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.

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

Meet the Fellows: From Kenya to the Kyrgyz Republic

Since 1989, over 500 young Canadians have participated in AKFC’s International Youth Fellowship, a program that has launched diverse careers

The ripple effect: Rameesha Qazi on gender equality and international development

Rameesha is the Gender Lead at the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH), helping AKAH develop gender policies and accountability frameworks, and integrate gender equality into their programs.

Dispatch from the Field: The magic of the micro-forest

Gertrude and Peter are Regional Partnerships Fellows in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Read their reflections on working on the AKDN’s micro-forest initiative.

It takes a village: Raising healthy, happy children in Tajikistan

Research shows that 80% of a child’s brain development occurs within their first 1,000 days of life – making this

Transforming Communities, One Teacher at a Time

In Tanzania, children are often considered a woman’s responsibility. But teachers like Ali are challenging this gender stereotype.