
Being lost in the wilderness was both a metaphor and a reality for Central Asia Institute founder Greg Mortenson. After failing to climb K2, Mortenson wandered into a remote village in Pakistan. There, he was inspired both by the resourcefulness of the people and by their need for schools.
With an emphasis on empowering local people through community initiative, the Central Asia Institute works to provide education and literacy, especially for females. Educating young females has an exponential effect on communities. Even just a few years of formal schooling can decrease infant mortality, stabilize population growth, significantly improve career earning potential, and can vastly improve the health and quality of life for the girl, her family, and local community.
CAI has established 130 schools and provided education to over 51,000 students, with an emphasis on girls’ education.
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