How We Work
With nine agencies working in concert, AKDN uses a multifaceted strategy to tackle the difficulties faced in the poorest regions of the globe.
While we also step in to meet urgent short-term needs, our agencies focus on sustainable programmes that address the many factors contributing to poverty.
We embed physical and social infrastructure, health and education services, business and finance facilities, environmental planning and more within the communities where we work, in partnership with governments, businesses, civil society organisations and the communities themselves.
Development is sustainable only if the beneficiaries become, in a gradual manner, the masters of the process.
The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has been making significant contributions to the Early Childhood Development (ECD) sector in Tanzania for three decades. AKF has pioneered the provision of high quality, culturally-relevant and holistic early childhood development amongst communities in Zanzibar and Southern Tanzania. (Photo: Mejengo Preschool in Ndanda, Mtwara Region)
AKDN / Lucas Cuervo Moura
We take a long-term and sustainable approach to helping communities develop their own resources. All of our programmes promote peaceful pluralism, aim for gender equality and respect the environment. Read more about our approach to development
In Portugal, K’Cidade, AKF’s urban community support programme, brings together people from different backgrounds and ages by involving them in community improvement and development activities. As time goes on, minds open up and encouraging participation becomes easier. This programme has known particular success in Tapada, one of the most ethnically diverse parishes in which K’Cidade works.
AKDN / Lucas Cuervo Moura
AKDN’s work is underpinned by the ethical principles of Islam, emphasising self-reliance and human dignity. We work to help the poorest in society, whatever their faith, country or culture. Read more about our ethical framework
In Tanzania, the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) works closely with the Ministry of Health to improve the health of vulnerable population groups, especially mothers and children, and promote health services development on the national and regional levels.
AKDN / Lucas Cuervo Moura
The Aga Khan Health Services
The Aga Khan Health Services prioritises health promotion, disease prevention and primary health care, with community programmes, facilities including eight hospitals, and medical training.
Immediately after the disaster in July 2018, AKAH Pakistan's trained Disaster Assessment Response Team assessed the damages caused by the disaster and prioritised the immediate needs of the affected population.
AKAH
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat
The Aga Khan Agency for Habitat reduces risks to remote communities from disasters. It works to mitigate physical hazards, prepares residents for incidents and responds to emergencies.
To the north of Sofia, in Diana, AKF is supporting cocoa farmers to improve the quality of their crops and help them access markets. Currently AKF supports 5,500 farmers in Diana and aims to scale this into the tens of thousands over the next five years.
AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer
Aga Khan Foundation
The Aga Khan Foundation improves the quality of life for the most marginalised communities in the world, investing in human potential for long-term progress.
Young learners with their teacher at an Aga Khan Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Khorog, Tajikistan.
AKDN / Akbar Hakim
Aga Khan Schools
Within Aga Khan Schools, the Aga Khan Education Services provides quality pre-school, primary and secondary education, particularly in remote areas. The network of Aga Khan Academies expands access to education of an international standard of excellence, aiming to nurture future leaders.
In Karachi, Pakistan, at the Aga Khan University Centre for Innovation in Medical Education, staff work with a cardiovascular simulator in the cath lab.
AKU / Shabbir Hussen
Aga Khan University
The Aga Khan University prepares youth to realise their potential and to lead change in their societies. Its innovative research translates into health programmes for local communities.
The UCA Naryn Campus, Kyrgyz Republic. The University of Central Asia (UCA) is opening campuses at high altitude sites in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic (2016) and Khorog, Tajikistan (2017), and is preparing for construction in Tekeli, Kazakhstan.
AKDN / Gary Otte
University of Central Asia
The University of Central Asia promotes the intellectual, social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities.
Rahim's Tomb illuminated after the completion of conservation works, New Delhi, India. Illumination funded by Fifth Dimension.
AKTC / Narendra Swain
Aga Khan Trust for Culture
The Aga Khan Trust for Culture revitalises communities through music, architecture, museums and restoring historic monuments.
Première Agence de Microfinance Côte d’Ivoire extends loans for agriculture, livestock and small enterprises.
AKDN/Lucas Cuervo Moura
Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance
The Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance provides loans, savings and remittance services to reduce poverty, diminish vulnerability and alleviate economic and social exclusion.
The renewable energy produced by Pamir Energy’s plants, like this one at the new Hydro Power Plant in Murghab, Tajikistan, has displaced the need to burn trees or use polluting diesel generators. Due to its limited greenhouse emissions, Pamir Energy has been able to generate revenue by selling carbon credits.
AKDN / Christopher Wilton-Steer
Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development
The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development offers investment funding and managerial and technical expertise to create viable, self-sustaining and profitable companies.
Find out the answers to our frequently asked questions