Central Asia Institute has been, for me, a tangible connection to the world outreach that many of us want to share but are not sure how to do so. CAI has far surpassed what I thought one organization could possibly accomplish within the constraints they experience. I started donating because of my son, who served throughout the Middle East for the US Navy. When he returned, he desperately wanted to start schools in Afghanistan, but quickly learned that the best way to work within that social structure was to support those who have already started the effort effectively. Thus, I became a monthly donor. CIA’s heart and grit shows in every single communication. These are people who deeply care AND who are incredibly innovative about how to reach their own people to improve their lives tangibly. I’m constantly surprised by the newest workshops or building projects or scholarships that they showcase as a small part of their constant effort to improve life for girls and women. I’m a believer in their cause, I trust their ethics in how they approach their mission, and I highly recommend that you join in the cause. We are all in this world family together—this is one small way to show you want to be part of the solution.
As an elementary school teacher I have a deep connection to education for all, but especially the young. My own school has used the "Pennies for Peace" fundraiser to help the students here better understand that what they take for granted, many others lack and can only dream of having. We used the tools provided by Central Asia Institute (CAI) to deepen our students' knowledge of the communities CAI supports and to build a greater understanding of the power of an education. Valuable lessons were taught and learned. I feel CAI is doing important work educating girls in order to make their corner of the world a better place.
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Central Asia Institute has one of the most valuable missions for the future of the societies in Tajikistan, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Empowering girls and women through education has the potential to change the futures of these countries in innumerable ways. I applaud these incredibly dedicated staff here in the US and overseas for their work to make the world a better place now and in the future.
I met Greg in 1993 and fell in love with the Karakoram too. I still go there every year with www.K2Trekking.com , and groups of men and women of all ages and abilities who love trekking, beautiful mountains and the wonderful kind hearted people of the Karakoram. I am currently organizing and leading another fun and interesting group for summer of 2019. I look forward to chatting to folks who are interested in going on this trek, which is probably the best basecamp trek in the world. Please do contact me to learn more at danielmazur@summitclimb.com and 360-570-0715 . Looking forward to further discussion, to meeting, and to trekking together! -Dan
I developed my small travel bag business in 2014 to help raise funds so girls in impoverished areas of the world might gain access to education. As a teacher, I was looking for an organization I could partner with where my donation money might make the biggest impact. I considered several different organizations that effectively achieve this goal, but Central Asia Institute stood out because of the rural underserved areas where they work, and the grass roots approach they use in building, staffing and maintaining the schools they help build. By choosing to act as an assistant to a village wanting a school, where the village is committed to helping in various aspects of the schools creation and ongoing work, CAI finds the right balance in helping a dream come true in rural towns and villages. In order to be effective and successful long term, the people who these schools serve need to be fully vested. For these reasons and many more, my education donation dollars go to CAI.
The work done by CAI is critical to improving the health of the populations in the areas they serve. Educating girls in particular decreases family sizes, increases maternal age at first birth, and increases rates of vaccination and extended breastfeeding. Providing education for children allows them to envision a future in which they can surpass the roles their culture would place them in. It allows local children to become nurses, doctors, and engineers who return to serve their home villages. Please continue to support this critical work.
Eric Holden PA, DHSc
Doctor of Health Science & Global Health
CAI Monthly Donor
I've spent many years in Afghanistan. I donated good money to the CAI nearly a decade ago. Greg Mortenson has been proven a thief. Believe me when I say this: putting up schools in these countries cost's nearly nothing out of pocket, but costs nearly everything out of heart and passion. When I was in the Marines, we built three schools in 1 DAY! You know what took 6 months? Getting students there, getting teachers to stay, getting girls there and getting supplies. Mr. Mortenson, you may think one day that people will see your overall effort as positive. Don't, for a second, think that I will. Spending $1.5 million on domestic travel for yourself. What you've done is beyond forgivable - not because we can't forgive, because we must forgive - but because a man of your malicious moral fiber can never be upstanding. There's a reason you spent your twenties living in a car - if that was even true - because you can only steal your wealth.
Review from CharityNavigator
Regardless of whether or not CAI has exaggerated its reports, one should pay particular attention to the impact that CAI has had at the grassroots levels - on the "local" populations. It appears to me that those higher up the bureaucratic chain are quick to join the bandwagon in pointing out how CAI could have been sounder in its decisions, or conducted better work. However, at the end of the day, let us be realistic. We are dealing with areas of the world where the government, NATO, or US security forces had a minimal presence and most definitely did not address the education needs of the marginalized. CAI has been performing and continues to perform great feats under great challenges.
Thank you
A helpful article to put what I have said into perspective:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-13125953
Review from CharityNavigator
If you are considering donating money to CAI, please understand that this organization has effectively been committing fraud. I have spent years in the development field and this is not an uncommon result when an individual sets up a program without a good management team, board of directors and other forms of proper oversight. Until the management team admit their mistakes and make the necessary changes you should consider giving your hard earned money to more effective organizations.
Review from Guidestar