During the first part of this year, 2010, I began fundraising during studio events to support the efforts of a small group based in Bozeman Montana. Headed by a truly inspired individual, Greg Mortenson, the Central Asia Institute has brought education to young children in remote mountain villages of northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and the steppes of Mongolia.
I have been an educator since 1972, and I have seen the power of knowledge up close. The wondrous moment when a student first understands and proceeds, exploring new knowledge in their own personal style.
But what if I had never learned to read? Then I would not know how to write also. What an extreme limitation. I would not be where I am today.
I have joined in supporting the Central Asia Institute in their excellent efforts to further the educational possibilities for students in remote villages. The building of schools, where there were none before, has resulted in substantial long lasting improvements for these communities. I believe that books, notebooks and pencils can be profound tools for social and economic progress.
By contributing to an educational effort on the other side of the world, I hope that each individual takes a moment to acknowledge the value of their own education and knowledge and support the idea that even in the poorest school districts, having access to basic education and the arts is an important investment for the creation of a more evolved and creative community and world.
I read Greg's book, Three Cups of Tea and was very inspired by the fulfilling of a promise and his devoted journey that is transforming a generation through education.
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1 comments:
I appreciate your comments on education it brought to my mind the importance of education in my life. The crime is that I didn't become aware of how important till later in life. I look back on my schooling and remember that those teachers I loathed were the ones who pushed me. They were the ones who knew I was capable of more and yet I was lazy and didn't do my best. I recall something my high school science teacher, Mr. Thumlert said to me. He sat me down after reviewing my grades I was achieving A's on my tests and pop quizzes but flunking homework. After hearing his speech on how I was not living up to my potential I said to him, "Who cares that I am flunking my homework it's clear I understand the material I'm acing the tests." Without hesitation he told my the my refusal to do homework showed a lack of discipline and that if I didn't correct my actions it would be a struggle later in life. So here I am 20 years later and self discipline still takes enormous effort on my part. Gifted teachers like Mr. Thumlert are instrumental in molding the lives of young adults. There is just one catch; the students need to do more then hear they need to apply.
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