When Greg Mortenson says the war on terrorism is a battle of "hearts and minds" he means we need to use both to stop terrorism. He has gone out to ask children, "How many of you have talked in great detail to your elders about depression or the civil war?" He said about 10% of hands went up, but when he asked in Afghanistan about 90% of hands went up. If we are not educated about our history we will keep making the same mistakes (mind).
Greg Mortenson started "Pennies for Peace" targeting women and children in Afghanistan. The pennies help fund schools in Afghanistan (heart). By educating people they can care for themselves and help each other. There are less deaths and people are much happier. The villagers are truly grateful for the school in Korphe. They even take their shoes off and walk 2 hours to get to school.
By helping others and becoming educated about issues affecting other countries, we can help eliminate terrorism. Those being educated will have the same advantages as we have. Greg Mortenson's has a great philosophy regarding having tea with strangers from other countries. He says,
"When you first arrive in a village you are a stranger, but once you share a meal and a cup of tea you have the chance to know more about them. By the time you have a second cup of tea with them you become friends, but if you really take the time to learn about their lives and you take the time to have a third cup of tea, then you are family and they will do anything for their family."
"Build a bridge; join us to them." Greg Mortenson
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