It’s not surprising that University leaders in at least two Central American countries have listed teaching values as their number one priority. Not surprising, given the threat of Communism south of our border, as well as the area’s history of exploitation by world powers. They realize that teaching values is vital; they just don’t know how to do it.

What kind of values do they need? In Tegucigalpa, for example, students going up and down stairs don’t have the concept of walking to the right, and bump into each other constantly. Sometimes three or four students plant themselves in the middle of the stairs to chat, while crowds of kids stumble around them. Rock music blares from the halls into the classrooms. There is constant chaos in the place of learning. Citizens have little regard for laws, from the law against copying DVDs, to traffic regulations, to laws against stealing or copying the homework of others.

I believe there are basically only two value systems at work in our world, systems based on power, and systems based on service. They are determined by a question each person must ask himself: “Am I on this planet to serve myself and get all I can, or am I here for a higher purpose?”

Behind the first question is the reasoning that there is no more to this life than our 60-80 years. When it ends, we are finished. The second question is based on the belief that this life is only preparation for what will come later. Until the last two hundred years, nearly all cultures believed in an afterlife and the need to prepare for it (and often that preparation included seeking power.) Today, a large part of our world is influenced by the thinking that this is all there is. No culture is ever pure, of course. But we need to ask ourselves, what kind of culture do we want: a culture that honors power or one that honors service?

When we compare these two sets of values, we see the impact of the wrong mindset on a society. We in the United States are fortunate to have grown up in a culture that was founded on the principle of service. Though it doesn’t always happen, we believe the duty of leaders is to serve the people. We care for those in need by sending ambulances to accidents, for example, and we fix problems that require attention, such as mending damaged highways.

When Jesus was asked what the greatest commandment is, he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your mind, soul, heart and strength, and the second is like it. You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” His response became the foundation of our system of values.
Although we are straying from it, it still influences our mindset and way of life.

Not so in Latin America. Their foundation is a mixture of conqueror and conquered. For centuries they have been looked upon as tools to be used by their more powerful neighbors. They emerged from the battleground of the Cold War without a firm foundation. A saying among many government leaders is, “If you don’t steal, you’re a fool.” No wonder the people believe their governments are corrupt.

We have a great opportunity to help young Central American leaders form values that will make all the difference in their future. With 20% to over 50% unemployment, and the green grass of the United States nearby for comparison, that future looks bleak. But the bleakness does not have to continue. We, Professionals to the World, believe that the future for Central America can be bright - if they are taught a new way of thinking and follow the path of virtue by doing what is right and caring for one another.

You can take part in this. You have knowledge to share. By your participation, you demonstrate the one value that is of highest importance to their future: you show that you care. When you share your time and resources to help students find the right path, they learn a lesson in values. Your presence in their country, not as a tourist, there for your own benefit, but as a volunteer, giving of yourself, is the highest example of serving others.

We have an opportunity to make an enormous impact in Central America, but we need your help! We currently support students and workers in Honduras for a total of $1900/ month. With our new opportunity to work in Guatemala, we need an additional $750/ month for the support of a full time couple at $500/month and a counselor at $250/month.

If you are able to help us financially to change Central America, please consider giving online or send a check to:

Professionals to the World
19597 E. Floyd Ave.
Aurora, CO 80013-3736

(Professionals to the World is a tax exempt 501.c.3 educational organization)

Thank you for caring for students in Central America!

John