About Oston
A U.S. registered 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to serving the Tajik community across the United States.
Our Story
Every organization has a beginning. Ours began with a single moment that changed the course of one life—and eventually inspired the creation of Oston.
More than fifteen years ago, while studying at university in Dushanbe, our founder was walking home on a cold, rainy afternoon. Under a tree, he noticed a young boy, about eleven years old, sitting alone. The child was barefoot, soaked by the rain, hungry, and quietly asking strangers for help.
At the time, our founder was also struggling financially. Like many students, every somoni mattered. The 20 somoni in his pocket was all the money he had left for the week—money intended to cover bus rides to and from the university. Without it, he would have to walk nearly 45 minutes each way, and after that day, he did exactly that for several days until classmates helped him.
Standing in front of that child, however, the decision did not feel difficult.
He used his last 20 somoni to buy the boy hot tea and pastries.
As he watched the child eat, one thought stayed with him:
“No child should have to stand barefoot in the rain, searching for kindness from strangers. A child should grow up in the love and safety of a family—not worrying about the next meal or asking for help on the street. If I am ever given the opportunity, I will dedicate my life to helping children and families facing hardships like this.”
That promise quietly remained in his heart for years.
In 2020, it became the foundation of Oston. What began as a simple desire to help grew into organized charitable work, supporting urgent medical needs, families in crisis, food assistance, and verified emergency fundraising efforts.
Although Oston no longer operates in Tajikistan, its mission has never changed.
Today, Oston Charity Foundation is a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) public charity dedicated to serving the Tajik community across the United States. We operate exclusively under U.S. law and remain committed to treating every person with dignity, compassion, and respect.
The little boy under that tree may never know how deeply he changed one person's life, but his story continues to inspire everything we do.
Our Commitment to Transparency
Oston was founded not only to help people in need, but also to build a charitable organization that people can truly trust.
Our founder knows what financial hardship feels like. Walking long distances because there was no money for transportation, worrying about everyday expenses, and experiencing difficult times personally taught an important lesson: when someone chooses to help, every dollar carries both hope and responsibility.
That is why transparency is one of the core principles of Oston.
Every donation entrusted to Oston is managed solely to support our charitable mission and to operate the organization in compliance with U.S. federal and state laws governing nonprofit organizations.
No personal accounts
We do not collect charitable donations through founders' or volunteers' personal bank accounts, personal cards, or personal money transfer services. Donations are made through the Foundation's official fundraising platforms and payment systems.
Every case is reviewed
Every assistance request is reviewed before support is provided. When a case is approved, Oston launches a dedicated fundraising campaign specifically for that individual or family, allowing donors to clearly understand the purpose of their contribution.
Verifiable assistance
Whenever possible, assistance is provided through documented and verifiable channels. This helps ensure that donations are used for their intended charitable purpose while maintaining accountability and transparency.
Full compliance
As a U.S.-registered 501(c)(3) public charity, Oston maintains financial records, complies with applicable nonprofit regulations, and is committed to responsible stewardship of every contribution entrusted to our organization.
Our Mission
To build trust, unite our community, and ensure that every act of generosity reaches people who genuinely need help—with honesty, transparency, and respect.
How Can We Help?
Whether you need assistance or want to support the community, Oston is here for you.