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One of International Reading Association’s primary goals is
to identify, focus, and provide leadership on significant
literacy issues—whether on a local, regional, or worldwide
scale. As a truly international organization, our network
provides resources and support to literacy teachers and learners
from all geographic regions, and from diverse cultural and
language backgrounds.
"The first time you share tea with a Balti, you are a stranger.
The second time you take tea, you are an honored guest. The
third time you share a cup of tea, you become family, and for
our family we are prepared to do anything, even die."
--From Three Cups of Tea
Welcome to the wonder and wisdom of the book Three Cups of Tea.
What captured our hearts and minds about this book is that our
WORD’s mission and Greg Mortenson's are in perfect harmony. We
both want to bring education to in every part of the globe. But
aside from that, we were charmed by this exciting and
inspirational true-life adventure story.
Places: Remote Underserved Mountain Communities
Central Asia Institute community projects are in remote mountain
villages of northern Pakistan, Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan and the
steppes of Mongolia. The terrain varies from the highest
consolidation of high peaks in the world to miles of high desert
plateau. Most of the CAI community-based projects are in the
Karakoram Mountains of Pakistan, and the Pamir and Hindu Kush
Mountains of Afghanistan. Very few organizations serve the
remote areas where they work.
People: Ancient Silk Road Cultures and Customs
The people and cultures of Central Asia are as varied and
diverse as the landscape, blending to create a tapestry of
customs, languages and cultures that have flourished for
thousands of years. The shared commonality between these proud
people is their Islamic faith, which accents strong family unity
and community spirit.
Self-Sustainability: The Key to Long-Term Success
CAI believes in the parable: “Give a man a fish and he will eat
for a day. Teach him to fish and he will eat for a lifetime.”
Over the last decade, they have developed innovative techniques
that encourage people to take responsibility for their own
well-being and vitality.
Collaborative Efforts: Through Community Partnerships
Each one of Central Asia Institute’s projects is locally
initiated and involves community participation. A committee of
elders guides each selected project. Before a project starts,
the community matches project funds with equal amounts of local
resources and labor. This commitment ensures a project’s
viability and long term success. Local NGO’s (Non-Government
Organizations) and village communities are selected for their
dedication, initiative, and accountability to facilitate the CAI
community partnerships. CAI takes great care to cooperate with
the various governmental, political, and religious groups of
this complex region. CAI meet this cross-cultural challenge
without affiliation to any particular group.
For more information about the Central Asia Institute,
contact https://www.ikat.org/.
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