We are guided by three overarching principles that we strive to cultivate in ourselves and instill in our children: love, learning, and stewardship.
Each principle encapsulates five core values that enlighten our understanding of life and enhance our efforts to serve.
CORE VALUES
LEARNING
The lifelong process of learning begins from birth and continues until death. We will learn from books, conversations, and experiences.
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
—Benjamin Franklin, Founding Father of the United States
EDUCATION
Education is an investment in the future. It contributes to the health, self-sufficiency, and well-being of a society. We will invest in others by providing increased opportunities for education.
“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people.”
—Chinese Proverb
EXPERIENCE
We value all forms of learning but some truths have to be lived to be understood. By going and doing, we will broaden our perspectives and gain wisdom.
“The only source of knowledge is experience.”
—Albert Einstein, Physicist
SERVICE
Sincere service is voluntarily giving one’s time, talents, and energy with a willing heart. Through our ongoing commitment, we will serve others and empower our partner organizations to do the same.
“Joy can only be real if people look upon their life as a service and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happiness.”
—Leo Tolstoy, Writer
TEACHING
Through teaching, we share the knowledge and wisdom we have acquired. We believe that everyone, no matter how young or how humble, has something to teach us. We will seek opportunities to learn from each other.
“Teaching is more than imparting knowledge, it is inspiring change.
Learning is more than absorbing facts, it is acquiring understanding.”
—William Arthur Ward, Writer
COMMUNITY
As part of a community, we strive to contribute to something greater than ourselves. We will cherish the various communities to which we belong.
“It takes a village to raise a child.”
—African Proverb