The word “Shahmama” comes from the name of the great statue of Buddha in Bamyan (a province of Afghanistan) which was destroyed by Taliban. “Shahmoama” is a nonprofit organization that resumed its operation in the Netherlands in March 2003 and was officially registered as  “Shahmoama Publication Center” in Holland in Jan. 2005. In November 2008 it evolved to Afghan Social Development Foundation. With its non-commercial and non-political nature, the organization has a range of cultural, social and educational activities. Shahmoama is spelled as “Sahamama” in the website and in social media.

Shahmama cooperates with all social groups and individuals that are combating for bringing peace, security, democracy and social justice in Afghanistan. We believe that intellectuals and educated Afghans may have significant roles in bringing changes in the situation of Afghanistan. Women preserve a special preference in our activities and in this mission, we serve any movement that supports women’s rights in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, we facilitate various opportunities for Afghan women to reflect their ideas through their books and publications.

Education is a considerable issue for Shahmama and this foundation would like to facilitate preparation of educational materials for school children, illiterates and either universities by supporting Afghan former university teachers and writers in the westerns countries. We encourage educated and experienced Afghans abroad to become active and support Afghanistan by publishing their experience and knowledge so they could play notable roles in rebuilding their country. We are facilitating them to publish their knowledge and ideas.

At the beginning of Sept. 2022, Shahmama Foundation announced Afghan musicians and singer to make an archive of “Database of Afghanistan’s Music” and is looking for their cooperations. This would become possible and arranged via the support of Nashenas’ Music donated to Shahmama Foundation..