Education

The challenge: Worldwide, 600 million children and teenagers fail to reach basic levels of learning proficiency. Nearly half of them remain out of school. However, even those in school are not being prepared to succeed in or contribute to society. Among illiterate youth, nearly two out of three are girls – a fact that has remained largely unchanged for the last 20 years. These gaps in education translate to a world where people of all ages are left out of opportunity, and do not reach their full potential as adults.

Our solution: We strengthen education systems to equip girls and boys with the knowledge and skills to help them interact effectively with the world and contribute to a pluralist society. From preschool programs to advanced education for adults, our investments train teachers and administrators, and improve classrooms and schools, with a focus on dismantling the barriers to education for women and girls. We support policy and research to develop and scale affordable, innovative solutions that raise the quality and accessibility of public school systems for the most marginalized children worldwide.

Inspiring inclusion in Africa and Asia

This International Women’s Day, we celebrated changemakers who are driving social, economic, and political empowerment for women and girls.

Leveraging the power of the world’s most popular sport

In rural Uganda, a group of dedicated teachers are leveraging the power of the world’s most popular sport transform their school.

Running in the family: Shaping generations of learners in East Africa

From 3-year-old Mariam to 21-year-old Ali, all of Mealii’s children attended their local pre-primary school in rural Kenya.

Beyond the conflict: How education is unlocking hope in Syria

Globally, an estimated 222 million children and youth living in situations affected by conflict do not have access to education

Dispatch from the field: Cycling for peace & prosperity

Emilie Chiasson is a Social Science and Behaviourial Change Fellow in Kampala, Uganda, supporting the Aga Khan Foundation’s education projects

Global Reads: AKFC’s Book Club

In this book club, we explore recent literary works focused on international affairs, policy, or practice—with an emphasis on innovation, new voices, and diverse perspectives.

International Development Education and Awareness (IDEA)

IDEA will enhance the engagement of Canadians especially youth in Canada and improve their access to, and use of, equitably distributed global citizenship learning products, resources, and opportunities.

Lessons from Kenya: Education beyond the classroom

Aisha Abeid leads the Aga Khan Foundation’s education work in Mombasa, Kenya, as the County Coordinator, and contributes to AKF’s

Transforming Communities, One Teacher at a Time

In Tanzania, children are often considered a woman’s responsibility. But teachers like Ali are challenging this gender stereotype.