Our Missions

 

Children’s’ “Pennies for Peace”

       The U.S. copper penny, or 1 percent of a dollar, is symbolic of the “1% of Gross Domestic Product” goal set by the United Nations.  The goal was for wealthy countries to give foreign aid to impoverished nations each year.  “Pennies for Peace” teaches children the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and educational opportunities to children in Pakistan and Afghanistan.  A penny in the United States is virtually worthless, but in Pakistan and Afghanistan a penny buys a pencil and opens the door to literacy.

 

            The mission of the Central Asia Institute (CAI) focuses on community-based education, especially for girls.  A 5^th grade education for girls improves not only the basic indices of health for her and her family, but she will also spread the value of education within her community.  Literacy, for both boys and girls, provides better economic opportunities in the future and neutralizes the power of despot mullahs and other extremist leaders.

                This information and more, including affected villages and schools of Pakistan or Afghanistan, and media links to articles, television and radio shows about this program, are all available at the website:  http://www.penniesforpeace.org/home.html

 

            During every Holy Eucharist service, the younger children of St. John’s Sunday School receive a collection of pennies during the regular offering, and join in when we present all in thanksgiving to God.  We are proud of their leadership in the parish through their initiative and consistent effort with this global mission.