An Update on Support for Asian Higher Education Institutions
The United Board’s Pandemic Response Fund has provided 43 Asian higher education institutions with grant support to help them continue delivering quality education during the COVID-19 pandemic. To date, the United Board has awarded over $1 million for two categories of support: general operating support for immediate needs brought on by the pandemic and for immediate needs related to a transition to online learning, including for training, equipment, and software. The Pandemic Response Fund is supported by a special allocation from the United Board’s endowment, approved by its Board of Trustees, as well as by gifts from generous donors.
Proposals from network institutions tell the story of the impact of COVID-19 on Asian colleges and universities and how their leaders are adapting to sudden change. Some institutions that are highly dependent on tuition and fees felt an immediate effect on their budgets, and sought grants to help pay their faculty and provide student scholarships. The transition to online teaching and learning has made items such as reliable connectivity, learning management systems, video recording and streaming services, and faculty training essential to continuing education under social distancing conditions.
The proposals also demonstrate the resilience and determination of the leaders, faculty, staff, and students of our network institutions, as they remain committed to high standards of education despite unprecedented challenges. We also are deeply impressed by the concern they demonstrate for the well-being of their students, many of whom have experienced economic hardship that might impede their future studies.
We share some expressions of appreciation from grant recipients below.
The United Board welcomes contributions to the Pandemic Response Fund. To discuss ways to provide support to eligible network institutions, please contact Ms. Trudy Loo, Director of Development, by phone (1.212.870.2612) or email (tloo@unitedboard.org).
Some expressions of appreciation from grant recipients
“Thank you so much for the good news that you have informed us about. The generous grant of the United Board will really help strengthen our online teaching ministry and its related needs here in our institute. God is so good to us at MIT through the United Board.” – Myanmar Institute of Theology (Myanmar)
“We believe that the funding will enable us to survive through the difficult corona pandemic crisis and do more for the students in need. Our prayer is that the United Board will be blessed more and more through your instrumental work and pivotal contributions to Christian higher education in Asia.” – Duta Wacana Christian University (Indonesia)
“Amidst all the crises that caused challenges across partner higher education institutions in Asia, you remain a strong exemplar of providing a silver lining in these challenging times. The Pandemic Response Fund grant and the gift of Fellows education will always be treasured and considered an infinite mindful blessing to empower partner institutions like USLS in providing timely Christian quality educational experience now and for the generations to come.” – University of St. La Salle (Philippines)
“The approved funds will greatly enhance our ability to conduct virtual trainings and meetings from three distinct locations. Payap University is extremely appreciative of the support from the United Board during this challenging period.” – Payap University (Thailand)