In 2010, I picked up a book that many of you may have read: “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson. Within a few pages, I was passionately engulfed by his words, as told by journalist David Oliver Relin.

In September of 1993, Greg Mortenson found himself lost and separated from his fellow expedition members, as well as the porter who was carrying all of his belongings, after a failed attempt to summit K2—the world’s second highest mountain. Fate eventually led Mortenson to a small village nestled in the Karakoram mountains of Pakistan. After spending a great deal of time in the village, Mortenson was determined, against all odds, to build a school for the children of Korphe.

Over the past sixteen years, Mortenson’s mission has grown to become known as the Central Asia Institute. As of 2009, they have established 130 schools and educated over 51,000 students—with an emphasis on girls’ education.

Since that time, a new movement to educate girls in impoverished nations has begun: The Girl Effect.

Girls living in poverty are uniquely capable of creating a better future. But when a girl reaches adolescence, she comes to a crossroads. Either,

1) She gets a chance--She gets educated. She stays healthy and HIV negative. Marries when she chooses. Raises a healthy family.

Or,

2) None of these things happen. She is illiterate. Married off. Isolated. Pregnant. Vulnerable to HIV.

When given a chance, she has the opportunity to raise the standard of living for herself and her family. Without a chance, she and her family are stuck in a cycle of poverty. Without opportunity, she is vulnerable and oppressed. Without options, her children are subject to the extremist groups that enter their villages. By educating and empowering these children, they have the ability to promote peace and change their nation for future generations.

One theme stood out to me: Change starts with a girl.

Upon finishing Mortenson’s book, I closed the cover and immediately made a donation to Central Asia Institute. However, I was so powerfully called to this cause, that I felt my monetary contribution wasn’t nearly representative of my desire to help. I wanted to go there.

Because of the volatility and inherent dangers in Pakistan and surrounding areas, the United States strongly discourages travel to this area. There are few, if any, volunteer opportunities because charitable organizations cannot accept the responsibility and risks associated with guarding foreigners. However, some nearby countries do continue their volunteer programs—and Nepal is one of them.

In the past year, I have been reading and learning everything I possibly can about Nepal. I have come to love this country with my whole heart, without yet having touched its soil.

Nestled between India and China, Nepal is slightly larger than the state of Iowa, and is less than 400 miles from the border of Pakistan. Occupying only 0.1% of the earth, it is home to 11 of the world’s 15 families of butterflies, 2% of all the flowering plants in the world, and 8% of the world’s population of birds. With a rich and diverse geography, Nepal is home to the world’s tallest mountains—including Everest and Annapurna—as well as sub-tropical jungles and flatland plains.

An amazing 80% of Nepal’s population are engaged in farming, and there is a real need for education. The average annual income in Nepal is only $250, while the cost to send just one child to school for a year is $25. Only 16% of Nepali students are able to complete a 10th grade education—and very few of these students are girls.

FACTS:

When a girl in the developing world receives seven or more years of education, she marries four years later and has 2.2 fewer children. 

(United Nations Population Fund, State of World Population 1990.)

An extra year of primary school boosts girls’ eventual wages by 10 to 20 percent. An extra year of secondary school: 15 to 25 percent.

(George Psacharopoulos and Harry Anthony Patrinos, “Returns to Investment in Education: A Further Update,” Policy Research Working Paper 2881[Washington, D.C.: World Bank, 2002].)

When women and girls earn income, they reinvest 90 percent of it into their families, as compared to only 30 to 40 percent for a man.

(Chris Fortson, “Women’s Rights Vital for Developing World,” Yale News Daily 2003.)

The total global population of girls ages 10 to 24 —already the largest in history — is expected to peak in the next decade.

(Ruth Levine et al., Girls Count: A Global Investment & Action Agenda [Washington, D.C.: Center for Global Development, 2008].)

Change starts with a girl.

We know that we have the opportunity to make a difference. You can help too. Please join us and help support our Journey to Nepal.

Kristi and Rob, 2011

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