About us

I first learned about the power of helping others from my mother, Salma. Her generosity was rooted in her upbringing, where sharing what you had with those in need was more than a virtue—it was a way of life. This belief was put into action during the partition of India in 1947, when my grandparents helped families relocate to the newly formed nation of Pakistan.

Despite facing the same struggles as other refugees—finding stable employment, securing good schools, and creating a safe environment for their family—my grandparents believed that uplifting the community was the best way to secure their own future.

Growing up in Mohammad Ali Society, a suburb of Karachi, I saw this spirit of giving firsthand. A roundabout at the intersection of four busy roads served as our playground, but it was also where we noticed the inequalities faced by children in our neighborhood. Many of them couldn’t attend school because their families depended on their help to earn a living. Some sold fruits and vegetables; others worked alongside their parents cleaning homes or washing clothes.

For those fortunate enough to attend school, the education they received often revolved around rote learning, with little room for creativity or engagement. This disparity inspired my brother, Ather, and me to act. In 1982, at just 15 years old, we decided to start a school to help our community.

The lessons we learned during those early days of organizing are the foundation of my work with ZEF Global today. Our first challenge was to understand the needs of our neighborhood families and identify the obstacles they faced. This is still ZEF Global’s approach—working closely with local communities to tailor solutions that address their unique priorities.

To launch the school, we needed resources. We sought guidance from our parents and grandparents and pitched our idea to local businesses. Fazal Bookstore and Toy Shop generously supported us with essential supplies like pencils, erasers, notebooks, and chalk. This spirit of collaboration remains a cornerstone of ZEF Global’s mission, as we partner with subject matter experts and institutions to empower underserved communities.

We started small, with just a handful of students learning basic subjects such as Math, Geography, Reading, and Writing. Within six months, our enrollment grew to 15 students. We adapted to their schedules by holding classes in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends, focusing on subjects that were practical and engaging for them. Adaptability was key then, just as it is now at ZEF Global, where we strive to build resilient communities by staying responsive to their evolving needs.

Although the school came to an end in 1985 when our family immigrated to Venice Beach, California, our mission didn’t stop. We recognized similar challenges among the immigrant communities in our new home. Whether in Karachi or Venice Beach, families everywhere need the same fundamentals: a safe place to learn and grow, access to reliable income, safe food and water, quality healthcare, and a caring community.

A few years later, my brother Ather returned to our old neighborhood in Pakistan and met Abbas, a young man who approached him with a question: “Are you Ather Malik, the one who ran the school for kids here?” Abbas shared that he had attended our school and was now pursuing a master’s degree at a local university. “If it wasn’t for your school,” he said, “I might never have had this opportunity. Thank you!”

That moment was transformative. To see the impact of our efforts on someone’s life and witness their success was deeply rewarding. It reinforced our belief in the power of education and community support.

With ZEF Global, we continue my mother’s legacy of compassion and hope. Guided by her inspiration, we work to create a better world where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.