The Girl Effect is the powerful social and economic change brought about when girls have the opportunity to participate in their society.
Why girls? Adolescent girls are uniquely capable of raising the standard of living in the developing world. Girls are the most likely agents of change, but they are often invisible in their societies and to our media.
The Girl Effect is rooted in the work of the Nike Foundation, which has been joined by the Nova Foundation in a shared mission to create opportunities for girls, and for the world.
For more information check out http://www.girleffect.org/#/splash/
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Education and Peace
U.S. Army Lt. Col. Christopher Kolenda, who read Three Cups Of Tea was inspired to reach out to Mortenson (author and founder of Central Asia Institute) via e-mail in 2007. He writes:
"I am convinced that the long-term solution to terrorism in general and Afghanistan specifically is education.
The conflict here will not be won with bombs, but with books and ideas that excite the imagination toward peace, tolerance, and prosperity. "The thirst for education here is palpable.
People are tired of war after 30 years and want a better future.
Education will make the difference whether the next generation grows up to be educated patriots or illiterate fighters. The stakes could not be higher."
Each year, Peace Leaf Tea dontes 1% of all proceeds to Central Asia Institute.
"I am convinced that the long-term solution to terrorism in general and Afghanistan specifically is education.
The conflict here will not be won with bombs, but with books and ideas that excite the imagination toward peace, tolerance, and prosperity. "The thirst for education here is palpable.
People are tired of war after 30 years and want a better future.
Education will make the difference whether the next generation grows up to be educated patriots or illiterate fighters. The stakes could not be higher."
Each year, Peace Leaf Tea dontes 1% of all proceeds to Central Asia Institute.
Tea with the Taliban
Tea with the Taliban
The following is an excerpt from an American Soldier Blog highlighting the role of Tea in Middle Eastern culture.
We have both had chai served to us by Taliban, as well. A Talib will not kill you while offering you hospitality. It just isn't done. They may have been shooting at you an hour before, and they will be planning their next ambush even as you sit there with them, but they won't kill you during chai or while you are leaving immediately afterwards. A mile up the road is a different story, but not during chai.
Weapons should be laid at your side with the muzzles pointed away from the center; a gesture of good will. Pistols should remain holstered. It is not appropriate to handle your weapons while drinking chai unless it is to make room for someone else.
Sugar is nearly always available, and its absence will bring a strong apology. When Afghans put sugar in their chai, they put sugar in their chai. There will be a layer at least a quarter of an inch deep left in the bottom of the cup after the chai is poured. Chai is always served absolutely scalding hot. The chai itself is usually green, but sometimes will be black. It is made by putting the tea leaves in the pot and boiling the water, often on a burner sitting directly atop a propane cylinder. If they are making shiir chai (milk tea) the leaves are put into the milk directly and the milk is not quite boiled. The propane rigs are commonly referred to in American parlance as "haji stoves."
Conversation must always start with small talk. It is considered very polite to ask about a man's family, but not to ask specifically about a female member of his family. To ask a man how his mother is doing is considered very rude. Asking about a wife or daughter is actually dangerous. Pleasantries often include a query as to the health of the family, and how various minor things about their life may be going such as things about their house, crops, or business.
Afghans have a lively sense of humor and truly appreciate jokes and laughter. Very often they will poke mild fun at each other, but will not shame another man. Chai is all about civil relaxation, and Afghans love chai. Only after the small talk can any serious business be discussed. Often, though, the whole experience is simply about having chai together.
To read the entire article check out the second article of the blog, Bill and Bobs Excellent Afghan Adventure
The following is an excerpt from an American Soldier Blog highlighting the role of Tea in Middle Eastern culture.
We have both had chai served to us by Taliban, as well. A Talib will not kill you while offering you hospitality. It just isn't done. They may have been shooting at you an hour before, and they will be planning their next ambush even as you sit there with them, but they won't kill you during chai or while you are leaving immediately afterwards. A mile up the road is a different story, but not during chai.
Weapons should be laid at your side with the muzzles pointed away from the center; a gesture of good will. Pistols should remain holstered. It is not appropriate to handle your weapons while drinking chai unless it is to make room for someone else.
Sugar is nearly always available, and its absence will bring a strong apology. When Afghans put sugar in their chai, they put sugar in their chai. There will be a layer at least a quarter of an inch deep left in the bottom of the cup after the chai is poured. Chai is always served absolutely scalding hot. The chai itself is usually green, but sometimes will be black. It is made by putting the tea leaves in the pot and boiling the water, often on a burner sitting directly atop a propane cylinder. If they are making shiir chai (milk tea) the leaves are put into the milk directly and the milk is not quite boiled. The propane rigs are commonly referred to in American parlance as "haji stoves."
Conversation must always start with small talk. It is considered very polite to ask about a man's family, but not to ask specifically about a female member of his family. To ask a man how his mother is doing is considered very rude. Asking about a wife or daughter is actually dangerous. Pleasantries often include a query as to the health of the family, and how various minor things about their life may be going such as things about their house, crops, or business.
Afghans have a lively sense of humor and truly appreciate jokes and laughter. Very often they will poke mild fun at each other, but will not shame another man. Chai is all about civil relaxation, and Afghans love chai. Only after the small talk can any serious business be discussed. Often, though, the whole experience is simply about having chai together.
To read the entire article check out the second article of the blog, Bill and Bobs Excellent Afghan Adventure
Steep Uphill Climb to 2012:Messages from the Mayan Milieu
"The greatest wisdom is in simplicity. Love, respect, tolerance, sharing, gratitude, forgiveness. It's not complex or elaborate. The real knowledge is free. It's encoded in your DNA. All you need is within you. Great teachers have said that from the beginning. Find your heart, and you will find your way."
According to Mr. Barrios this is a crucially important moment for humanity, and for earth. Each person is important. If you have... (been born)... into this era, you have spiritual work to do balancing the planet. To read more about the Mayan Calendar controversy check out this link.
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