One Penny. A World of Change.

The very first Pennies for Peace donation came from a group of elementary school students in Wisconsin. They collected pennies, sent them to Central Asia Institute, and Pennies for Peace was born! Pennies for Peace is an empowering and meaningful service-learning program because almost everyone can collect pennies!

Participants collect pennies while learning important lessons about cultural understanding, the power of education, the effects of extreme poverty, geography, politics, humanitarian efforts, and our responsibilities as global citizens- experiencing the rewards of sharing and working together to bring hope and educational opportunities to children in Central Asia.

A penny in the United States may have little worth, but in Afghanistan, Pakistan and Tajikistan just a few pennies can buy a pencil and open the door to literacy.

Please register to gain access to our FreeToolkit with resources to support your Pennies for Peace project, and a K-12 Curriculum for educators. Students – our future leaders – learn how to become philanthropists and activists in the creation of global peace.

Pennies for Peace is a meaningful way for children, teachers, religious groups, and businesses looking for an engagement program to have an immediate impact in a region of the world where education can mean hope, possibilities, and peace.

Together we can cultivate peace, nurture hope, and change the world—one child at a time.

What your pennies can buy
Central Asia Institute Projects

Our Projects

A challenging environment for girls’ education:
In the regions of Central Asia where we work, poverty, domestic chores, and conservative cultural norms often place additional pressure on girls to forgo education. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that of the millions of children who are out of school, the majority are girls.
Our projects place a special emphasis on increasing girls’ access to education – not only to level the playing field but also based on the unique contribution of girls’ and women’s education to healthier, more prosperous, and more peaceful societies.

View details of our projects on Central Asia Institute’s website.