A one-man mission to promote education and literacy programmes in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

After a failed attempt in 1993 to climb K2, the world’s most deadliest peak, an exhausted, disoriented climber wandered from the main group and stumbled into the desolate reaches of north Pakistan. Alone, lost and delirious, without food or water, 34-year-old Greg Mortenson came across a tiny mountain community, where locals nursed him back to health. Their compassion saved his life.

Nearing recovery, he observed all the village children, kneeling on the frosty ground, scratching their lessons into the dirt with sticks. The settlement was so poor, they could not afford a teacher so, when it was time for Greg to leave, he vowed to repay their kindness and build them a school. From that promise, grew one of the most incredible humanitarian campaigns of our time.

To raise money, Greg wrote letters to 580 celebrities and individuals. His only reply was a 100 dollar cheque from an American journalist, Tom Brokaw. Then, a group of school children donated ¬£380 in pennies. The idea gained support from other students and gathered momentum. To date, over 3,000 schools and organisations around the world have taken part in the project’s fundraising.

Through the Central Asia Institute, Greg has helped more than 33,000 children from Pakistan and Afghanistan. By replacing guns with pencils and bringing education to the remotest regions, he has provided not only hope to thousands of youngsters but is living proof that one passionately dedicated person truly can change the world.

Greg is now the co-author of the best selling Three Cups of Tea. The title comes from an old ethnic proverb that states: “The first time you share tea, you are a stranger. The second time, you become an honoured guest and by the third, you are family.” The book recounts Greg’s unforgettable adventure; how he gained the trust of village leaders and played a critical role during this time in history. “The work he is doing, providing the poorest students with a balanced education, is making them more difficult for the extremists to recruit,” says Ahmed Rashid, author of Taliban: Militant Islam.

Now 51, Greg has established over 80 schools, enrolled salaried teachers, built bridges, roads, water systems and health centres — an amazing accomplishment in a place where westerners are not always welcomed with open arms. In pursuit of his goal, he has survived a kidnapping, various fatwas and many death threats. To thank him for his efforts, Pakistan’s President recently awarded him with the country’s greatest accolade, the “Star of Pakistan” and this year, he has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

“Greg is a remarkable person, whose leadership, passion and character is truly transforming lives, as well as inspiring millions,” said US Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack. “For over 15 years, he has devoted his life to promoting peace and improving education… I am honoured to have known him. He is a living hero and his dedication to peace is truly changing the world.”

Contact: www​.gregmortenson​.com

‘Three Cups of Tea — One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace,
One School at a Time’
by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
Published by Penguin, ISBN-13: 978 0143038252
Contact: www​.threecupsoftea​.com
or buy through Amazon and they will donate
7 per cent of the proceeds to the Central Asia Institute

‘Stones into Schools’ by Greg Mortenson, will be available for purchase in December 2009

Greg Mortenson with school children in Afghanistan.
Photos: courtesty of Central Asia Institute