Early Childhood Development
Parwaaz programme offers hope in Afghanistan
4 August 2022
In Afghanistan, the Parwaaz early childhood programme provides a safe space for parents and caregivers to lay the building blocks for their children’s futures.
Springtime: Celebrating new beginnings
24 March 2022
In Tajikistan, Navroz is a four-day public holiday and an opportunity for families to come together in celebration of traditions, particularly with the youngest members of the family.
Educating from the cradle onwards
28 October 2021
Seeking knowledge is inextricably linked to faith and spirituality in the Muslim tradition. In his address during the foundation laying ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of the intersection of education and faith. He said that, “The Holy Qur’an sees the discovery of knowledge as a spiritual responsibility, enabling us to better understand and more ably serve God’s creation.”
LEAPS programme supports early childhood education during Covid-19 pandemic
23 August 2020
The clock reads 6 AM and Karima Rehmani is already at work on a Zoom call, talking with colleagues in Boston and Pakistan about everything ranging from children’s art activities to Covid-19 training for teachers and government officials in rural Sindh.
Breaking down barriers in maternal mental health
28 February 2020
“Women are twice as likely as men to experience depression and anxiety, yet three times more likely to experience barriers to accessing mental healthcare,” explained Dr Simone Vigod during a session entitled Healthy Moms, Healthy Families – Breaking Down Barriers to Maternal Mental Healthcare at the Ismaili Centre Toronto in early February.
Being healthy children – inside and out
6 February 2020
On the occasion of Children’s Mental Health Week, the Aga Khan Health Board (UK) explores the importance of supporting young people to pay attention to their emotional wellbeing, and shares some advice for children on being healthy, inside and out. We encourage you to read this article with the children in your life.
Video: Early Childhood Development in India
23 January 2020
The early years of life are critical for the physical, social, emotional, and cognitive formation of every young child. On the occasion of the UN’s International Day of Education, we learn about the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF)’s work in Early Childhood Development (ECD) in India. By supporting government ECD centres, AKF facilitates a safe, healthy, and joyful environment where children can learn.
ECD Centres secure long-term future for Jamat of Tanzania
24 October 2019
In 2005 the Jamat in Tanzania embarked on an Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiative at Darkhana Jamatkhana in Dar es Salaam. Over time, as interest in community based early learning gained momentum, the Early Childhood Development Centre (ECDC) has gradually expanded. Today, ECDC activities take place in Zanzibar, Iringa, Mwanza, Arusha, Mbeya, Morogoro, Dodoma, and Zambia.
On the Parenting Journey
29 July 2019
Being a parent is perhaps the most complex job in the world. It can be a challenging yet joyful experience. Nowadays, parents are surrounded by multiple questions regarding their children’s everyday life, health, education, and future. Should parents control their children’s use of technology? How can parents give due time and attention to their children while life pressures increase each day? How can parents set clear limits for their children with empathy and respect?
Developing a child’s mind through the game of chess
6 June 2011
Research shows that children who play chess cultivate good habits that benefit them academically and socially. Danial Asaria is a young chess champion from California who has won several local and national awards. His parents discuss how teaching their son chess has helped him to sharpen his focus, improved his analytical abilities and develop other important skills.
