Jerene Mortenson tells the story of her son Greg’s book, Three Cups of Tea, and the power of one. She was an elementary school principal when her son Greg was trying to raise money for a school in Korphe, Pakistan. Her students collected $623.45 in pennies, and the Pennies for Peace program began. Thousands of schools and other groups around the world have contributed, raising millions in pennies.

Jerene, now living in Anchorage, speaks at book clubs, churches, other groups and schools about Greg’s work. Greg has received dozens of awards for his achievements in educating children, especially girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

For more information on Greg Mortenson and the Central Asia Institute.

Photo by Pamela O’Meara/ EastsideReviewNews.com, 2009
Jerene Mortenson is wearing a red dupatta to show respect and a blue trouser suit her son, Greg, had made for her on her trip to Afghanistan.