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 the Grade: A New Chapter for Education in East Africa

For Betty and Acidiri, reading together is about more than quality family time. Acidiri’s teachers encourage all the parents in the community to read with their children – a strong predictor of academic success later in life.

The Flexible Response Fund of the Girls’ Education Support Program in Afghanistan

In Afghanistan’s rural northern provinces, the barriers to educating girls are diverse and always changing – but often, the solutions are simple.

Healthy Mothers and Children: The Heart of Communities

A healthy body and mind are fundamental to a good quality of life. In Canada, we have the building blocks of good health: nutritious food, clean water, sanitary living conditions, and access to medical care.

Bangladesh’s children hold the future in their hands

AKFC works with partners in Bangladesh to improve access to quality early childhood care in some of the country’s most vulnerable communities.

25 years of transforming lives, one young Canadian at a time

In 2015, our 25th cohort of fellows returned from their eight months abroad.

Caring connections: the power of eHealth

When Mavjuda required an ear exam, she paid a visit to Dr. Akmal Abdulmajidov in the small town of Khorog, Tajikistan.

Girls’ Education: Investing in Afghanistan’s Future

Every country needs leaders who are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a solid foundation for development.

Overcoming energy poverty in Central Asia

Access to electricity is a key stepping stone in overcoming poverty in rural communities.

How a Glass of Water Can Be Deadly

March 22 marks World Water Day. Most Canadians use water every day without thinking twice: to quench thirst, prepare meals, and bathe. But in the developing world – where clean, safe water can be scarce – these simple daily routines put lives at risk.