The Aga Khan Development Network

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of non-denominational agencies that work to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor across countries of the developing world. Building on an underlying ethic of compassion for the vulnerable in society, the agencies in the Network focus on health, education, culture, rural development, institution building and the promotion of economic development.

Education is a central focus of the AKDN. The Network has been involved in education in the developing world for over a century. Its education programmes cover a wide spectrum of activities, from pre-primary to post-secondary education, teacher training, literacy programmes, school improvement and educational policy reform. The AKDN aims to increase access to quality education for all, particularly those that historically have been underserved or excluded.

The Aga Khan Academies form one arm of the Network's education endeavours. The Academies' focus on developing future leaders is complemented by the work of several other AKDN agencies. Together they provide programming that addresses a range of educational needs across the societies in which they operate. In addition to the Academies, the AKDN's lead organisations in education include the Aga Khan University, the University of Central Asia, the Aga Khan Education Services and the Aga Khan Foundation.

Within the AKDN framework, the Aga Khan Academies exist to both educate exceptional students and disseminate new teaching techniques and learning approaches. Investing heavily in the professional development of teachers is critical to the Academies’ mission of providing students with a rigorous academic and leadership experience.

Learn more about the Aga Khan Development Network, and its work in education and other focus areas, on the AKDN website.