Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a non-profit, non-denominational development agency established in 1980 that promotes sustainable and equitable social development. It is a registered Canadian charity.
The Foundation operates on the principle that effective social and economic progress is based on partnership with individuals, communities, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Many of its efforts are undertaken in partnership with the government of Canada through the Canadian International Development Agency.
AKFC is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, which focuses on social, cultural and economic development. It was founded by His Highness the Aga Khan in the belief that everyone has the right to the dignity that comes from self-reliance.
The Foundation is currently involved in more than 40 development initiatives in Asia and Africa. We support programs in four important areas - health, education, rural development and strengthening community organizations. AKFC also pays special attention to the environment, as well as to problems faced by women in developing countries.
WHERE WE WORK
The Foundation focuses on countries where it has experience and expertise and where highly skilled local staff can help monitor progress, ensure that results are achieved and that resources are used effectively. At the moment, AKFC operates in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, India, Bangladesh, the Kyrgyz Republic, Syria, Egypt, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Mozambique and Mali - countries that are home to some of the world's poorest people.
The Aga Khan Development Network has worked in some of these countries for more than 100 years, and enjoys considerable support among volunteers, local organizations and governments. Through AKDN, the Foundation is able to utilize the resources of other member institutions and community organizations that have a proven track record of managing schools, hospitals and clinics in Africa and Asia. In this way, even small projects can have an immense impact.
AKFC IN CANADA
In addition to supporting overseas programming, AKFC has several educational programs aimed at improving the quality of Canada's development assistance and showing Canadians how they can contribute to the solution to world poverty. Our international management training fellowships are shaping the next generation of global leaders by annually sending dozens of young Canadians abroad to learn about the challenges of development from our in-country partners. AKFC invites students from developing countries to study in Canada where they can begin to form life-long professional relationships. The Foundation also sends Canadian specialists overseas to share knowledge and expertise with their colleagues in the developing world.
AKFC regularly contributes to the ongoing dialogue on Canada's development policies. It collaborates with many Canadian institutions, including University of Guelph, University of Toronto, University of Calgary, Queens University, Ryerson University. Thanks to the Aga Khan Development Network, AKFC forms a unique link between Canadian development professionals and their colleagues in the developing world.
FUNDING SOURCES
The Canadian government, through CIDA, provides funding for a number of programs that AKFC supports in developing countries. AKFC also raises funds for its programs with generous donations from corporations and many thousands of individuals. Every year the World Partnership Walk and World Partnership Golf tournaments raise millions of dollars that go directly to our programs.
