It allows them to come to their government's negotiating table as equals. Recognizing the Wisdom of the Culture Lured to the cities and therefore to the dominant culture's ways, it is not atypical to see native youth succumbing to the trappings of a more modern way of living. For the elders, it is difficult to convince the young members of their communities that their ancestors' way of living is more meaningful than the life that the big city has to offer, even if all it has to offer is a menial job in an atmosphere that is culturally foreign to them. The written language produces more support for the value of a culture than anything else can. The physical presence of a book holds great power.
Books help give the young the feeling that their culture and language is worthwhile to keep.
Publishing books in their own languages is recognized as the key to preserving their heritage. Literacy in the national language is the key to development. When authors leave the Center and return to their homes, their newly acquired skills open up possibilities for not only continued writing but also the creation of other centers in their communities. Many authors use their skills to teach adults and children in their community how to read. One author, Bartola Morales Garcia, came to the Center and after completing her work there, trained a corps group of five teachers.