A young student leans over a table to write with a pencil.

AKDN provides education on health and nutrition, and access to health services and early learning programmes.

AKDN / Kapila Productions

Recognising the importance of early childhood development (ECD), the Aga Khan Foundation has established a number of pre-schools and ECD centres in its programme areas which enable access to a supportive, stimulating environment for pre-school children. AKDN / Kapila Productions

AKDN provides education on health and nutrition, and access to health services and early learning programmes.

AKDN / Kapila Productions

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Afghanistan | Early Childhood Development

The early years from preconception to primary are increasingly recognised as the most critical period for developing and supporting lifelong outcomes.


74

We operate 74 pre-primary units

Motif for the Aga Khan Education Services

Aga Khan Education Services

Working with parents, educators and government agencies, AKDN aims to provide families the means by which they can improve the developmental and learning outcomes of their children during their formative years. We promote the importance of early childhood development (ECD) through education on health and nutrition, and access to health services and early learning programmes.


Aga Khan Foundation


We create child-friendly health facilities equipped with early childhood development corners for accessible use by parents and children. We train health workers in holistic early childhood development to enhance access to health services for parents and children.


We expand access to early childhood development through community-based pre-schools, community libraries, and parental education. We establish early childhood development Shuras and provide continuous training and mentoring to enhance their capacity in managing and monitoring early childhood development centres, children, and teachers; resolving community challenges; and mobilising parental engagement while fostering ownership.


We also conduct parenting sessions to improve understanding and skills in holistic child development and responsive caregiving, incorporating activities like storytelling and reading for children.


Aga Khan Education Services


The Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Afghanistan operates 74 pre-primary units, for over 3,700 three-six-year-olds. The units offer a programme based on the internationally-recognised HighScope preschool curriculum.