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Imagine doing lessons in the dirt as U.S. troops parade the city looking for terrorist activities.
It's nowhere near the troubles students at Chico State have to deal with, such as budget cuts and smaller classrooms, said William Loker, dean of undergraduate education. But this grim reality for the children of Afghanistan and Pakistan will hopefully bring together the Chico community.
The Book in Common program kicked off Thursday at City Plaza with readings from the book "Three Cups of Tea" by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin. And instead of just Chico State adopting the book, as has been done in the past, the high schools and the community have as well.
Because of Mortenson's work in the Middle East building schools, the community hopes to fulfill the author's dream by donating money for the kids in the war-torn area with a new fundraising program called Pennies for Peace.
"It's very intently pennies," Loker said. "The idea is everybody has a penny and if everybody were to chip in a penny, we'd be able to build more schools."
Mortenson attempted to climb K2, the mountain bordering Pakistan and China, but failed, according to the book. On his descent, he was separated from the group and saved by Pakistanis living in the northwest region of the country.
There Mortenson observed kids doing their lessons in the dirt on a plateau as their region was being invaded by U.S. troops looking for any terrorists activities, Loker said.
Because the village saved him and because he didn't want the kids to grow up with no education, Mortenson has since built 55 schools in Pakistan.
And Loker hopes to raise $15,000 to build another school in Chico State's name, he said.
Senior Lauren Alpert served tea from Tea Bar & Fusion Cafe for the event and has read the book, she said. This event is a way to bring everyone together for the sake of peace.
"Whether you're a conservative or a liberal, if you're a part of this, you're a part of something bigger in the long run," Alpert said. "It doesn't matter what you are, you're still involved with people trying to bring things together."
After reading the book and seeing the event take place, she thinks the author has gotten through to people with such a touchy subject as the Middle East, she said.
"He's been able to talk about something that so many people have so many different views on and has made (talking about it) acceptable in such a large group," Alpert said. "That's one of the most outstanding things about him and this book."
Chico High senior Wes Prater was also attending the event and has read the book in his English class, he said. He thinks what Mortenson has done is nothing but amazing.
"I thought it was really interesting," Prater said. "His integrity, like going to another country, is just insane."
Prater was impressed by Mortenson's willingness to go to such a dangerous country and teach unfortunate kids, he said.
Mortenson will speak on campus April 21. Tickets are already sold out, but polls and contests will give away tickets to students who want to see him speak, Loker said.
By then, Loker wants to present Mortenson with a check for $15,000 so Chico State can get its school built, he said.
"They're a tribal group who barely recognize that Pakistan exists," Loker said. "And the people are really hungry for education, and that's why he's welcome here."
Raelene Willis can be reached at rwillis@theorion.com
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