Lura A. White Elementary School Pennies for Peace Campaign: Counting Pennies that Transform Lives

Friday, April 8, 2011

Counting Pennies that Transform Lives

Today we made our first announcement on the intercom about the penny drive. We also went around the school putting up posters that remind students to bring in their pennies. They look great!

I had the privilege of visiting and speaking with the 5th-grade students today, and showed them the 12-minute introductory video about Pennies for Peace. The 5th-graders were very enthusiastic and may help us compose questions for our future Muslim guests, as well as make us some more posters.

Our third-grade class discussion today centered on our culture quilt. We compared and contrasted the food, clothes, fun activities, and traditions we have in the U.S. with those in Pakistan. Next week we will finish that discussion and write some comparison/contrast "pillars" that will be the foundation of some of our writing.

My son Dana is counting Friday's "take" as I write, and we are up to over $35 already! Lura White families "rock!"

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A Note for Parents

Some of you may have read about or seen the piece on "60 Minutes" in which a charity watchdog group and others express doubts about many of author and Central Asia Institute Founder Greg Mortenson's claims about his experiences and charity work.

Whether or not Mortenson is a totally honest and forthright person, what I can say from my perspective as the coordinator of this program in our school, is that the curriculum and work of our students has been totally worthwhile and a great learning experience for all.

Although some have expressed doubt as to the validity of all of Mortenson's claims, he has done a lot of good and difficult work, and we can hold onto that and all of the accomplishments of our students, who have been learning a lot about themselves and other cultures.

On April 26, I received a lovely letter from Mortenson in which he explains his and the CAI's perspective. He also wrote that he has been experiencing health problems for nearly two years, and that he will soon be undergoing surgery for a hole in his heart. Therefore, he has had to cancel a number of speaking engagements, including the one in Worcester that was schedule for May 3.

Click here to read about and see the "60 Minutes" video.

Here is the American Institute of Philanthropy's Report on the Central Asia Institute: Accountability Update

Click here for Mortenson's response.

About Pennies for Peace

The Pennies for Peace program is designed to help students broaden their cultural horizons and learn about their capacities as philanthropists. It educates students about the world beyond their experience and shows them that they can make a positive impact on a global scale, one penny at a time. Our goal at LAW is to raise $600 in pennies--enough to pay a teacher's annual salary in Pakistan--by May 13. As student Caleb Callaluca put it in our thank-you letter to our corporate sponsor: "We are doing this because we believe that education is the key to global peace."