Who We Are

Our Story

Charmaghz was founded in 2018 to instill the joy of reading in Afghan children through Mobile Libraries. Based in Kabul and a registered NGO, Charmaghz grew from the dreams of a group of Afghan youth whose childhoods were scarred by war, and who wanted to secure a peaceful future for the next generation. We believe that a necessary, first step towards that future is ensuring all children can read, write, and do basic math—though currently only 7% of primary school age children in Afghanistan are proficient in these skills. In Farsi, “Charmaghz” means “four brains,” which reflects our mission to expand and fulfill the potential of Afghan children through literacy. Charmaghz was founded and is led by Freshta Karim, an internationally recognized advocate for education and children’s rights.

Our Mission & Vision

Our vision is of a future Afghanistan where children are empowered as key agents of change both within their immediate lives, as well as within a long-term dialogue to generate justice, equity, and dignity for all Afghans.

Our mission is to provide a holistic, trauma-centered literacy and numeracy program to every child in Afghanistan that creates opportunities for learners to experience a sense of agency in their daily lives.

16

Mobile Libraries

1000+

Visitors Per Day

50%

Girls

CORE TEAM

Freshta Karim

Founder and International Director

Ahmad Siyam Barakati

Director

Ahmed Sultani

Finance Officer

Hamid Habibi

Procurement Officer

Mohammad Mohammadi

Master Trainer

Liz Robinson

Fundraising and Partnership Advisor

Hasinah Sadat

Library Program Manager

Safa Asheeq

Human Resource Officer

Gabby Guerra

Grants and Reporting Manager

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - AFGHANISTAN

Nawidullah Samari

Chairman of the Board

Freshta Karim

Founder and International Director

Azizullah Gulzada

Board Member

Bilal Bitanai

Board Member

Samiullah Waziri

Board Member

Gul Habib

Board Member

Hasinah Sadat

Hasinah Sadat grew up among storybooks which fostered her passion for books and children. This created

Rachel Hinton

Board Member

Rachel Hinton is the Lead for Global Education Research at FCDO, and a visiting Fellow of

Atiqullah Sahibzada

Board Member

Atiqullah has an MBA and Bachelor of Business Administration from KARDAN University. Atiqullah is the CEO

Susan Ayari

Board Member

Susan Ayari is newly retired from a long career in education. She spent 30 years teaching

Bilal Bitanai

Board Member

Bilal Bitanai holds a BA degree in Political Science from Kabul University. Enhancing his credentials, he

Nawidullah Samari

Board Member

Mr. Nawidullah is a mathematics expert who graduated from the Afghan-Turk school. During his studies in

Samiullah Waziri

Board Member

Saminullah Waziri is an Afghan businessman who holds a BA in Business Administration from Mashal University.

Azizullah Gulzada

Board Member

Azizullah Gulzada is an extraordinary entrepreneur born and raised in Kabul, Afghanistan, known for his exceptional

Gul Habib

Board Member

Gul Habib is an esteemed Afghan professional known for his remarkable contributions in the fields of

Gabby Guerra

Grants and Reporting Manager

Gabby Guerra has diverse experience working within fundraising, partnerships, communications, and advocacy for NGOs within the

Safa Asheeq

Human Resource Officer

Safa Asheeq was born in Kabul, and studied Computer Engineering at the Polytechnic University. She is

Ahmed Sultani

Finance Officer

Ahmad Sultani is a highly skilled and motivated finance professional with expertise in financial management and

BOARD OF DIRECTORS - US

Liz Robinson

Fundraising and Partnership Advisor & Chair of US Board

Rachel Hinton

Board Member

Susan Ayari

Board Member

Atiqullah Sahibzada

Board member

Our Donors

Our Implementing Partners

The nearest district hospital from Rupen village is close to 105 km. The nearest maternal health clinic is approximately 32 km. The town has poor roads and no mobile network connectivity. The nearest district hospital from Rupen village.

Jeams H. Andar

Founder, Cichu Co.

Kirani K. Kados

Founder, Cichu Co.

Irairani I. Lados

Chairman, CEO

Hirani M. Dados

Founder, Cichu Co.

Mirani H. Bados

Founder, Cichu Co.

How We Work

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Library Programs

Charmaghz is the largest chain of libraries for children in Afghanistan. We operate 26 mobile libraries, including five bus libraries, one van library and 20 mobile library boxes, to welcome children into a safe,

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Program

In 2023, Charmaghz is launching a new Literacy and Numeracy Program in three education centers in Kabul that will support 540 primary school girls to master basic reading, writing, and math skills. The program