Women’s Ministries in the Southern Asia-Pacific Region Launches Scholarship Drive for Young Girls in Adventist Schools

In a region where educational access remains a pressing concern for many young girls, especially in Southeast Asia, the Women’s Ministries Department of the Southern Asia-Pacific Division (SSD) is stepping up its commitment to change lives through education.

A new proposal presented to the SSD Education Department recommends the allocation of proceeds from Women’s Devotionals to fund scholarships for girls enrolled in Adventist church schools and academies. This year’s devotional, He Knows My Name, sells for ₱ 400 at the Missions and Conferences in the Philippines. Half of it goes to the fund. They have already served as a vital resource in supporting young scholars across the division.

A Lifeline Through Literature

Over the past four years, many young girls have benefitted from these scholarship funds. In 2024 alone, 117 girls received financial assistance—empowering them to continue their education in an environment grounded in Christian values and spiritual growth.

“Every purchase of the book contributes to this fund. Usually it was almost 50%, but some Women’s Ministry Mission or Conference directors are creative and give it as a gift to donors,” said Virginia Baloyo, SSD Women’s Ministry Director.

“In Romblon Adventist Mission, they started in 2022 with one student, and now they have three. Their ministry is inspired by the GC Women’s Ministries. They give 3,000 USD per division. The donation helped support college and university students in their junior and senior years. We want to find ways to help support young girls as well,” she added.

Southeast Asia: The Educational Gap

Globally, well over 129 million girls are out of school, including 32 million of primary school age and 97 million of secondary school age, according to UNESCO. In Southeast Asia, cultural norms, poverty, early marriage, and conflict remain barriers to girls’ education.

A 2023 report by UNICEF highlighted that in countries such as Laos, Cambodia, and parts of Indonesia, girls from rural or low-income families are far less likely to complete secondary education. Gender disparities remain pronounced in marginalized communities, with school dropout rates among adolescent girls increasing due to economic instability and limited access to learning facilities.

Encouraging Support Across the Division

In response to these challenges, the SSD Women’s Ministries has proposed a resolution (SSDA2025-466) to encourage all Adventist academies and church schools to actively promote the Women’s Devotional. The aim is to increase scholarship funding and expand the number of beneficiaries in 2025 and beyond.

The proposal states that the respective Women's Ministries directors at the missions, conferences, or union level will coordinate all devotional orders. Schools are also encouraged to support and participate in awareness campaigns that highlight the transformative impact of Christian education for girls.

“Our church schools are struggling. Many students are unable to pay. Some benefactors may just be waiting to be tapped,” Baloyo explained.

“Women buy devotional books for their spiritual growth, and in the process they are helping girls get Christian education,” she added.

Planting Seeds for Eternity

As the Adventist Church continues its mission in the 10/40 Window—where many of the world’s unreached populations live—educating young girls plays a critical role in both evangelism and social upliftment.

The initiative reflects the broader commitment of the Adventist Church to holistic mission—equipping the next generation with both knowledge and faith to transform the world through the love of Jesus.

by Edward Rodriguez | May 8, 2025

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site.