TLAU scholarship recipients think and pray before signing TLAU’s mission promise.

Some weeks back, I promised to post a translation of the document each of the TLAU scholarship recipients signed.  The document, presented to them at a special ceremony with Father Keane, allows each student to pledge solidarity and devotion to TLAU’s mission statement, vowing never to be satisfied with simple material advancement but always striving to improve themselves and those around them mentally, physically, and spiritually.

I, (name), student at (school/institution name), pursuing a course of studies in (major), in this my (number) year of study, do in the first place thank  God Almighty who has given me this opportunity to achieve my dreams of education and self-improvement. Secondly, I thank The Least Among Us, which through its generous donors has given me a scholarship and has made my education possible. The comprehensive formation we receive through The Least Among Us combines acquired knowledge and skills with virtues encouraged and planted by the mission of the foundation: solidarity, devotion to the poor and less fortunate, charity, hope, faith in eternal life, and offering all our work, successes, and failures for the love of Jesus Christ. The Least Among Us has taught us that true joy and happiness is found not in receiving, but in giving.

Therefore, I freely and willingly pledge and promise that just as I have received the gifts of education, formation, and the promise of a brighter future, so also will I place myself and my talents at the service of God and my fellow brothers and sisters so that other young people, within or without my immediate family, have the opportunity to accomplish their professional goals and dreams. In this way, through my continued labors I will bring the love of God to others without regard to their sex, creed, or political affiliations. I understand that I am not obliged to repay The Least Among Us for what it has given me, therefore I will repay its generosity with support of my brethren.

The document then provides a space for the student to list specific promises to contribute to their plan of life, and each student was given a full day to think and pray about the letter before turning it in to TLAU officers. We hope this gives you more insight into The Least Among Us’ unique approach to combatting poverty in El Salvador.