memo

To: Lynn Gilden

From: Lizette Rubio

Date: February 14, 2011

Subject: Central Asia Institute

The Central Asia Institute (CIA) is a non-profit organization designed to help educate children in parts of Asia such as Pakistan, and Afghanistan. This organization is actively aided by community members who are trained specifically for increasing the education of children in Asia. Because of the varied cultures and customs in this area, diversity in languages has overgrown for years. The forming of the Central Asia Institute in the rural areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan didn’t stop there, projects in other areas such as Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia have taken place as well.

This non-profit organization was founded in 1996, by Greg Mortenson. The inspiration came from the children of Afghanistan and Pakistan which then started to grow in him and led him to fulfill the promise he made to the children of Asia in coming back and building a school. He couldn’t have done the funding himself but thanks to Dr. Hoerni two projects were fully funded, “a bridge over Braldu River and a school in Korphe Village” (History pg. 1). Dr Hoerni established the organization in 1996 naming Greg the director, but unfortunately passed away a year later. Nevertheless, his death did’nt delay nor decline any part of the projects to come or progress to be made. Over the years the CAI has expanded through several regions of Asia with the prominence on education.

Central Asia’s institute centers their attention on rural areas where little or no organizations like theirs serve. This organization has always focused on education primarily but, “ Since 2005, CAI refined and focused its priority to focus mainly on rural education and literacy, especially for females” (history pg. 1) Educating a female was important because if her education achieved up until fifth grade then three important factors would be reached; the immortality rate would drop, simple living factors were learned, and she would independently survive. With the help of funding, the children have been able to fulfill their dream of learning and receive a proper education where they no longer use the ground to write on. The thirst for an education was quenched when Greg Mortenson gave the children the opportunity to learn.   

An Awakening to America...

Greg Mortinson was the man who first built the Central Asia Institute in 1996.  He had made a promise to the children of Afghanistan and Pakistan to come back and build them a school, and he kept his word.  his goal was to get the young women educated.  Educating a female in r=this rural area was important and vital; if her education  achieved until 5th grade then three important factors were reached: the immortality rate would drop, simple living factors were learned, and sh would independently survive.  Many institutions now are open in Central Asia all of them seeking to help the most needed i having an education.  These facilities are all taught by community members who are trained in training programs, and this doesn't only make community members find comfort in that someone from their own community is teaching their their own it makes the children open their heart to yearn for an education and to fulfill their dreams of maybe even teaching one day to give back to the community and to Greg Mortinson for the opportunity of an education.  Greg Mortinson did not only bring hope to the children of Afghanistan and Pakistan; he sent a calling to all people in the world that anything can be done if it is done from the bottom of the heart.  He made a promise and made it happen on his own because it is through ones word that others see who u truly are if u keep it or you break it, and Greg Mortinson kept his word showing that anything can be done.     

Peace, Serenity, Harmony, and Tranqulity.... what do they all mean?

When....

When ones soul is at ease, 

when one has found itself truly,

when no bullet hits the floor after a gunshot is fired, 

when no more sobs are heard for the loss of an innocent child, 

when no child sits in the corner of a cold empty room 

sobbing for the yearn of a blanket to keep warm, 

when every child's thirst for a glass of water 

or hunger for a loaf of bread is quenched, 

when education is truly free for all 

and equality is truly equality, 

when no corrupt people exist in the world,

when all battles are over and wars ended with treaties, 

when no woman is told she cannot have a child, 

when a teenager refuses to take drugs, 

when no hearts and promises are broken no more.... 

When ALL of this happens will peace finally exist? 

Or will OUR world still be at war filled with

bustle and discord?

<3