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!

 

What Are You Passionate About?

 Passion is a feeling that tells you: this is the right thing to do. Nothing can stand in my way. 
– Wayne Dyer

Passion is a simple word that holds so much meaning. Passion involves intense emotion and persevering at something no matter what obstacles come your way. The women of Adelante Mujer are women of passion.  

We are currently assessing applicants for the program for next semester. As we read their applications and talk with them during the interview process, we get a strong sense of their passion for becoming a doctor. When asked why she wants to be a doctor, one applicant shared, “My desire to be a doctor arises from the needs of all the inhabitants of my beloved Caribbean coast, for all those people who live in distant communities where there is no good medical care, where doctors who understand, and understand their illnesses from their worldview, are needed. My wish is to reach all of them by providing the help they deserve.” Continue reading “What Are You Passionate About?”

Hello from Nicaragua

I was born in a small village in Nicaragua just along the border of Honduras. Named Catherine Elizabeth Levy Wilson, everyone calls me Kathy. I was the second of five children, two of whom were born with disabilities and are the angels of our family. With them, our family learned to accept and love others just as they are.

My great grandfather on the Wilson side of the family was a Moravian pastor who dedicated his life to serving God and the indigenous peoples of the Caribbean coast. The son of this pastor and my great grandmother became the first bishop of the Moravian Province Nicaragua-Honduras-Costa Rica. Their grandson became the second bishop. He is my mother’s brother. Religion and service have always been a strong part of our family.

Kathy with her sister, Dr. Florence

Continue reading “Hello from Nicaragua”

The Good News and the Sad

The Good News 

Donors sometimes ask about former medical students who became doctors.  Well, after they pronounce the Hippocratic Oath the new doctors spend one year as interns who work in the local hospital or in local clinics.  Following the internship, they are required to spend the next two years in “social service” which is a partial payment to the government for the government’s contribution to the cost of their medical education.  The total of nine years is culminated by the presentation and defense of a research paper required by URACCAN University.   Continue reading “The Good News and the Sad”

Bonded by a Photo and a Prayer

It all started almost three years ago when a photo of an Adelante Mujer student was sent to each person on our mailing list. The student’s first name was printed on the photo with the request for prayer for her. The responses received from several recipients were gratifying. “I have her picture on my refrigerator and pray for her often.” “I love to see her smiling face on my dresser.” “Her picture is in my prayer book so I remember to pray for her each day.” Continue reading “Bonded by a Photo and a Prayer”

The Legacy She Left Us

                                                                        As I said, I know I have not arrived; but there’s one thing I am doing: I’m leaving my old life behind, putting everything on the line for this mission. I am running toward the only goal that                                                                               counts: to cross the line, to win the prize, and to hear God’s call to resurrection life found exclusively in Jesus the Anointed. — Philippians 3:13-14 (Source: The Voice) 

 The quotation above is not Sister Ann McKean’s, but it well could be. Anyone who knew Sister Ann can attest to the fact that, as foundress of Adelante Mujer (Advance Woman,) she “put everything on the line for this mission.” Whether it was the welfare of the students, the success of the doctors, the pursuit of grants, the wisdom of investments, the caliber of the Board of Directors, the succession after her retirement, Sister Ann gave total energy and attention to each aspect of her mission. Someone jokingly said, “No matter what we’re discussing, Ann always manages to weave the conversation to Adelante Mujer!”  Continue reading “The Legacy She Left Us”

board-You make the difference

New Beginnings

The school year in Nicaragua, unlike that in the United States, follows the calendar year.  When we visited students in December, they were completing the second semester of 2019.  As is our practice, we met with each class of students currently funded by Adelante Mujer. Continue reading “New Beginnings”

Grateful – part 1

We hear how thankful the students are, but you don’t have the same opportunity. You deserve to receive the gratitude since the support is coming directly from you, the donors. Below are some comments from the most recent applicants who have been accepted into the program. The thoughts are from the heart, the translation from Google.  Continue reading “Grateful – part 1”