DUSHANBE, August 3, 2016, Asia-Plus – The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) has worked for many years to ensure that students of all ages have access to quality learning opportunities.  The Network reportedly operates programs and institutions which span the educational ladder, from early childhood programs to primary and secondary schools, from vocational studies for youth and adults to university degrees and continuing professional development.   

Each year, the AKDN reaches nearly 2 million students ranging from early childhood to primary and secondary grades, from vocational training for youth and adults to university degrees and professional development.  At each stage of the learning continuum, the AKDN and its partners focus on improving the quality of education in the belief that it is central to development.

The Aga Khan Development Network seeks to ensure that children and young people are equipped with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values to help them interact effectively with their world and be contributing members of a pluralist society.

The AKDN has five leading organizations in education that work together to promote a continuous ladder of lifelong learning, starting from early childhood and extending well into adulthood.

The Aga Khan Academies, Aga Khan Schools, Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan University and University of Central Asia work together to strengthen the quality of countries’ educational systems.

The AKDN has been meeting critical human resource needs in developing countries since 1983 and to date has nearly 13,000 alumni globally.  Two universities – the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia – provide undergraduate and graduate programs in disciplines such as nursing, education, media and communications, engineering sciences, and business management.  With campuses in 7 countries, the universities are preparing young men and women to succeed in the global knowledge economy, to lead change in their societies and to increase understanding and respect in a pluralistic world.