Charmaghz

Our Story

Charmaghz was founded in 2018 to instil 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 toward that future is ensuring all children can read, write, and do basic maths—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 fulfil the potential of Afghan children through literacy. Charmaghz was founded and is led by Freshta Karim, an internationally recognised advocate for education and children’s rights.

Freshta Karim

Founder and Director

Freshta Karim is an Afghan child rights activist, and founded Charmaghz in 2018. Freshta started her career at the age of 12, hosting children’s TV shows in Afghanistan and working as a journalist for various radio and television channels in Kabul. Since then, she has devoted her career to working with the children of Afghanistan.

Freshta has received numerous awards and recognitions for her work, including being named one of the BBC's 100 Influential Women in 2021, one of Forbes 30 Under 30, as a Young Global Leader for the World Economic Forum, and a Young Leader of the Asia Society.

Freshta received a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the Panjab University in India, and completed her Master's degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford. She loves drinking green tea, travelling, visiting museums, and reading political philosophy.