Suzanne and I recently returned from an 18 month mission to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While there, we served as Country Coordinators for the Perpetual Education Fund. We were fortunate and blessed to become friends with hundreds of young adults who have chosen to walk out of poverty. The four steps to walk out of poverty, as suggested by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, second counselor in the First Presidency, regarding things they can do to walk out of poverty: pay tithing, become more self-reliant, care for the needy and render compassionate service. Over 300 young men and young women of the Democratic Republic of Congo have entered college (trade schools, universities, and special programs) in order to gain an education that will help them "walk out of poverty." Some of these students are pursuing education in computer repair, networking, programming, and other technology centered studies. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is one of the world's poorest countries. Modernization and technology will soon be of greater reality. Professionals who are equipped with technology skills will be in constant demand.

Let me tell you the story of Pepetio and Jacques. Pepetio served a mission in an English speaking African mission. He learned of the potential that technology could bring to his homeland. He developed a dream to become a software engineer. When he returned home, he found himself in the morass of poverty in which his family has lived for generations. He wanted to go to school, but there were no means available to him. Then, the Perpetual Education Fund (PEF) arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo. He was one of the first students to obtain a PEF loan. He entered the Cisco Networking Academy. As he completed his first year, he had gained sufficient knowledge to apply for a position as a Help Desk Technician at the local cell phone company. Because of his knowledge of English and his computer skills, he was hired. Hired in a country where the unemployment rate stands a 85%. He continued his studies at Cisco Networking Academy. He applied for a better job at the American Embassy. Today, he works full-time at the embassy as a systems coordinator. He married his sweetheart in the Johannesburg Temple, is a new father, and continues his education to obtain an international Cisco certification and Microsoft certification.

Jacques followed in Pepetio's footsteps. He entered Cisco Networking Academy to become a network administrator with a PEF loan. Jacques does not have a laptop computer. He would arise early to find someplace where he could use a computer to complete on-line homework assignments. He volunteered at the PEF office and used an available office computer when possible. Upon completion of his first term, he felt confident to seek a technical position with a company (remember 85% unemployment). Offered to work with no salary at an international airline booking software company to demonstrate his competence and character. After several weeks, Jacques was hired full-time as a network administrator and troubleshooter for the company. He has recently been able to afford to get married in the Johannesburg Temple. He still does not have a laptop, so in addition to his new marriage and full time employment, he continues to attend Cisco Networking Academy finding available computers to compete homework assignments.

These are but two of hundreds of young men and young women struggling to walk out of poverty through proper education.