Opportunities for Improvement

One of our several responsibilities here is to help the Latin missionaries learn English. There is a formal program of 25 lessons that they can work on with their English-speaking companions as part of their daily study. The program is optional but naturally we encourage all to participate. If they do well, they can take a test after completing all the lessons. The test is audio and verbal over the computer. If they do well on the test, they get a certificate attesting to their English proficiency which will help them with future school and employment opportunities. Being bilingual can greatly increase their earning ability.

About half of the missionaries in Guatemala come from all over Latin America. The photo here is of Elder Miguel Hernandez from Sonsonate El Salvador. He is taking the test at the chapel in Jocotenango Guatemala using our laptop and a cellular Internet link. I am sure from talking with him that he will do well on the test. He makes the 5th one we have seen take and pass the exam this month, all from a group which is going home next week. How satisfying it is to see these young people reach this goal. Our first major success!

Elder Hernandez acing his English Exam

Members in Jocotenango have the added bonus of their own avocado tree (at right)

Another way the Church helps its young members in developing areas is by providing loans to allow them to get training and schooling that they could never qualify for on their own. The Perpetual Education Fund, as it is known, is funded from voluntary donations that members make, apart from tithing and other contributions. It allows these young people to prepare for good-paying jobs and provides a way out of the cycle of poverty for them and their future families. As they repay their loans, funds become available to help others. This is modeled on the Perpetual Emigration Fund which provided loans to help people emigrate to Utah in the 19th century.