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.

IN PHOTOS: Behind the scenes at Bamyan Hospital

Earlier this month, Deborah Lyons, Canadian Ambassador to Afghanistan, and Nurjehan Mawani, Diplomatic Representative of His Highness the Aga Khan to Afghanistan, met with Governor Tahir Zohair and local officials in the province of Bamyan in Northern Afghanistan.

World Health Day: 4.5 million reasons to celebrate

Four years ago, Laya Hoor took a walk through the village of Ghulmet, on the banks of the Hunza River. The craggy peaks of northern Pakistan’s mountain ranges rose around her on all sides, so high that they skimmed the clouds drifting by.

These keys unlock five things you take for granted

These are the keys to a lockbox where 12 members of a savings group in Mozambique are investing their earnings. With the return on their investments, they have been able to make basic improvements to their homes, like a freezer, an oven, a table and chairs, bowls and plates, and a roof that doesn’t leak.

Quality education for a bright future

We all have a favourite teacher from when we went to school. They inspired in us a sense of boundless wonder, and motivated us to reach new heights.

Under the canopy of the apricot trees

It sits nestled in the palm of my hand, a shrunken, wrinkled russet sphere that rattles softly when I shake it. I find it in Zeverdashd, a Tajik village wedged between the towering Pamir Mountains of Tajikistan and Afghanistan. It represents a livelihood for 15 women and their families.

Weaving a Brighter Future: Apendiwe’s story

Apendiwe Momade sits in the shade outside her home in rural Mozambique, next to a billowing pile of dried grass.

Her legs are outstretched on one of her homemade mats, her fingers a blur as she expertly twists the grass into intricate patterns.

Welcoming the class of 2021: The University of Central Asia launches its first undergraduate program

Classes are officially underway at the University of Central Asia’s first undergraduate program in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic. The inaugural cohort of 71 students is hitting the books – with a unique curriculum that has a Canadian connection.

Gallery: Strengthening Education Systems in East Africa

Primary school enrollment in East Africa has improved significantly, but the number of children in class only tells part of the story. For students to get the most out of school, they need a quality education system with well-trained teachers and staff.

New opportunities for a new generation in northern Pakistan

Meet Mahayuddin and Aftar Gul, a remarkable duo changing lives in northern Pakistan.