Children Can Learn the Joy of Philanthropy

'Pennies for Peace' Makes it Easy for All Children to Give

A service-learning program of the Central Asia Institute (CAI), "Pennies for Peace" educates American children about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can have a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time.

A penny in the United States is virtually worthless, but in Pakistan and Afghanistan a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy.

Originally begun by Greg Mortenson, a mountain climber who saw firsthand the need for literacy—especially among girls in Pakistan and Afghanistan—the program supports CAI's mission to provide community-based education, especially for girls. A fifth-grade education for a girl improves not only the basic indices of health for her and her family, but she will also spread the value of education within her community. Literacy, for both boys and girls, provides better economic opportunities in the future and helps neutralize the power of extremist leaders.

This program is especially attractive because only pennies—no nickels, dimes, quarters, or dollars—are collected, making it possible for all children, including those of very limited means, to participate actively.

Classrooms interested in participating should visit www.penniesforpeace.org and register.