Peace (2011 Q2)

Featured beneficiary in the PEACE category for second quarter 2011:

Founded in 1996 by Greg Mortenson, Central Asia Institute (CAI) supports community-based education programs, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. Each project involves local people in all phases of projects: to plan, implement and evaluate.

CAI community projects continue to focus primarily in remote, underserved regions where few organizations serve. Since 2005, CAI refined and focused its priority to focus mainly on rural education and literacy, especially for females. This also includes ongoing teacher training programs, to establish libraries, and provide temporary education in regions of natural disaster or crisis.

We now put more resources into sustainable initiatives, to improve the quality of education, support teacher training, and help motivated students to achieve their education goals with higher education.

Though CAI's work is focused in education, its ultimate purpose is to support and encourage peace in the region. CAI founder Mortenson is best known as the author of Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time.

[MEMBER ADVISORY, 4/18/11]

LEARN MORE ABOUT CENTRAL ASIA INSTITUTE
Website:	ikat.org
Annual Expenses:	$9.7 million (2009)
Charity Navigator review:	Central Asia Institute

ABOUT THE SELECTION PROCESS

Foundation Beyond Belief highlights ten charitable organizations per quarter. Among other considerations, beneficiaries are chosen for efficiency, effectiveness, moderate size (annual budget under $10 million), compatibility with humanist focus on mutual care of this world and this life, and geographic diversity. All categories feature secular organizations with the exception of "Challenge the Gap," which gives members the option of supporting one progressive, non-proselytizing religious organization each quarter.

Active members can help us choose future beneficiaries by researching and nominating charities and by discussing, debating, and advocating for the causes of their choice through our social network and discussion forums. Final decisions are made by the Board, but collective member input is among the most important considerations.

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