Students Raise Pennies for Peace

On Wednesday, February 6, thirty-seven Delphian School students attended the Lake Oswego Reads presentation of the book Three Cups of Tea by the authors Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. After the reading, Greg Mortenson posed for a picture with the Delphi students and wrote a personal message to each in the books he signed.

Three Cups of Tea is a recent addition to the Delphian School's Upper School literature program curriculum. The book chronicles the efforts of Central Asia Institute co-founder Greg Mortenson to address poverty and education through the founding of schools in rural communities in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"I learned from reading this book that one person can make a difference if they really care about people," said Delphian School student Alea Amidei. "I also learned that the power of individuals working as individuals can accomplish so much."

Delphian School students are writing letters to students in Pakistan, which Mortenson will hand-deliver on his next trip to Central Asia.

The Delphian School Elementary students have taken on the challenge of raising "Pennies for Peace," one of Central Asia Institute's projects, which helps raise money for schools, school supplies and medical supplies for the poor villages in Pakistan. From September through December of 2007, the Fourth through Sixth Grade classrooms raised over $250.00 for "Pennies for Peace." The collection for "Pennies for Peace" continues.