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. We bring together human, financial, and technical resources to some of the poorest and most marginalized communities, with an emphasis on women and girls, investing in human potential, expanding opportunity, and improving quality of life.

Making a buzz about plastic: Meet Patrice in Kenya

Plastic pollution is a pressing global issue, impacting habitats and biodiversity, reducing our planet’s ability to adapt to climate change,

Afghanistan Humanitarian Response Project (AHRP)

Duration: 2023-2024 Location: Afghanistan (Bamyan and Daikundi provinces) Reach: 731 women farmers (5,117 people indirectly reached through increased access to

Preparing for parenthood: Childbirth classes in the Kyrgyz Republic

“I think all couples who are expecting a baby should take these classes.” Bektur lives in Kerben, a rural community

Meet Iddah: A young entrepreneur supporting accessible and sustainable menstrual health

Period poverty – the lack of access to menstrual products, sanitation, and information about menstruation – is a global health

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

From garbage to growth: How one woman is championing climate action in her community

Meet Mildred, a woman entrepreneur championing climate action in her community.

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