The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) works to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable populations by contributing to economic integration. We invest in people’s talents and potential, regardless of their individual characteristics. We seek to strengthen employability networks by closing the gap between existing skills and job market requirements, vocational training and job placement. To support local economies that value cultural heritage, initiatives are in place to leverage cooperatives of crafts in creative industries and increase access to new markets.
17,000
AKF has supported over 17,000 people in Portugal to improve their skills and access better employment opportunities
Our focus is to support the personal, social and professional development of each individual. We hope to increase quality, efficiency and effectiveness in the job market; augment income in a sustainable way; and create self-confidence, autonomy and skill sets that extend across various vocations.
We support networks of stakeholders involved in vocational and professional training, job prospection and placement, and job creation. They seek to increase education levels, reskill workers and build connections, to increase employment. Since 2010, through the networks, AKF has supported more than 17,000 people in Lisbon, Sintra and Oeiras to access training and secure better and longer-term employment.
This work has resulted in a ready-to-use employability network implementation guide - please email akfportugal@akdn.org to request it.
We are closing the gap between existing skills and job market requirements by developing young people’s soft, technical and digital skills. This strengthens their capacity to become more competitive in the job market.
We support cooperatives of migrant crafts, arts and service producers by creating a collective brand, placing cultural heritage products in the market and reducing the length of economic circuits.