room…..

In a world of endless need….why give to women pursuing higher education in Latin America? Why Adelante Mujer? 

Education has long been heralded as the cornerstone of progress and empowerment, and this holds especially true for women in developing nations. In many parts of the world, access to education remains a distant dream for countless young women due to socio-economic barriers. This is where the role of privileged women becomes pivotal—by supporting higher education initiatives in third-world countries, they can catalyze transformative change and uplift entire communities.

Education is not just about imparting knowledge; it is about breaking the cycle of poverty and inequality. In many developing regions, girls face significant obstacles in pursuing education beyond primary levels, ranging from cultural norms that prioritize boys’ education to financial constraints within families. By funding higher education scholarships or programs, privileged women can directly dismantle these barriers. They can provide opportunities for talented young women to access quality education, thereby equipping them with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers, become leaders, and contribute meaningfully to their societies.

Investing in women’s education yields extensive socio-economic benefits. Studies consistently show that educated women tend to marry later, have fewer children, and contribute more substantially to household incomes. Educated women are also more likely to invest in their children’s education, thereby creating a positive cycle of intergenerational development. By enabling women in third-world countries to access higher education, privileged women not only promote gender equality but also foster economic growth and stability within these communities.

Education empowers women to advocate for their rights and challenge entrenched gender norms. In many parts of the world, women still face discrimination and violence, often stemming from deeply ingrained societal attitudes. However, education empowers women to recognize their rights, articulate their aspirations, and participate in decision-making processes. When privileged women support education initiatives, they amplify the voices of marginalized women and promote a more inclusive and equitable society globally.

Funding higher education for women in third-world countries is not just a matter of charity—it is an investment in a sustainable future. The challenges of our interconnected world, from climate change to global health crises, require diverse perspectives and innovative solutions. By ensuring that women from all backgrounds have the opportunity to participate in higher education, privileged women enrich the pool of global talent and leadership. They foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce capable of addressing complex challenges and driving sustainable development worldwide.

The imperative for privileged women to support higher education initiatives in third-world countries is rooted in a commitment to global equity, prosperity, and empowerment. By investing in the education of women in developing nations, privileged women can catalyze transformative change, break cycles of poverty, and foster a more just and inclusive world. This collective effort not only empowers individual women but also enriches communities and contributes to a brighter future for generations to come.

When you fund the women of Adelante Mujer, you fund a ripple effect that creates generational change.

Please give generously!

 

Reflecting On The Impact Of The Adelante Mujer Scholarship By Student Ana Verónica Peña

Dear friends and supporters,

I am thrilled to share with you the profound impact that the “Adelante Mujer” scholarship has had on my journey as a student of Intercultural Medicine. From the outset, receiving this scholarship has been a tremendous honor and a game-changer in both my academic and personal life.

Throughout this semester, I’ve had the privilege to engage in a variety of modules and activities that have not only enriched my university experience but have also honed my skills as a future medical professional. One of the most rewarding experiences was participating in vaccination campaigns against diseases like measles, diphtheria, and whooping cough. These campaigns were not just about administering vaccines but were pivotal moments in understanding the importance of preventive medicine and community health.

Equally impactful was my involvement in mosquito control efforts aimed at combating malaria and dengue, diseases that have had a significant impact on our city. These initiatives underscored the critical intersection between public health and community involvement, shaping my understanding of healthcare beyond clinical settings.

Of course, clinical rotations were a cornerstone of this semester. They provided me with firsthand experience in providing care and support to patients facing various illnesses. These rotations have been invaluable in reinforcing my commitment to pursuing excellence in medical practice and serving my community with dedication and empathy.

I want to extend my deepest gratitude to those who made this scholarship possible. Your generosity and belief in my potential have been a constant source of inspiration. I am committed to continuing my academic journey with determination, striving to achieve my goals and make a meaningful contribution to society.

As I look ahead to the next semester, I am excited about the opportunities for growth and learning that lie ahead. I promise to keep you updated on my progress and share more insights into how your support continues to shape my path.

Thank you once again for believing in me and for supporting the “Forward Woman” scholarship. Together, we are making a difference.

Warm regards,

Ana Verónica Peña

(translate from Spanish to English)

What a Blessing to Give the Gift of Sight

Hello! I hope you and your families are well. Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

I am currently in the ophthalmology module, where I do my clinical practices on the afternoon and night shifts once a week. This year, I do not have any specific patients since I do not have time to do visits in person daily; the 5th year is quite full of activities and classes.

Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

I interact with patients daily; people already recognize me when they see me on the street and express themselves as very grateful.

This month we have assisted some communities to vaccinate adults and children against COVID-19 and Tetanus and ensured that children have their complete vaccination schedule. We also give them antiparasitic medications.

 

Dr Heydi, NicaraguanI feel happy because the people in the communities trust us and accept that they are given the correct medicine, unlike in previous years when they were incredulous about the existence of certain diseases.

I have attached some photos of my clinical practices. I am always grateful for your support; you are a very important part of this great dream.

Blessings!
Heydi
February 2024

Dr Heydi, Nicaraguan

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Faith and Caring of Future Physicians🙏

Adelante Mujer has always placed high expectations on students who receive financial assistance.  To be excellent doctors, they need to apply themselves as serious students who attain the learning and skills they will need in their profession.  Excellent doctors also need to convey a personal caring for each of their patients without belief they are the omnipotent healers.  Will Adelante Mujer doctors demonstrate these necessary elements?  Some of the very kind messages that students sent to Karen, our Executive Director who Continue reading “The Faith and Caring of Future Physicians🙏”

Photos of recent doctors in Nicaraguan

Doctors on Our Wall

Each year Adelante Mujer proudly publishes the photos and first names of the newest doctors who received financial assistance from our faithful donors and grantors. It is our privilege to walk into the office each day and see all of their smiling, grateful faces and we thought you might appreciate the same inspiring view.

The first panel features Continue reading “Doctors on Our Wall”

Treating the Children

Michayska is a fourth-year student at URACCAN. Below she shares a bit about her work with a child in her community.

First of all, cordial greetings…God bless all the people who have made it possible to achieve this scholarship. I also express my gratitude for the support that has been given to me during my university career in order to continue forward and every day closer to our goal. Through this present, I want to let you know my contribution to my city putting my knowledge into practice being an honor for me to be able to help the Continue reading “Treating the Children”

What Are the Students Doing?

Each year, the students in Adelante Mujer submit a report about their clinical work, either with an individual patient or their overall work.  Following is a report recently received from a student.  It gives you a good idea of how the students put into practice all they are learning.

I am currently in the Ophthalmology module, where I do my clinical practices in the afternoon and night shifts once a week. For now, everything is fine, and I am up to date with classes. This year I don’t have a specific patient since I don’t have time to do daily visits to a person. The 5th year is quite full of activities with the class schedule. Continue reading “What Are the Students Doing?”

Uraccan University sign on building

Culturally Competent Doctors

During a medical mission trip to Nicaragua in 2013, I was struck by the poverty and lack of access to medical resources in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is the 2nd poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. The average yearly income for a Nicaraguan is only 1,950 US dollars per year.   In outlying clinics, there was no running water and no labs available.

When I asked for a pregnancy test for a young woman who I thought might be pregnant, I was told by the local nurse, “you just feel” as no test was available. In the Continue reading “Culturally Competent Doctors”

Five New Doctors

On March 15, five Adelante Mujer students took the Hippocratic Oath at the promotion ceremony of URACCAN’s Intercultural Medicine program. We are very proud of our students and all of the hard work they have completed over the past six years. With this class, Adelante Mujer is up to 75 graduates since our beginning.

New Doctors March 2023  New Doctors March 2023

The women will now begin their internship and their two years of service before they can receive their MINSA number (similar to licensing). Please keep Carol, Dora, Janiesca, Slilma, and Xochil in your prayers as they enter the next phase of medical training.
We also accepted ten new students Continue reading “Five New Doctors”

Transitions

As we transition to a new year, Adelante Mujer is going through a transition of its own. Marie Trebec, who has been serving our organization since 2018, is retiring. Sister Mary Christine Fellerhoff, CSA, is taking over the position of Administrative Assistant of Adelante Mujer. For the past month, Marie has been training Sister Mary Christine on the programs, processes, and software used in our office.  

Marie (left) training Sister Mary Christine on office procedure at Adelante Mujer

Continue reading “Transitions”