Ask HN: How can I raise $8k to build a classroom in rural Tajikistan?
4 nodirvaliev 12 6/18/2025, 10:32:13 AM
Hey HN,
This isn’t a startup pitch, just a simple, meaningful project.
I’m helping build a classroom in a remote village in southern Tajikistan, where kids as young as 6 walk 3–5 km every day just to reach school. No NGO, no big team — just a few of us trying to make it happen.
We’re aiming to raise $8,000 to construct a single-room classroom right in their village — with basic furniture, a roof, and safe access.
This is my first time doing anything like this. If anyone has experience with fundraising, storytelling, or just how to gain visibility without spamming, I’d be really grateful for advice or signal boosts.
Thanks for reading.
(I’ll post a GoFundMe link in the comments if anyone wants to see it.)
Also, account is new, everything is very fishy to me.
Posting a gofundme link and sharing your story on social media feels like a not unreasonable approach.
Otherwise, you are building infrastructure, eh? Can the building serve other purposes or provide value to the community at large? Say, it's a school during the day--can it be used in the evening and off school days for other purposes?
Also, let's say its not possible to raise the money. Can you start by making a gazebo? Can you build it from recycled or repurposed materials, i.e., wooden palettes or straw bales, etc? How are other buildings in Tajikistan constructed? (Is it possible to convince more wealthy individuals in the community and surrounding countryside to upgrade their own buildings, possibly in exchange for your own labor, so they can gift the original materials to the community for this enterprise?)
Another challenge is that wealthier people from nearby areas are hesitant to support the project. The village is small and poor, and unfortunately, that means it doesn't attract much attention or investment. Many assume it's not worth the effort.
As for Tajik music, it generally falls into two categories: commercial (popular music) and traditional. I recommend listening to Daler Nazarov, Muboraksho, and the group Shams — this is non-commercial but truly authentic Tajik music. There’s also a Latvian band called Baraka that has performed songs in Tajik. I highly recommend checking them out as well.
Okay, so this makes me think, perhaps, you might want to expand the definition of what you're attempting. Network with small business owners and, I dont know, set up a billboard where they can advertise their wares, or a (temporary) boutique stand/stall for local craftspeople to sell on consignment, with an agreement that a small amount of proceeds go to funding what, to me, sounds like a community center. Do you already have a designated location and permission to do this if the funds come in? Look into "B Corporations" and read "The Lean Startup" if you're not familiar.
> As for Tajik music...
Nice. Thank you for the recommendations.
If it is not too presumptuous/uncouth to ask... Are you a native English speaker or, what language is your mother tongue? Asking only because someday I would like to actually learn to speak a second language conversationally... superficial spanish/latin/french/german doesn't get you very far. Russian or Chinese seems like they would be the most fun to learn.
Unfortunately, we’re working with a very limited timeframe, as we’re hoping to open the school by September. That’s why, at this point, GoFundMe and donations seem like the only viable path forward for us. Still, your ideas are incredibly helpful and might inspire future community projects once we have a stable foundation.
As for languages — my native language is Farsi, but I also speak Russian fluently.
Aside: is there a regionally local non/not-for profit that would accept non monetary gifts like old computers, etc? No need to respond but it might be valuable to pursue this.
There are no strict official requirements for the building itself, but we aim to use high-quality materials to ensure the structure can withstand heavy snow and seasonal floods. In the end, what matters most for these children is simply having a safe, warm space where they can learn.
Unfortunately, local authorities are unlikely to provide meaningful support — the village is very small, and we often fall outside the scope of regional priorities. Still, we are doing what we can with the resources and determination of the community.