In December 2007, students at Somers High School in upstate New York used Global Youth Fund's demoractic process to select a global campaign for their school for 2008. They chose Building Hope: One School at a Time. Over the next five months, they will work together to raise money to help Central Asia Institute fund schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan where many children in remote villages have no access to education.
Undermining ignorance and hate through learning is the only truly peaceful resolution to terrorism, and so through helping the oppressed, we in turn are helping ourselves.
By supporting Building Hope, you are not only freeing the lives of girls and communities, but freeing the world from the clutches of hate and terror. ~ Alexandra Zaleski, Grade 12, Project Champion
Goal
To raise US$5,000 to fund one school for one year in Pakistan or Afghanistan.
Background
Founded by Greg Mortenson in 1996, the Central Asia Institute (CAI) was created to strengthen communities abandoned by their governments and ignored by passing tourists.
After his failure to climb K2, in honor of his sister’s death, Mortenson found himself sick and depleted. Then, by pure coincidence, he stumbled across the town of Korphe. There he experienced the comfort and unbridled warmth of the Balti people. He was horrified to discover that the local children were studying in the dirt and rubble without a teacher, without a school.
He vowed to come back to build a school. Against all odds and hardships (including kidnapping), he did just that.
For the past 10 years, CAI has dedicated its efforts in building more than 60 schools in Pakistan and Afghanistan, a region where the U.S. is now engaged in a "war on terror."
Mortenson's "one man's mission to promote peace" has been recounted in the highly acclaimed book, Three Cups of Tea.
Central Asia Institute's Mission
To promote and provide community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia.
Central Asia Institute (CAI) is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization, founded in 1996, with IRS registration number 51-0376237.
Endorsements
I've learned more from Greg Mortenson about the causes of terrorism than I did during all our briefings on Capitol Hill. He represents the best of America. Greg's work brings people into the fold. He has real love for these people. That’s something bureaucracy will never have: genuine love and caring for these people." ~ Rep. Mary Bono (R-California)
Undermining ignorance and hate through learning is the only truly peaceful resolution to terrorism, and so through helping the oppressed, we in turn are helping ourselves.
Founded by Greg Mortenson in 1996, the Central Asia Institute (CAI) was created to strengthen communities abandoned by their governments and ignored by passing tourists. 
I've learned more from Greg Mortenson about the causes of terrorism than I did during all our briefings on Capitol Hill. He represents the best of America. Greg's work brings people into the fold. He has real love for these people. That’s something bureaucracy will never have: genuine love and caring for these people." 
