THREE CUPS OF TEA
Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin, www.amazon.com, US$9
Three Cups of Tea tells the story of Greg Mortenson’s real-life mission to build schools for girls in the remote areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan, where in some parts, education for women does not exist.
Mortenson’s adventure begins in an unusual fashion, with an unsuccessful attempt to climb the world’s second largest mountain, K2. After losing his way, he is saved by two Balti porters (fixtures in the Karakoram mountain range), who bring him to an impoverished Muslim village called Korphe. The chief of the village, Haji Ali, and his family take care of Mortenson, nursing him back to good health.
In appreciation of the kindness shown to him, Mortenson promises to return and build a school for the children of Korphe, who do not have a proper building for
their studies.
Mortenson is not rich, however, and back in the US, living out of his car for a time, he sends hundreds of letters asking for financial assistance for the project. Finally, he comes in contact with Dr Jean Hoerni, a multi-millionaire physicist, who also happens to be a mountaineer.
Obtaining the necessary funds is only the beginning, however. Simply bringing supplies to the remote village requires a bridge to be built and work on the school comes to a halt during the harsh winters, but after almost three years, the school is finally completed and the children have a place to study year round.
Hoerni encourages Mortenson to build more schools in the region and from this, the Central Asia Institute is born with Mortensen in charge. Upon his death, Hoerni leaves a US$1 million endowment to aid the group.
The book tells an inspiring story of how one person can make a difference in the lives of thousands. Mortenson followed his vision and the Central Asia Institute now has 74 working schools throughout the area. Mortensen believes in the power of education and is strongly convinced that the fight against terrorism can be won by promoting peace.
Three Cups of Tea was published in 2006 and has since gained worldwide recognition. The paperback edition has been on the New York Times Bestseller list for the past year and a half, often in the number one spot.
Emily Brett
