Three Cups of Tea

1. Failed K2 climb leads to life-changing promise in Korphe

"I'm going to build you a school," he said. "I promise."

Unexpected detour. After a failed attempt to climb K2 in 1993, Greg Mortenson stumbled upon the village of Korphe in Pakistan's Karakoram mountains. Exhausted and disoriented, he was taken in by the village chief, Haji Ali, and nursed back to health. During his stay, Mortenson was struck by the lack of educational facilities in the village, particularly for girls.

A promise born. Moved by the villagers' kindness and the children's thirst for knowledge, Mortenson made an impromptu promise to build a school in Korphe. This moment marked the beginning of his life's mission to bring education to the remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

2. Overcoming fundraising challenges to build the first school

"You know, some of my ex-wives could spend more fund than that in a weekend," he said.

Persistence pays off. Upon returning to the United States, Mortenson faced numerous challenges in raising funds for the Korphe school. He wrote 580 letters to potential donors, receiving only one response – a $100 check from NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw.

A fateful encounter. Mortenson's fortunes changed when he met Dr. Jean Hoerni, a wealthy physicist who took an interest in his project. Hoerni provided the initial $12,000 needed to build the school, marking the beginning of Mortenson's Central Asia Institute (CAI) and its mission to promote education in the region.

3. Cultural immersion and lessons from Haji Ali

"Haji Ali taught me to share three cups of tea, to slow down and make building relationships as important as building projects."

Three cups of tea. Haji Ali, the village chief of Korphe, became Mortenson's mentor in navigating the complex cultural landscape of the region. He taught Mortenson the importance of building relationships and trust before embarking on any project.

Patience and perseverance. Mortenson learned to adapt to the local pace of life and decision-making processes. This cultural immersion was crucial in gaining the trust and support of the communities he aimed to help, ultimately leading to the successful completion of the Korphe school and many others.

4. Expanding education efforts across Northern Pakistan

"Once you educate the boys, they tend to leave the villages and go search for work in the cities. But the girls stay home, become leaders in the community, and pass on what they've learned."

Focus on girls' education. As Mortenson's work expanded, he realized the profound impact of educating girls in these communities. Girls were more likely to stay in their villages and pass on their knowledge, creating a ripple effect of positive change.

Scaling up operations. The Central Asia Institute expanded its efforts beyond Korphe, building schools in other remote areas of Northern Pakistan. Mortenson's approach evolved to include:

• Building relationships with local leaders and communities
• Adapting to each community's unique needs and challenges
• Emphasizing the importance of local involvement and ownership in school projects

5. Navigating political and religious complexities in the region

"When it is dark enough, you can see the stars."

Delicate balancing act. Mortenson's work required navigating complex political and religious landscapes, including:

• Tensions between different Islamic sects
• The rise of extremist ideologies
• Government bureaucracy and corruption

Building bridges. Despite these challenges, Mortenson managed to gain the support of influential religious leaders, such as Syed Abbas Risvi, who helped legitimize his efforts in the eyes of conservative communities.

6. Impact of 9/11 on Mortenson's work and the region

"I request America to look into our hearts and see that the great majority of us are not terrorists, but good and simple people."

A world transformed. The September 11, 2001 attacks dramatically altered the geopolitical landscape in which Mortenson operated. The region suddenly became the focus of intense international scrutiny and military intervention.

Continuing the mission. Despite increased dangers and complications, Mortenson persisted in his work, recognizing that education was more crucial than ever in combating extremism and fostering understanding between cultures.

7. The power of education in combating extremism

"If you really want to change a culture, to empower women, improve basic hygiene and health care, and fight high rates of infant mortality, the answer is to educate girls."

Education as a weapon. Mortenson's experiences reinforced his belief that education, particularly for girls, was the most effective long-term strategy for combating extremism and poverty in the region.

Competing with extremists. The Central Asia Institute's efforts stood in stark contrast to the growing influence of extremist madrassas funded by Wahhabi groups. By providing a balanced, secular education, Mortenson's schools offered an alternative path for young people in these vulnerable communities.

Last updated: November 18, 2024