I decided in '96 to dedicate my life to mostly promoting literacy and education for girls in rural Pakistan and Afghanistan.
From Greg Mortenson
Liberals, conservatives, Muslims, Jews, Christians, and I find - I think education is something that can bring us together.
I say if you fight terrorism, it's based in fear, but if you promote peace, it's based on hope.
If you look at the 9/11 highjackers, certainly they were educated, some even had university degrees, but nobody really checked their mothers, who were nearly all illiterate.
I used to climb mountains a lot; I decided to go to Pakistan to climb K2, the world's second-highest mountain. I didn't get quite to the top.
But what I really believe is education is a key to pretty much everything - prosperity, economics, peace, stability.
Yes, I first visited Korphe village, Braldu valley, Baltistan, Pakistan, after failing to summit K2 in 1993, and met Haji Ali, a long time dear mentor and friend. My second visit to Korphe was in 1994.
Yes, I was detained for eight days in Waziristan in 1996. It was against my will, and my passport and money were taken from me. I was not mistreated or harmed, but I was also not allowed to leave.
The Pathan people of Waziristan are proud people who I greatly admire.
My father ended up starting the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, which is on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. My mother started a school.
4 perspectives
3 perspectives
2 perspectives
1 perspectives