At a community level, it means much more:  learning about each other’s cultures and beliefs; working together as a group for the group, trustful that the differences add “spice” to life; sharing resources and ideas, each transformed by the wisdom of others; serving a stranger out of kindness and compassion, knowing you may never be repaid but understanding you will always be provided for in the future; spending time together and celebrating the gifts of life, recognizing each individual’s unique skills and talents; and having a sense of responsibility, not just for now but for many generations to come.

So, what’s Ayni Education International all about?  We’re not simply interested in building schools in the developing world or imposing our views. We are a diverse group of individuals from different religious, ethnic, political and economic backgrounds. We seek to engage, educate and empower communities in the developing world, so they can build communities that are peaceful, just, and life-affirming. We also realize that citizens in the developing world have a LOT to teach us.

More importantly, however, we seek to build global bridges of friendship and understanding, mutual respect, cooperation and peace between communities in the developing world and the United States. Our vision is to build a seamless web of gracious reciprocity.