In a region in which 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 the yearly women’s devotionals to fund scholarships for girls enrolled in Adventist church schools and academies. In the Philippines this year’s devotional, He Knows My Name, sells for 400 Filipino pesos (about US$7.20) at the missions and conferences. Half of that amount for the sale of every copy goes to the fund, regional church leaders reported. “They have already served as a vital resource in supporting young scholars across the division,” they said.

A Lifeline Through Literature

Over the past four years, many young girls have benefited 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, leaders reported.

“Every purchase of the book contributes to this fund. Usually it was almost 50 percent, but some Women’s Ministries mission or conference directors are creative and give it as a gift to donors,” said Virginia Baloyo, SSD Women’s Ministries director.

“In Romblon Mission, they started in 2022 with one student, and now they have three. Their ministry is inspired by the General Conference Women’s Ministries. They give US$3,000 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.

The Educational Gap

Globally, more than 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 because of economic instability and limited access to learning facilities.

Encouraging Support Across the Division

In response to these challenges, SSD Women’s Ministries leaders have proposed a resolution 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, leaders reported.

The proposal states that the respective Women’s Ministries directors at the mission, conference, and union levels 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, they said.

“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 a Christian education.”

The original article was published on the Southern Asia-Pacific Division news site. Join the ANN WhatsApp Channel for the latest Adventist news.