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This statement explains the motivation behind the creation of the institutions encompassed by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which reflects the Qur'anic requirement to share one's resources with others, and to care for those in need; thus, it serves as the ethical foundation of the AKDN, as it addresses issues faced by communities in parts of the world deprived of many basic necessities, essential for even a minimal quality of life, by offering them opportunity and hope for a better future.
In the Shadows of the Himalayas
Investing in People
"Today, the Aga Khan Development Network embraces many facets and functions. But, if I were trying to sum up in a single word its central objective, I would focus on the word 'opportunity'. For what the peoples of the developing world seek above all else, is hope for a better future."
“To the Imamat the meaning of ‘quality of life’ extends to the entire ethical and social context in which people live, and not only to their material well-being measured over generation after generation. Consequently, the Imamat’s is a holistic vision of development, as is prescribed by the faith of Islam. It is about investing in people, in their pluralism, in their intellectual pursuit, and search for new and useful knowledge, just as much as in material resources. But it is also about investing with a social conscience inspired by the ethics of Islam. It is work that benefits all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion, nationality or background.”
Rather than devising singular and specific ad hoc projects, the mission of the AKDN agencies is to apply multiple inputs to ameliorate a community's condition, addressing many factors simultaneously. Having an extra meal a day would provide some comfort to those in difficult circumstances, but this alone would not assure a brighter future in the absence of basic medical care, housing, income opportunities or quality education. Thus, an integrated and comprehensive approach to development best addresses the Islamic ethic of compassion towards the less fortunate, the fundamental objective of AKDN interventions.
Alleviating Poverty
Models of Economic Growth
Ugandans have since seen marked improvement in their lives. AKFED has also improved the water supply of nearby residents, as well as school and health center buildings, leading to a doubling of students at schools and improvements in health care. It also operates a power plant in Cote d'Ivoire and is developing another to increase power generation for Rwanda, Burundi and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Education as an Investment in the Future
Addressing basic education needs of many communities, the Aga Khan Education Services operates more than 200 schools and educational programs, benefiting over 80,000 students. And education, for even younger children is a concern for the Imam; as research indicates that early childhood education is the best predictor of later success, it is no surprise that he insists on every child in our Jamat being enrolled in such programs, providing spaces for this to occur.
Healthcare: a Basic Necessity
Reclaiming the Past
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Connection to one's history and traditions are critical components of one's identity, even for self-respect; when ignored or considered irrelevant, a society can lose its moorings and sense of direction. Unfortunately, much of the Muslim world is in great need of maintaining its historic monuments and other cultural assets. Not wishing to see these disappear and lose that connection to the past, AKDN's Aga Khan Trust address the retention and promotion of traditional music and poetry, and the restoration of historic sites and monument -- from Humayun's Tomb in Delhi, to the walled City of Lahore, and the Great Mosque of Mopti, in Mali. In addition, Toronto's Aga Khan Museum houses magnificent treasures, and its educational programs will better inform the public about the cultural heritage of the Muslim world.
Civil Society
Stewardship of the Environment
This philosophy is at the heart of the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, which is concerned with climate change. Of particular concern at this time are communities living in regions susceptible to earthquakes, avalanches, landslides, and in dilapidated housing. The Agency has successfully helped to address such issues over the long term, and through disaster training and management programs, particularly in Northern Pakistan and Tajikistan. It has developed more efficient smoke-free stoves - among 70 other low-cost habitat improvements - that lower the demand for firewood, and reduce respiratory infections.
Lighting the Flame of Opportunity