Mortenson Talks to Bozeman School Children

Posted By: Mike Mestas

Bozeman -- Author, activist and humanitarian Greg Mortenson talked to thousands of school children Wednesday about peace, and how other children around the world live.

Mortenson's book " Three Cups of Tea: One Man's Mission to Promote Peace," details his work in establishing girls schools in the Middle East, through his organization, the Central Asian Institute. Bozeman school children read the book, and listened to Mortenson's message, which included information about how many kids are unable to go to school, and understanding gender discrimination.

"The goal we try to instill into the kids, is when they grow up that every single child will have the right to go to school," Mortenson said. "I've found that kids can really make a difference."

Mortenson talked about how he grew up in Africa and returned to the United States when he was 15-years-old. He told kids that was the first time he experienced racism.

He also touched on the work being done by his organization Pennies for Peace. The organization has raised thousands of dollars to help build and maintain schools in the Middle East. Much of the work has been done by school children who have raised pennies at a time, totaling into thousands of dollars.

Bozeman school children pitched in to the program. The Bozeman School Foundation presented Mortenson with a check fo r $4978.44. The money will go toward things like increasing teachers salaries and buying better materials for schools. "It's not so much about pennies or teachers salaries, but education empowers communities. It empowers children," Mortenson said.

Outside of his presentation to children, Mortenson also talked about how instability in the Middle East affects his work in Afghanistan and Pakistan. "In the U.S., I think we're too busy trying to plug in democracy around the world," he said. "You can't plug it in, you have to build democracy."

Mortenson said none of his schools have been directly affected by terrorists, and that his schools are stable. He said from what he has seen, people in the Middle East want stability.

Mortenson's overall message to kids is that they can learn a lot from their elders, and that every child in the world has a right to education. He told the kids when they grow up they should strive to see an education for everyone, and peace for everyone.

"If you have hope, and your empower education, that can really change the world," Mortenson said.

For more information on Mortenson's work, and new book, click here. For the latest updates on the day's biggest stories, be sure to watch the NewsChannel, and visit www.ktvm.com.