Discover our vision, guiding values,
and collaborative leadership approach.
About Us
Principles That Guide Our Work
Vision Statement
A Future of Possibilities
We envision a Chitral where the richness of our past meets the innovation of the future, with libraries serving as the bridges to limitless opportunities.
Here, we don’t wait for the world to change—we build the world we want. One empowered individual at a time, we show neighboring regions that inclusivity is the key to a prosperous society.
In this Chitral, every person has the opportunity to rise above hardship and leave a mark on the world. Young leaders rise, health flourishes, and opportunities are limitless.
A library truly belongs to its community only when women and underrepresented voices see themselves reflected in it.
Chitral's soul is woven into its poetry, traditions, and language. By uniting indigenous wisdom with modern education, we ensure the next generation leads, rather than just inherits, our culture.
A library does not just store information—it sparks curiosity. Our goal is not just to educate, it is to cultivate minds that question, innovate, and lead.
Meet the Directors
We believe leadership grows from trust, empathy, and shared experience within the community. By working alongside those we serve, we build solutions that feel familiar, steady, and lasting.
Founder & President
Kristin Stephens
Kristin is a writer with nearly a decade of experience in health education. In 2023, she traveled to Chitral, where she partnered with local leaders in Booni to build the library that would became the foundation for Chitral Rising. She later married a Chitrali and made Chitral her home. As founder, president, and executive director, she leads initiatives in education, public health, and community development.
Founder & Director
Anwar Khan
Anwar Wali Khan is a polo player and poet from a long line of village leaders in Chitral. He is the elected chairman of Booni, known for powerful speeches that unite communities around key social issues. As the director and co-founder of Chitral Rising, he champions education, Chitrali autonomy, and community development, bringing deep local insight and a lifelong commitment to his people’s progress.
Director
Akhtar Ali
Akhtar Ali is a dedicated community leader, rescue worker, and social activist serving as the elected vice chairman of Junali Koch in Upper Chitral. Known for his courage in times of crisis, he is often the first to respond when disaster strikes, putting others before himself. As a director of Chitral Rising, he brings unwavering commitment and firsthand experience in community resilience and social impact.
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