Nicaragua is often considered as synonymous with poverty. There is little doubt that this largest country of Central America has more than its share of poverty. Hurricanes earthquakes, wars, erupting volcanoes, and floods have visited their wrath upon the republic that is slightly larger than New York.
For seven years Sister Ann McKean, CSA, PhD has been finding ways to financially assist young women in eastern Nicaragua to become medical doctors. Herself a university professor, Sister Ann detects talent in young people and she believes they should have every opportunity to develop their talents. In 2009 Sister Ann founded Adelante Mujer,Inc./Advance Woman! The purpose of the program is to invite donors to help educate women doctors in a country second only to Haiti in poverty. Sister Ann’s goal has been realized even beyond her own expectations. And the students love her for it.
Dear Friends and Donors,
The most exciting news since our Easter letter is that this month we had sufficient funding to accept four new students into the program. Beginning with this July semester there are a total of 21 Adelante Mujer women preparing to become medical doctors in Nicaragua! That good news is a tribute to your generosity.
Qualifying for medical school in any country is not something a person takes for granted. To be prepared for higher education in Nicaragua, much less for medical school, is daunting beyond description.
When someone from the Adelante Mujer team travels to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua, it is for business. We zip around the area between the university, the hospital, and the bank. Sometimes we go to each place two or three or four times. One night was an exception because we went to church for liturgy with all the URACCAN University graduates. Bishop David Zywiec, OFM Cap. presided with the prayerful gathering in the completely filled San Pedro (St. Peter) church.
Frances told us, “Every day I receive ‘begging letters’ in my mail. They come from all kinds of charitable organizations and I try to help those which I know are legitimate, worthwhile charities. But often when I send a check to a faceless organization it means no more to me than when I pay my phone bill.
“To think that strangers give their money so we can follow our dream to become doctors is so beautiful to us,” recipients of Adelante Mujer financial assistance have told Sister Ann. “Those people never met us and they help pay our educational expenses here in Nicaragua! They are so generous!”
Who, then, would pursue a medical career when there is little or no opportunity for financial advancement? Adelante Mujer doctors URACCAN University – Adelante Mujer tell us that their motivation is to assist the people in their area where good health care is at a premium. They will help indigenous people to have access to care without having to.
People have asked me, “What do you do when you or a representative of Adelante Mujer travels to Puerto Cabezas, Nicaragua each semester?” You are invited to share a capsulized version of my very engaging and rewarding trip a few weeks ago.
Eight new Adelante Mujer doctors in Puerto Cabezas are currently working in the local hospital as interns. When Sister Diane visited she found the young doctors busy within their rotations throughout the various departments of the hospital. Each of the doctors reported that her work was exciting and fulfilling though the long hours were exhausting.
Continue reading “Visiting Adelante Mujer/Advance Woman! Doctors”
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