By Tonya Andrews
For Moin Khan, education is more than a professional interest—it’s a personal mission shaped by years of experience, family history, and deep ties to Central and South Asia. As a CAI board member, Moin brings a rare blend of international development expertise and on-the-ground connection that gives him both clarity and conviction about CAI’s work.
“My ancestors are from Central and South Asia, and I spent nearly 8 years living and working in Afghanistan,” Moin shares. “I was welcomed into people’s homes, invited to weddings, shared meals, and had real conversations—not just meetings, but friendships.” That personal immersion, he says, shaped his view of a country often misunderstood from afar.
“Afghans are extraordinarily generous. If you compliment someone on something they own, no matter their means, they’ll offer it to you. The sense of giving and hospitality is unlike anything I’ve seen.”
Whether practicing law or working in the international human rights field, Moin’s professional life has spanned multiple countries. Despite the diversity of his projects, he says one factor always stands out: “Education is the game-changer. I’ve seen firsthand how education transforms families, communities, and nations. And I’ve seen how the lack of it limits opportunity.”
That is one reason CAI’s mission resonated so deeply with Moin. “CAI goes where others don’t—to the village level, building trust and delivering real impact. That model is rare, and it’s exactly what makes our work so effective.”
His connection to CAI’s mission runs even deeper through his family. His wife was born in Kabul, and their daughter reminds him daily of what so many girls in the region are denied. “We talk about how lucky we are. We’re one generation away from being on the other side—needing help instead of being able to give it.”
When asked about meaningful moments with CAI, Moin reflects on his admiration for Program Manager Zia Sanaban. “Every time Zia shares stories from the field—letters from girls of families whose lives have been changed—it recharges me. He brings the mission to life in a way that reminds us all why we do this work.”
Looking ahead, Moin is passionate about ensuring CAI continues to adapt. “We must stay rooted in our local relationships, but be flexible in how we deliver education—whether that’s virtual learning, correspondence, or women’s economic empowerment programs. It doesn’t matter what type of project, there will always be roadblocks and then the question is, do I stop here, or do I find a way around this?” Moin shares CAI’s deep commitment to always move forward, regardless of the obstacle.
That perseverance, and the community-led nature of CAI’s work, is what drives Moin’s belief in CAI’s future. “We’re facing challenges, but we’re built for this. And we’ll keep going—for every girl still waiting for her chance to learn.”