FAQs

Chitral Rising is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building community libraries and development centers in remote areas of northern Pakistan. We aim to improve access to education, preventive healthcare, and cultural preservation through grassroots initiatives.

Fikr Khana is our first community library and learning space. It’s a place to read, explore new ideas, access vital resources, and connect with others in a safe and inclusive environment.

Fikr Khana is located in a village called Booni, located in Upper Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. We plan to expand to other villages across Upper and Lower Chitral as funding and community needs allow.

Chitral Rising was founded to fill the gaps in education, healthcare awareness, and opportunity that exist across remote mountain villages. We believe every person—no matter where they’re born—deserves access to tools for growth and self-determination.

We’re redefining what a library can be—fusing technology with tradition to create a space for learning, innovation, and community dialogue. Our approach builds digital and critical thinking skills while celebrating local culture and ensuring everyone feels seen, safe, and empowered.

No. We are an independent, non-political, and non-religious nonprofit. Our programs are inclusive and serve all members of the community, regardless of belief or background.

Our library programs include reading and literacy sessions, leadership workshops, digital learning resources, health awareness events, support groups, and cultural storytelling. We also provide free access to clean drinking water, feminine hygiene supplies, and warm indoor spaces during winter.

Yes! We provide free WiFi and limited computer access for research, learning, and communication. We’re working to expand our digital literacy offerings.

Currently, our books are available for in-library reading. We plan to introduce a borrowing system soon, especially for children and local educators.

Yes. Our doors are open to everyone—no matter their age, gender, background, or literacy level. We uphold a zero-tolerance policy for discrimination or censorship in any form.

Yes. Our library is woman-led, and creating opportunities for women and girls is a top priority. We offer women-specific health clinics, support groups, leadership programs, and safe learning spaces—along with childcare access so mothers can take part fully and freely.

Most of our programs are offered in Khowar, Urdu, and English. We are actively working to expand resources in Khowar to preserve and strengthen local language learning.

You can support us by donating, volunteering, sharing our story, or partnering on community projects. Travelers can also stay at our guesthouse or join guided tours to nearby high-altitude plateaus and mountain passes—every contribution helps sustain our library.

Not yet. We’re a registered nonprofit in the U.S. and are currently applying for tax-exempt status. Once approved, donations will be tax-deductible in accordance with IRS guidelines.

Absolutely. We accept quality books (especially in Khowar, Urdu, and English), educational materials, and basic tech supplies. Please contact us before sending items.

Yes. We accept secure online donations from anywhere in the world.

Donations directly support our library programs, student tuition aid, healthcare workshops, and basic services like clean water, heating, and menstrual hygiene supplies.

Yes. If you’d like to sponsor a particular program or fund school fees for a student, please get in touch with us to learn more.

Yes! We welcome volunteers—both locally and remotely. Skills in teaching, translation, tech, health, and design are especially helpful.

Not yet, but we plan to launch internship opportunities soon. Stay tuned or reach out if you’d like to help us pilot one.

Absolutely! Our library is open to the public and located right next to a popular guesthouse, so travelers are welcome to drop by during opening hours. If you’d like a personal tour or to learn more about Chitrali culture through the space, just reach out in advance—we’d love to show you around.

Yes. Students can help with tutoring, reading sessions, tech training, or community events. We’re happy to give experience certificates.

Reach out to us. We’re working on a toolkit and would love to support others doing similar work.

Yes. We’re open to collaborations with schools, nonprofits, local leaders, researchers, and cultural organizations. Let us know if you have an idea.

Yes. We’ve been offered land in several remote villages of Upper Chitral and hope to build more libraries as funding allows. Our long-term vision is a connected network of learning spaces supported by the Chitral Rising app ecosystem.

We listen to local needs, assess infrastructure gaps, and prioritize communities that lack access to education and resources.

Currently, our work is focused on Chitral. But we’re open to replicating the model in other regions with the right partnerships.

We’re funded through small individual donations, occasional grants, and community contributions. We’re always looking for sustainable partners.

We are independent, but we collaborate with local schools, health workers, and municipal leaders when it benefits the community.

Our goal is to create a network of safe, smart spaces where learning, culture, and public health can grow—rooted in local wisdom.