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Afghan Association Paiwand is a community-led charity based in London. Founded by Afghan refugees, we now work with people from all backgrounds who have been displaced or are rebuilding their lives in the UK.
Through advocacy, housing, education, and wellbeing support, we help individuals and families find safety, independence, and belonging.
Paiwand’s mission is to empower refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants to rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. We provide advice, education, housing, and wellbeing support that help people overcome challenges and move toward stability and independence.
Our vision is a society where everyone is treated equally and can live with security, opportunity, and respect. We believe in inclusion through compassion, where refugees and migrants are recognised and valued for their strength and contributions to the community.
Our approach is shaped by professional expertise and lived experience. Our team members have faced similar challenges to those we support, which helps us listen, understand, and respond with empathy. We work collaboratively to offer lasting support that helps people heal and thrive.
In 2002, six friends from Afghanistan — brought together by shared hope, resilience, and a determination to support those starting anew — persuaded a local school in Edgware to let them use a few classrooms on Saturdays. Among them was Farid Mall, whose vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment played a defining role in turning a small idea into a powerful community movement.
From the very beginning, Farid was more than a co founder; he was a driving force. His belief that every refugee deserved dignity, safety, and a chance to thrive shaped Paiwand’s early values and continues to guide its mission today. When Farid stepped down, Fahima Zaheen — Paiwand’s second CEO — carried that same vision forward with remarkable strength and clarity.
She led the organisation through some of its most challenging periods: rebuilding Paiwand after a financial crisis, steering it through the uncertainty of COVID 19, and responding to the urgent needs created by the 2021 Taliban takeover. Her leadership ensured that the mission Farid began not only continued, but grew stronger. Together, their dedication built the foundation of trust and compassion that still anchors the organisation.
Today, Paiwand stands as a lifeline for thousands — a place built on the courage of its founders, the strength of its community, and the enduring belief that every person deserves the chance to rebuild their life with dignity and hope.
Over the past two decades, Paiwand has supported thousands of people across North-West London.
Each number represents a story of strength, hope, and community.
You can help Paiwand continue its work supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants across London. Your time, your voice, or your donation can make that difference.
Join our community of volunteers and make a direct impact in the lives of refugees and migrants.
Your time and compassion can change someone’s future.
Your donation helps Paiwand provide housing, education, and mental health support to those who need it most. Every contribution helps build stronger, more hopeful communities.
We collaborate with local organisations, schools, and councils to create real and lasting change.
Join us in building inclusive, supportive communities across London.
Meet Our Funders