Projects

Since 1996, CAI has supported over 300 community initiated educational and service projects. For many years, CAI provided only the most basic information about the communities with which we partner due to safety and security reasons, along with the guiding principle that the ancient tribal communities are better understood, and not exploited, through increased awareness of the peoples’ history, lifestyles and culture. With time and increased awareness, it became appropriate to share more information about CAI’s specific accomplishments with those who have supported CAI over the years.

CAI co-founder Greg Mortenson’s outreach efforts have played a large part in increasing awareness about the communities throughout the contiguous mountain regions of Central Asia. As part of CAI’s continued efforts to build awareness, and to be as transparent as possible, this page provides our Master Project List and Key that includes a glossary of terms and descriptive information for better understanding of the complex nature of the communities with which we partner. The list is a “living document.” It will constantly grow and change as we learn more, as projects continue and are developed, and as CAI evolves.

CAI has two purposes– as described in the original 1996 certificate of incorporation and in its application for recognition of exemption as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization filed with the Internal Revenue Service – to establish and support education in remote mountain communities of Central Asia and to educate the public about the importance of these educational activities.

This dual mission and that of its co-founder, Greg Mortensen, focuses on educational and community building projects in remote mountain regions of Central Asia, and educates the American and international public about the need to expand educational opportunities in these complex regions as a way to promote peace. More specifically, as outlined on our Program Page, CAI’s programs include school building, scholarships, teacher support, public health, women’s vocational centers, and global outreach. Global Outreach allows CAI to promote awareness of the importance of primary education, literacy, and cross-cultural understanding through its websites, publications, public events, the Pennies for Peace Program, and the books Three Cups of Tea and Stones into Schools.

In conjunction with these valuable tools, please also visit our Regional Map Page that displays a map of Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan where projects have been established or supported by Central Asia Institute.

We hope this information is helpful to you in tracking the progress of CAI’s community partnerships and gives you confidence that your support makes an invaluable difference in many lives.