Perpetual Education Fund runs on 'sound principles'
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"The beneficiaries are learning true principles of self-reliance. Their vision of their potential is greatly broadened."
— President Gordon B. Hinckley
The Perpetual Education Fund, announced last April at general conference, is up and running in line with "sound governing principles," President Gordon B. Hinckley said in his priesthood session address.
The program, inspired by and modeled after the Perpetual Emigration Fund of the pioneer era, is aimed at assisting returned missionaries in developing areas of the Church to obtain the education they need to break out of the cycle of poverty. It provides loans from a revolving fund which are paid back by the beneficiaries when they are in a position to do so.
"We had nothing in the fund at the time it was planned," President Hinckley said. "But moving forward in faith, we established an organization, modest in its dimensions, to implement that which we felt was necessary. I'm pleased to report that the money has come in, tens of thousands of dollars, hundreds of thousands of dollars, even millions. They have come from generous members of the Church who love the Lord and wish to assist the less fortunate of His people in rising in the economic world. We now have a substantial sum. It is not all that we need. We hope that these contributions will continue. The size of the corpus will determine the number who can be helped."
President Hinckley reported on what has been accomplished, saying that Elder John K. Carmack of the Seventy, who at this conference received emeritus status, was appointed managing director, and that Elder Richard E. Cook of the Seventy, who likewise was released, would assist him in looking after the finances.
"We have worn out these two brethren on the one side, and now have turned them over to wear them out on the other side," he remarked.
"They have associated with them Brother Rex Allen, an expert in organization and training; and Brother Chad Evans, who has vast experience in programs of advanced education.
"All contribute their time and expertise without compensation."
President Hinckley said the directors have been careful to get the fund off to a proper start with sound governing principles. He said the area in which it will operate initially has been restricted but will be expanded as means become available.
The program is priesthood based, he said, using the existing organization of the Church, including bishops and stake presidents, the Church Educational System, the Employment Services offices and others. "It was first implemented in Peru, Chile and Mexico," he said, "areas where the number of returned missionaries is large and the need is great. The local leaders have been enthusiastic and committed. The beneficiaries are learning true principles of self-reliance. Their vision of their potential is greatly broadened. They are selecting good local schools for training, and are using to the extent possible their personal, family and other local resources. They are appreciative and willing and deeply grateful for the opportunity afforded them."
He read the account of one young man who served in the Bolivia Cochabamba Mission and who now lives with his mother and nieces in a poor neighborhood. The young man wrote that his mission had been the best thing he has been able to do in his life, that he learned to be obedient to the commandments and be patient in his afflictions.
"Then, when I finished my mission going home was difficult," he said in the letter. "My American companions went back to a university. But there is a lot of poverty in our country. It is very difficult to get an education. My mother does her best, but she can't help us. She has suffered so much, and I am her hope.
"When I learned of the Perpetual Education Fund, I felt so happy. The prophet recognized our efforts. I was filled with joy. . . . There was a possibility I could study, become self-reliant, have a family, help my mother.
"I will study accounting at a local school where I can study and work. It is a short course, just three years long. I have to keep working as a janitor, but that is O.K. Once I graduate and get a job in accounting I will work toward higher education in international business."
President Hinckley quoted a young man in Mexico City who was approved to receive a loan of about $1,000 to make it possible for him to attend school to become a diesel mechanic.
"My promise is to give my best effort in order to feel satisfied with my efforts," the young man said. "I know this program is valuable and important. Because of this, I am trying to take maximum advantage of this for the future. I will be able to serve and help the poor and help counsel my family members. I thank my Father in Heaven for this beautiful and inspired program."
Another young man from Mexico City who served in the Nevada Las Vegas Mission, said, "My promise upon finishing my studies at the technical school with the help of the Perpetual Education Fund is to repay the loan so that other returned missionaries can enjoy these blessings."
It is anticipated that by the end of the year there will be about 1,200 in the program, President Hinckley said. "Three years from now, we estimate there will be more than 3,000. The opportunities are there. The need is urgent. We may fail in a few cases. But the vast majority will perform as we expect, both young men and young women."
He again invited all who wish to participate to make a contribution, large or small.
"Brethren, we need to care for one another more diligently," he declared. "We need to make a little more effort to assist those who are down at the bottom of the ladder. We need to give encouragement and a lifting hand to men and women of faith and integrity and ability, who can climb that ladder with a little help.
"That principle applies not only with reference to our present undertaking in this fund, but in a more general way. Let us open our hearts, let us reach down and lift up, let us open our purses, let us show a greater love for our fellow men."
