Charmaghz

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 towards that future is ensuring all children can read, write, and do basic math. In Farsi, “Charmaghz” means “four brains,” which reflects our mission to expand and fulfil the potential of Afghan children through literacy.

Charmaghz is the largest chain of libraries for children in Afghanistan, and we have welcomed over 1 million child visitors--boys and girls--since 2018. We operate 20 Mobile Libraries, including five Bus Libraries, five Van Library and ten mobile Library Boxes, to welcome children into a safe, supportive, and creative environment. While visiting our libraries, children are supported to build basic literacy and numeracy skills, but also to engage in art activities, have an open mind, think critically, and to develop a love of reading. Across all of our activities, we utilize trauma-informed approaches that support children to process the distress and grief that nearly every Afghan has experienced.

We work in some of Kabul’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods, including Hazara communities and urban slums, where many children are facing extreme poverty, discrimination, and the fear of attacks on schools. Despite these barriers, families value and recognize the critical importance of education, and we are committed to supporting their children.