Ask HN: How can I raise $8k to build a classroom in rural Tajikistan?

4•nodirvaliev•4h ago

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.)

Comments

nodirvaliev•4h ago

Here’s the fundraiser link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/a-school-among-the-hills-lets-bui...

Every bit of attention helps. Thank you so much!

squircle•3h ago

Sounds like a barn raising 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?)

nodirvaliev•3h ago

Originally, we hoped the building could also function as a kind of community center—something like a cultural house where people, especially kids, could play musical instruments, gather, and learn together. But for now, that idea is on hold, simply because it requires far more funding than we can afford at the moment.

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.

squircle•3h ago

Are there any economic activities the community might engage in to raise their own funds and grow the coffers? How about garnering attention from potential allies in the Tajikistan economy? (Are there any regional hubs or cities where you might find musicians, for instance, you could invite to the village to share their art and possibly gain some regional attention? Are there enough resources for a potlatch with open invitation to outsiders? Out of curiousity, now I need to explore the music of Tajikistan...) Is there a governing body with a budget? How are existing structures built and maintained? What is the village's main form of economic activity?

nodirvaliev•2h ago

Yes, there are some opportunities for return on investment through the development of small businesses. However, in practice, these businesses are usually not very expensive to set up and mainly serve as a way to recover the initial investment, rather than generate significant profit.

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.

squircle•2h ago

> in practice, these businesses are usually not very expensive to set up and mainly serve as a way to recover the initial investment, rather than generate significant profit.

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.

nodirvaliev•1h ago

Thank you so much for the thoughtful suggestions — I truly appreciate the time and care you’ve put into them.

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.

squircle•1h ago

Hey, you're welcome. Nice chatting with you and best of luck! I agree that internet donations (having cash to get you going) seems most viable and appropriate. If it takes off, I look forward to reading about it. The place looks beautiful.

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.

achempion•3h ago

Have you tried contacting local business owners / chains inside or around this area or from a capital? What about local government (mayors, administration) to see if they can connect you with someone? Who will be paying teachers and maintaining the place after the premises is built? Are there any special requirements for buildings used for children education (kitchens equipment, materials used in construction, ventilation, etc)?

nodirvaliev•2h ago

As for teacher salaries — they will be covered by the parents of the children. It was actually the parents who initiated this effort in the first place, as they deeply care about their children’s education. Of course, the salaries won’t be high, but some form of compensation is planned and agreed upon within the community.

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.

mtmail•1h ago

What is going on with the finger's on the girl's hand. Those aren't AI images on the gofundme are they? https://imgur.com/a/a3TXL8E https://imgur.com/a/VP4umzy

throwaway3b03•5m ago

Isn't it completely obvious that those are AI-generated images? To me, it is.

Also, account is new, everything is very fishy to me.

jakabia•45m ago

The pictures on the gofundme look AI generated to me.

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