With the inspiration coming from the book, Three Cups of Tea, an on-line contribution of the entire amount was given to the Central Asia Institute started by Greg Mortenson. Additional individual contributions were on a free-will basis.

This organization benefits the children of Pakistan and Afghanistan. It provides education where there is none, other than those supported by the Taliban.

Small Group Leader: Joe Smith

Small Group Members: Lorraine Clark, Don & Jo Cook, Bob Cordner, Richard Franczak, Geri Davis, Kay Gilbert, Jeff & Ann Price, Dorothy Smith, Bill & Carol Thomas

Description of your project: Contribution to the Central Asia Institute that, under the direction of Greg Mortenson (“Three Cups of Tea”), has built over 50 primary schools in the northern mountainous areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan to educate the children of the region, especially girls.

How did you come to your idea? The aforementioned book, brought to our attention by Carol Thomas.

How did you “invest” the $100? Direct on-line contribution, supplemented by free-will contributions by individual group members (also made directly on-line).

Beneficiary(s): The children of Pakistan and Afghanistan, who have no access to education other than the Wahhabi Madrassas, which are largely Taliban “factories” and are supported by Saudi Arabian oil revenues that mainly derive from crude oil sales to the U.S.!

Process or procedure: We worked directly with the Institute on-line…and read about Mortenson’s work in his book.

Stewardship Lessons learned: There are many good causes out there and not enough money to support them all!

Would you invest your money in this way again? Yes.