What We Do

Nearly half of the world’s population — more than 3.5 billion people — live on less than $2.50 a day. More than 700 million people live in extreme poverty (less than USD $1.90 a day), the majority of whom are in Africa and Asia.

Aga Khan Foundation Canada tackles the root causes of this poverty through a holistic and interconnected set of programs. These initiatives address people’s most pressing needs and enable them to unlock their full potential, with a particular focus on marginalized groups like women and girls.

Our programs aim to ensure access to high quality education and health care, ensure food security, improve economic well-being, and develop resilient communities and societies.

A Canadian in Kenya

When he first heard about the coronavirus in early February, Liam Thorne was working as a monitoring and evaluation fellow supporting health programming in Kisii, Kenya.

Unmasking new opportunities in a time of crisis

With the outbreak of COVID-19, Istoray’s business ground to a sudden halt. A lockdown order on the market where Istoray’s business operated caused her, and many others to lose their business and income.

Growing crops, nurturing a community

After the spread of COVID-19, many, including Kimya’s eldest son, a rental driver, lost their jobs. But the greenhouse has enabled their family to weather the pandemic.

Bridging the gap by supporting communities

Community health volunteers (CHVs) play a crucial role in the healthcare system in Kenya.

“Each of us can contribute.”

As a vaccine for COVID-19 has yet to be produced, prevention is the only way to stop the spread of this disease. Community awareness is key to the success of such initiatives.

Fighting fear and misinformation on three wheels

Thanks to COVID-19 prevention training provided by a Canadian-supported program, Maria learned that prevention was something she could help control.

When awareness spreads faster than the virus

Health leaders in northern Pakistan are using homegrown solutions to educate rural communities about COVID-19.

An interview with Onno Ruhl, General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat

Onno Ruhl is the first General Manager of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), created in 2016 to address the increasing threat posed by natural disasters and climate change.

A message from Aswan’s young entrepreneurs for World Environment Day

Aswan, the third biggest city in Egypt, is a busy market and tourist centre on the east bank of the Nile River. But while opportunities exist, there is a large disconnect between training that is available and the skills and products in demand in an Egypt that is both quickly modernizing and grappling with the challenge of climate change.