Donation protected
Hello! We’re Anwar and Claire, writing from Booni, a remote village in the Hindukush mountains of northwest Pakistan. We’re building a public library, community center, and digital trade school for the people of Chitral—and we need your help.
Why This Matters
Pakistan faces a serious literacy challenge: less than 60% of the population is literate, and over 22 million children are out of school, with rural children being four times more likely to miss education than urban children. Girls are disproportionately affected.
Yet in Chitral, a remarkable story is unfolding. Villagers prioritize education for all children, achieving near-equal enrollment rates for girls and boys and literacy rates far above the national average. But opportunities remain scarce: there are no libraries, bookstores, or cultural centers for hours around, and few children have access to computers or enrichment resources.
This gap between aspiration and opportunity has had devastating effects. Youth unemployment is high, mental health care is non-existent, and according to a 2022 study, youth suicides in Chitral are rising due to “the gap between aspiration and means.”
Our Vision
We aim to create a safe, inspiring space where everyone in the community can gather, learn, and grow. Our patrons will find:
- Books & Media: Multi-language books (Khowar, Urdu, English), cultural preservation projects, and a secular, diverse collection of literature, music, and film.
- Digital Learning & Native App: Computers and a native library app that functions as a catalog and a digital learning platform. Patrons can take online courses tied to physical resources in the library and access mentorship, workshops, and the broader learning ecosystem we are building.
- Warmth & Community: A wood-burning stove for harsh winters, water supply, and transportation services for those living on the outskirts.
- Women's Empowerment: Unique opportunities for women to work, lead, and access childcare so they can freely use the library. Women-focused health workshops, free hygiene products, and inclusive programming will make this a safe and supportive environment for women and girls.
- Arts & Culture: Poetry readings, debates, town halls, classes, events, and health screenings—the first community center in Chitral.
Where Your Donation Goes
100% of donations go directly to the library: no personal or overhead costs. Over the past two years, we’ve poured our hearts and energy into building the structure itself with the help of some extremely talented local craftsmen. Most of the labor and exterior construction is complete.
Now, any funds you donate will cover:
- Interior Finishes & Furnishings: Flooring, interior woodwork (e.g., stairs and ceilings), bookshelves, seating, desks, and other functional furnishings.
- Technology & App Development: Computers, software, and the development of our native app for library resources, digital courses, mentorship, and workshops.
- Books & Learning Resources: Textbooks, fiction and non-fiction, and graphic books or visual resources for non-readers and those with limited literacy skills.
- Supplies & Sustainability: Solar panels, water tanks, wood-burning stoves, and essential day-to-day supplies—including hygiene products for women, stationery, and other materials to make the library welcoming and functional.
- Transportation: Weekly or bi-weekly library pickup service for remote or disabled patrons.
- Library Operations & Jobs: Staffing, cleaning, collections, events, accessibility drivers, and women-focused leadership roles.
By supporting these final steps, you’re helping a fully formed structure become a vibrant, functioning center for education, culture, and opportunity in Booni.
Our goal is $40,000. Every dollar transforms lives and builds a brighter future for Chitral. Your donation helps bridge the gap between dreams and opportunity—and becomes part of Chitrali history.
All our love,
Claire and Anwar
About Us
We are a married couple living in Booni, Chitral. Anwar is a native of Booni. He is a poet, the elected town chairman, and a passionate polo player. Claire is from the U.S. and works as a health educator. She is also a traveler, climber, and writer.
In 2025, we co-founded the nonprofit Chitral Rising to build smart libraries and preventive healthcare centers in the region. This library, which we’ve been building for two years, is the first step in that journey.
We’re on-site at the library every day and also support dozens of children each year with tuition and provide flood relief for families in need. We’re excited to keep building with our neighbors and friends, and grateful for anyone who believes in this work.
Organizer
Claire Stephens
Organizer
Mason, OH