There’s not many who would agree that a penny can go a long way… but students at West Side Elementary School, Gouverneur, have been collecting pennies in support of a program that offers help to those who need it most… they certainly now understand just how far a few pennies can go.
Pennies for Peace is a service-learning program designed to broaden students’ cultural horizons while teaching them about their capacities as philanthropists…one penny at a time.
Pennies for Peace is a program of Central Asia Institute (CAI), that promotes and provides community-based education and literacy programs, especially for girls, in remote mountain regions of Central Asia. CAI has built, to date nearly 100 schools in Afghanistan and Pakistan, which serve more than 28,000 students – over 14,000 of whom are girls.
How can a penny bring peace? It doesn’t buy much in our community. However, in the villages of Pakistan and Afghanistan, a penny can buy a pencil, start an education, and transform a life. 
West Side School Counselor Monica Scott said that the program at West Side was very popular with the students. “The Pennies for Peace program goal is to encourage our students, who are ultimately our future leaders, to learn the value of philanthropy by collecting pennies for global peace.”
“Our campaign at West Side ran from January 18, through February 26. The Ft. Drum Officers’ Spouses’ Club, is leading the Pennies for Peace campaign,” said Ms. Scott.
“Our Character theme for January was respect and we would like to encourage all of our students to help others in need.”
Collection jars were placed in each classroom and in the main office as a reminder to our students that others are not as fortunate as we are.