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.

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.

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.

Meet Nairobi’s Rabbit King: Urban farming in East Africa

This is not your typical African safari.

Overcoming energy poverty in Central Asia

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

Building a strong foundation for every child – education

Every country needs leaders who are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to build a better life.

Building a strong foundation for every child – health

Building strong foundations for children is key to the future of our world. To help children reach their full potential, families need nutritious food, sanitary living conditions, and quality healthcare – right from the start.

Empowering Youth to Climb to the Summit of their Potential

For these young climbers, reaching the top of the ice fall isn’t just about personal achievement – succeeding as a mountaineer means unlocking new opportunities in a region where a steady income can be hard to come by.

Meet the Toymaker of Kashka-Suu

In his rural home in the Kyrgyz Republic, Kurbanaliev Abutalip crouches in front of a makeshift work bench and spreads out his materials: scraps of wood, empty plastic bottles, nails, hammers, screwdrivers, and a saw.

Crafting a brighter future for families in Mozambique

Sufo designs and crafts intricate silver jewellery in his workshop and sells the pieces to earn a living for him and his family. He uses his earnings to buy books, school materials, and food.