A free library that grew into a support system

It started as a small community library, a place where students could borrow books for free and access learning materials. Since then, Buddha (EmpowerED) has grown into something much wider.

Asad describes it as a support system. Students come for library and reading activities, but also for help with university applications, scholarships, studying abroad and visa processes, digital literacy, and other educational opportunities.

“A lack of access should never be mistaken for a lack of potential.”

Asad Ullah Rahimi

Across its programs, Buddha (EmpowerED) has reached 2,500+ people and students directly and indirectly, including those supported through the library, college and visa mentoring, digital literacy, and other learning activities.

More recently, Buddha (EmpowerED) has begun working with Tawana, a US-based organization, to help refugees who have been forced to leave their home countries find opportunities to play soccer and build community in the United States.

One part of this work has focused on Afghanistan women's national football team members who were forced to leave Afghanistan after the Taliban takeover and had to rebuild their lives abroad. Through this partnership, Buddha (EmpowerED) has helped bring members of the former Afghan women's national team together, creating opportunities for them to reconnect, train, and play as a team again.

The team recently won the Islamic Countries Tournament and has participated in other games, with more tournaments and matches planned for the future.

"At its heart, Buddha (EmpowerED) is about helping students find knowledge, guidance, and opportunities they may not otherwise have access to," he says.

More is planned.

"We have more plans and new programs that we hope to launch in the near future as the initiative continues to grow," he says.