Meet Ayesha Malik

As a Pakistani-American born in the Netherlands and raised across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, I have seen many versions of community. Living in diverse cultures gave me the chance to connect with people of different backgrounds and experiences. It also showed me a troubling truth that crosses borders: a consistent lack of access to education in marginalized communities, especially in digital literacy.

This gap has real consequences. In the United States, over 90 percent of jobs require digital skills, but nearly one-third of working-age adults do not have those skills. This digital divide prevents people from applying for jobs, accessing healthcare, and participating fully in society. It reinforces the cycle of poverty and limits long-term opportunity.

I saw this challenge up close while volunteering at Magnificat Houses in Houston. Many of the individuals there were eager to work and improve their lives. What held them back was not motivation, but access. Without the ability to send an email, write a resume, or navigate the internet, they could not take the next step forward.

That experience inspired me to start Enabling Basics.

I created this project to provide free computer literacy classes for adults in the Houston area. Our goal is to teach foundational digital skills that help people apply for jobs, access services, and build confidence in an increasingly online world. Enabling Basics is here to support progress through education and help break barriers that keep communities from moving forward.

Everyone deserves the chance to grow. With the right tools and support, we can help make that possible, one lesson at a time.

Welcome to Enabling Basics