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.
 

			Central Asia  Institute

"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/.