Maryam Zehra

A Passion for Literacy and Service

Maryam Zehra is a young woman who is driven by a passion for making a difference in the world. As the founder and president of the Maryam Library Foundation, she has dedicated herself to providing access to education and literacy in underserved communities.

Conceptualizing the Maryam Library Foundation:

The spark for the Maryam Library Foundation ignited in 2021 when Maryam, then a rising sophomore, was actively involved in education projects with non-profit organizations in Africa and India. Witnessing the transformative power of education firsthand, she was determined to create a platform that would empower others through the gift of knowledge.

Building Bridges Through Literacy:

Maryam's dedication to her cause is evident in her numerous initiatives. Working with organizations like Literacy International and Help Aid Africa, she has gained valuable experience in supporting schools in underprivileged communities. These collaborations have not only allowed her to contribute directly but also fostered meaningful connections with individuals across continents, enriching her understanding of diverse cultures and perspectives.

A Passion for STEM and Service:

Maryam's commitment to service extends beyond literacy. As a volunteer at the Stanford Blood Center, she has witnessed the profound impact of selfless giving, an experience that has deeply shaped her values. Her passion for STEM is reflected in her active participation in the medical, psychology, and women in STEM clubs at school. Fueling her dream of a career in oncology, Maryam is determined to leverage her scientific knowledge to improve lives in the field of medicine.

Creative Expression for a Cause:

Art, particularly graphic design, serves as another powerful tool in Maryam's arsenal. Her artistic talents, honed since a young age, have blossomed into advanced 2D art courses at school. Recognizing the power of visual communication, Maryam has generously offered her design skills to create flyers and infographics for various organizations, including the Silicon Valley Youth Red Cross, Literacy International, Help Aid Africa, and her own Africa Library Project..

With Help Aid Africa, Maryam has been working as the Youth Media Director and also led similar work to build awareness for the need of literacy in underprivileged communities and communicated with many people to accomplish these projects. She has also extended help to the Red Cross youth and organized many educational health and disaster awareness events.

She has also been tutoring struggling kids for the past few years in both her local community and abroad. She got experience with neurodivergent children or children with learning differences and believe we as a society can be more welcoming to them. Maryam has a lot of compassion for families with autistic children or loved ones with cancer. 

Kenya 40 Libraries: A Beacon of Hope

Maryam's unwavering commitment to literacy culminated in the Kenya 40 Libraries project, a monumental undertaking that aims to establish 40 libraries in underserved communities across Kenya. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Maryam and her team at the Maryam Library Foundation, was met with numerous challenges.

• Fundraising: Securing funding for such a large-scale project required immense dedication and resourcefulness. Maryam spearheaded fundraising initiatives, reaching out to potential donors, organizing events, and crafting compelling narratives that resonated with audiences.

• Logistics and Coordination: Establishing 40 libraries across a vast and diverse country like Kenya demanded meticulous planning and coordination. Maryam and her team tackled logistical hurdles, navigating cultural nuances, establishing partnerships with local communities, and ensuring the efficient delivery of resources.

• Community Engagement: Recognizing the importance of community ownership, Maryam actively involved local residents in the project. From brainstorming sessions to construction efforts, Maryam fostered a sense of collaboration and empowerment, ensuring that the libraries truly reflected the needs and aspirations of the communities they served.

The Kenya 40 Libraries project stands as a testament to Maryam's unwavering determination and her ability to inspire others to join her cause. It is a story of resilience, collaboration, and the transformative power of education.