Peace through Education
_ “...education
has been seen as essential to the formation of citizens who abhor war, seek
international understanding and thereby promote world peace.” (Goldstein, Selby
3)
Using education as a way to eventually prevent war and promote peace is the thesis of the novel “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson. In this novel, based on a true story, the protagonist (and author) Greg Mortenson spends his time in war-torn Pakistan educating young girls with the belief that educating the women of their society is the best way to set them free.
Education is a valuable thing for young women in war-torn Pakistan. Mortenson’s is described as“a living hero to rural communities of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he has gained the trust of Islamic leaders, military commanders, government officials and tribal chiefs from his tireless effort to champion education, especially for girls. He is one of few foreigners who has worked for over a decade in rural villages where few foreigners go, and considered the ‘front lines’ of the ‘war on terror’”
Educating women will bring a new and educated perspective on a struggling society. Women have the ability to bring a new level of compassion to an old fight. Educating children, whether they are boys or girls is paramount to creating a functional society for future generations. Mortenson’s novel points to the benefits that came from his own efforts in Pakistan and shows what other societies can be doing to help themselves.
K.D.
Mortenson, G. (2009). Three Cups of Tea. In About Greg Mortenson. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.threecupsoftea.com/greg-mortenson-bio-and-professional-photo/.
Goldstein, T. Selby, D.. (undefined). Weaving connections: educating for peace, social andenvironmental justice.
Using education as a way to eventually prevent war and promote peace is the thesis of the novel “Three Cups of Tea” by Greg Mortenson. In this novel, based on a true story, the protagonist (and author) Greg Mortenson spends his time in war-torn Pakistan educating young girls with the belief that educating the women of their society is the best way to set them free.
Education is a valuable thing for young women in war-torn Pakistan. Mortenson’s is described as“a living hero to rural communities of Afghanistan and Pakistan, where he has gained the trust of Islamic leaders, military commanders, government officials and tribal chiefs from his tireless effort to champion education, especially for girls. He is one of few foreigners who has worked for over a decade in rural villages where few foreigners go, and considered the ‘front lines’ of the ‘war on terror’”
Educating women will bring a new and educated perspective on a struggling society. Women have the ability to bring a new level of compassion to an old fight. Educating children, whether they are boys or girls is paramount to creating a functional society for future generations. Mortenson’s novel points to the benefits that came from his own efforts in Pakistan and shows what other societies can be doing to help themselves.
K.D.
Mortenson, G. (2009). Three Cups of Tea. In About Greg Mortenson. Retrieved January 29, 2012, from http://www.threecupsoftea.com/greg-mortenson-bio-and-professional-photo/.
Goldstein, T. Selby, D.. (undefined). Weaving connections: educating for peace, social andenvironmental justice.