" We all live in this world , and anything we can do to alleviate the conditions that contribute to the world ’ s problems is a worthwhile effort ."
Anthony
Anthony Tuemler , monthly donor
Anthony works as a custodian in Covington , Kentucky . Years ago , he heard an interview with Greg Mortenson , the author of the book “ Three Cups of Tea ” and the co-founder of CAI . After finding Mortenson ’ s book at the library and reading it , Anthony went to CAI ’ s website and started contributing .
Anthony was attracted to CAI because of its focus on girls ’ education . “ A girl who receives an education will likely return to her community and give back what she has learned ,” he says . He believes educating girls will help alleviate poverty , curtail population growth , eradicate child marriage , squelch the recruitment efforts of terrorist groups , and generate more rights for women .
When Anthony puts himself in the shoes of a girl in Afghanistan , Pakistan , or Tajikistan , he imagines her feeling like it ’ s her against the world . He gives to CAI each month because he wants her to know “ there are people throughout the world who are trying to help you succeed .”
A monthly donation is one of the most important ways an individual can support CAI , especially in these uncertain times . Sustaining gifts , or donations made on a monthly or quarterly basis , help us stay flexible . We ’ re able to send help when and where it ’ s needed most , like providing emergency support during the COVID-19 pandemic . Ongoing support allows us to plan for the future because we can count on sustaining funds to be available . A monthly gift like Anthony ’ s provides value far beyond the dollar amount of the contribution .
Donors also benefit from regular , sustaining gifts . According to Anthony , he ’ s been able to create a relationship with CAI , and it ’ s evolved over time into a deep appreciation and understanding of our work and compassion for the people we serve . He acknowledges all the ways CAI has expanded over the years to support more aspects of people ’ s lives , but he still believes that educating girls is the most important thing we do .
Anthony has never traveled to Central Asia and has no personal connection to that part of the world , but he does feel connected to education . “ Education has in many ways been a window letting me see the outside . It has helped me to attempt to see both sides of an issue .” A few years ago , he started giving CAI ’ s annual wall calendar to folks on his holiday gift list . “ I want them to realize what those students face in order to get an education .”
During these difficult times , Anthony ’ s motivation to give is even stronger . “ It would seem that fate is presenting us with unprecedented challenges . [ We ’ re being given ] the option to crawl into a corner and hide , or to continue to participate and try to make change . By working with CAI , progress can be made .” Of course , he knows it won ’ t be easy , and change won ’ t come fast . “ This is something that takes a long time ,” he says . “ You have to continue working for a better place , even after you ’ re gone .”
On behalf of all the girls whose lives have been changed by CAI-supported programs , we want to publicly express a huge thanks to Anthony and to all of you who support CAI with a sustaining gift . Your ongoing donations are creating an impact that lasts . Together , we ’ re changing lives for the better . None of it would be possible without your support . We ’ re deeply grateful . a
Consider becoming a sustaining contributor . As little as $ 10 a month makes a difference . Visit our website , centralasiainstitute . org , or call us at 877.585.7841 to learn more .
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