A Boy with a Dream in Kabul

In 2009, a young boy named Ramish lived in Kabul with dreams far bigger than his modest surroundings. Ramish longed for an education, despite having no means to pursue it.

A Chance Encounter That Changed Everything

When a visitor from the U.S., Rukhsana, saw Ramish’s potential, she made a life-changing decision: to sponsor his education. Touched by her generosity, he eagerly accepted, choosing learning over labor.

The Birth of ALF

That moment sparked what would become ALF. Rukhsana shared Ramish’s story with Lea, and together they founded a new organization dedicated to empowering Afghan children through education.

From One Child to Many

Fueled by a passion ignited in humble circumstances, Ramish pursued his studies with unwavering commitment. Today, he stands as a graduate and a working accountant—lifting his family from poverty and proving the power of opportunity.

Lighting the Path Forward

Inspired by Ramish’s transformation, ALF expanded its reach, offering thousands of children across Afghanistan the same chance. His story continues to ripple outward, inviting others to join the mission of building a brighter future—one child at a time.

Adita Arya

Executive Director

Adita Arya is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Afghan Literacy Foundation. She holds an M.S. in Educational Leadership, and a B.S. in Biology. Adita deeply believes in the power of education as a form of liberation for individuals, so for the past 14 years she has been engaged in teaching, directing, and developing curriculum at various schools throughout the United States. She was born in Kabul, Afghanistan and came to the US in 1981. She lives in Irvine, CA with her husband and four children.

Lila Ishaq

Vice President

Lila Ishaq is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Afghan Literacy Foundation. She graduated from Kabul University with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. After working 3 years in educational TV programs in Afghanistan, she had to leave Kabul like many other Afghans to seek safety. She believes the only way to rebuild Afghanistan and bring peace and safety to its people is through education. Her passion in life is to help her turmoiled country by helping educate its new generation.

Helga Fayazzadeh

President

Helga Samimi is the Vice-President of Afghan Literacy Foundation. She was born in Iran and is a pharmacist living in California with her husband and two children. She is the newest board member to ALF. She joined ALF after having adopted a 6-year-old Afghan boy who had lost his legs to an explosion in Afghanistan. Touched by ALF’s efforts to support him, she joined the board to help other Afghan children improve their lives through education.

Mariam Momand

Treasurer

Mariam Momand is the Treasurer of Afghan Literacy Foundation. She attended Kabul University and earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. A member of the Muslim Women League (MWL), she has long been involved in empowering Muslim women. In June 2002, she traveled to Kabul with the Global Exchange interfaith group, visiting schools, hospitals, and war-affected families. Mariam believes Afghan children need education to escape poverty and despair.

Bushra Waleh

Board Member

Bushra Salem Waleh attended Medical School in Kabul, Afghanistan. After three years of study, she was forced to leave and migrate to the U.S. She now serves Afghan and Iranian migrants as an interpreter, helping resolve health and immigration issues. Deeply committed to supporting vulnerable communities, Bushra volunteers her time with ALF to expand access to education for children in need.

Hashim Najafpour

Board Member

Hashim Najafpour was born in Herat, Afghanistan, and later relocated to Kabul, where he trained in commercial aviation. Following the Soviet invasion in 1979, he immigrated to the United States. Having experienced loss and displacement early in life, Hashim developed a deep belief in education as a pathway to progress and self-reliance. Since joining ALF in 2009, he has dedicated himself to expanding educational opportunities for underserved children.

Jonah Nawabi

Board Member

Jonah Nawabi is a private equity associate at Veritas Capital, where he focuses on investing in companies across education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He previously worked in investment banking at Citigroup. Born and raised in South Carolina, Jonah is a proud Afghan American whose grandparents emigrated from Afghanistan. He believes deeply in education as a generational bridge out of poverty and supports ALF to help ensure more Afghan children—especially girls—can access the tools they need to build a better future.

Lemar Karimi

Board Member

Lemar Karimi was born in the Bay Area to Afghan refugee parents. He holds a B.A. in Political Science and an M.S. in Transportation Management from San Jose State University. Lemar currently works at the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, where he focuses on improving community connectivity. He supports ALF as part of his broader commitment to education, empowerment, and public service.

Mahjuba Mansoory

Board Member

Mahjuba Mansoory was born in Kabul and moved to the United States in 1986. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Cal State Northridge and a master’s degree in clinical psychology from Antioch University. Now a licensed marriage and family therapist, Mahjuba is passionate about breaking the cycle of poverty through education and is dedicated to helping Afghan children and families build brighter futures.

Tamim Yusuf

Board Member

Tamim Yusuf was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and immigrated to the U.S. in 1985. He lives in Orange County with his two sons and holds a B.S. in Business Administration from USC. His career spans roles in finance, operations, and entrepreneurship. Tamim believes deeply in the power of education to create stability and opportunity, and he supports ALF’s mission to uplift Afghan communities through literacy.