The Photographer: David Salesin

In December 2002, David Salesin, a Senior Researcher at Microsoft Research and Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Washington, traveled to Bhutan along with his old friend, Michael Hawley (founder of the non-profit, Friendly Planet), to document the lives of children in this remote mountain kingdom. Over the three weeks he spent there, he came to admire the openness of the Bhutanese people, and the way in which their deeply rooted traditions gives them the confidence to face the challenges of the modern world head on.

Central Asia Institute

Central Asia Institute promotes literacy, women's vocational skills, and awareness of public health and environmental issues through community initiated education programs in remote mountain regions of Central Asia.

Down to Earth, Close to Heaven:
The People of Bhutan
A Benefit for the Central Asia Institute
September - November 2003

Total amount raised: $9,000
(including Microsoft matching)