1

In 1997 AKF started a rural development

programme in the Rasht Valley with a view to

increasing the level of local self-sufficiency in

staple foods.

An Aga Khan Development Network office was

opened in in Dushanbe in October 1994.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) has been active in Tajikistan since

1992, when, with the support of the international donor community, a

response was mounted to imminent food shortages in Gorno-Badakhshan

Autonomous Oblast (GBAO) caused by the collapse of the Soviet Union

and its centrally planned economy. In parallel with this emergency pro-

gramme, a rural development programme – using the model of the Aga

Khan Rural Support Programme in Northern Pakistan – was initiated

with a view to increasing the level of local self-sufficiency in staple

foods (only some 15% in 1992). The rural development programme em-

phasised agricultural reform through privatisation of land use, introduc-

tion of high-quality seed and training in improved farming techniques

(including application of fertiliser). In 1997 a similar programme was

started in the Rasht Valley1 (now in seven districts: Darband, Garm,

Tajikabad, Djirgital, Tavildara, Faizabad and Rogun). The programme is

currently being extended to the Shurabad district of Khatlon Oblast.

Programmes for reform in the social sector were introduced in 1994, aim-

ing to assist the regional government to cope more efficiently with re-

duced resources while at the same time benefiting from new approaches

in education and healthcare provision and related training.

An Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) office was opened in

Dushanbe in October 1994 and in Khorog in June 1995. An AKF office

was opened in the Rasht Valley in November 1997.

At the same time as addressing emergency and short-term needs, AKF

activities have been designed with the long-term in view. In addition,

both Gorno-Badakhshan and the Rasht Valley, as impoverished remote

high mountain areas, offer opportunities for learning lessons of relevance

to (and for applying solutions from) other AKDN programmes in similar

environments – moreover, the experience in privatisation of farming and

in social sector reform can be of relevance for other Central Asian econo-

mies in transition.

Humanitarian ProgrammeHumanitarian ProgrammeHumanitarian ProgrammeHumanitarian ProgrammeHumanitarian Programme

In 1992, as a result of the break-up of the centrally planned Soviet

economic system, serious food and energy shortages began to be felt in

Gorno-Badakhshan. This isolated mountainous region of Tajikistan, the

A K FA K FA K FA K FA K F A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S T A N

1Formerly known as the Garm Region

2

majority of which is above 3,000 metres, was at that time – largely due to

the inefficient state farm system – producing only 15% of its basic food

requirements. The balance, and all of its energy requirements, were brought

in by the central government at highly subsidised prices during Soviet

times; as from 1992, these deliveries virtually stopped. In the winter months

road communications between Gorno-Badakhshan and the capital

Dushanbe are cut off by snow on the high passes2 and the only lifeline is

across the high semi-desert Pamir plateau from Osh. This road (728 km to

the regional capital Khorog), because of the semi-desert conditions, has

relatively little precipitation and is kept open almost continuously.

In response to appeals by local leaders, the AKF Board decided in late

1992 to mount a major relief operation, to be followed by an agricultural

development programme. Since early 1993, AKF has delivered more than

185,000 tons of goods – of which 135,000 tons of food – to Gorno-

Badakhshan. The volume of deliveries is now declining as a result of the

improvement in agricultural production under the agricultural reform

programme (see below) – but a substantial volume of goods (more than

25,000 tons to date) is now transported from Osh for the AKDN pro-

gramme in Badakhshan Province, Afghanistan.

Donors to the humanitarian programme in GBAO include the governments of

USA, Germany, UK, Switzerland, Canada, and Japan; the European Un-

ion; the UN High Commissioner for Refugees; the Canton of Geneva;

AKF Canada; and several NGOs, including OXFAM, Dutch Interchurch

Aid and the Netherlands Organisation for International Development

Co-operation (NOVIB).

R U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M ER U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M ER U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M ER U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M ER U R A L D E V E L O P M E N T P R O G R A M M E

A local NGO was set up by AKF in Moscow and in Khorog in 1993. Its primary

activities were initially to a) undertake procurement, logistics and monitoring

for the humanitarian programme and b) implement an agricultural reform pro-

gramme. An office was set up in Osh (Kyrgyz Republic) in 1994 to monitor –

and, today, to implement – the logistics required for AKDN programmes in

Gorno-Badakhshan and Badakhshan Province in Afghanistan.

Now known as the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme

(MSDSP), it implements, in addition to the humanitarian and agricul-

tural reform programmes, activities aimed at increasing the self-reli-

ance of local communities (Village Organisation Programme), including

village credit programmes, women’s activities and social and produc-

tive infrastructure projects.

2During the civil war, the Dushanbe road was closed during the summer months

also and was the scene of much armed conflict, especially in the area of Tavildara

(see Map 3).

MSDSP trucks carry supplies. Since early

1993, AKF has delivered more than 185,000

tons of goods - of which 135,000 tons of food

- to Gorno-Badakhshan.

Village Organisation members inspect a

threshing machine. The Village Organisation

Programme is aimed at increasing the self-

reliance of local communities, including

village credit programmes, women’s activities

and social and productive infrastructure

projects.

3

The German government has been the primary source of funds for the GBAO

agricultural reform programme (Bundesministerium für Wirtschaftliche

Zusammenarbeit through the Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit),

and is also supporting a micro-nutrient and nutritional surveillance pro-

gramme as part of an “integrated food security strategy”; other funds have

come from the US and Swiss governments and the European Commission.

The Swiss government and the Netherlands Organisation for International

Development Co-operation (NOVIB), are the primary sources of funds for

the Village Organisation Programme. Funding for programmes in the Rasht

Valley has been provided by USAID, the Tajikistan Social Investment

Fund/World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.

Agricultural Reform and Food SecurityAgricultural Reform and Food SecurityAgricultural Reform and Food SecurityAgricultural Reform and Food SecurityAgricultural Reform and Food Security

In late 1993, AKF and MSDSP obtained a landmark decision from the

local government in Gorno-Badakhshan that unused or under-utilised state

farm land could be distributed to villagers who wished to become private

farmers. MSDSP began a series of village-level dialogues throughout Gorno-

Badakhshan to encourage private farming. Private farmers were assisted,

on credit, with improved seeds and fertiliser and received technical assist-

ance from trained MSDSP staff. A channel building programme was initi-

ated to extend the area of arable land available to private farmers.

Since then, almost all state farm land has been placed under private

management in agreement with the local government. Total land under

private management is now more than 11,000 hectares. Yields of pota-

toes and wheat per hectare more than doubled. In 2000, however, Central

Asia was severely affected by a drought, which had an unfavourable

impact on agricultural production in the region. Both the GBAO and the

Rasht Valley regions were adversely affected and, as a result, the produc-

tivity of staples in many areas declined. Gross production in 2000 of

cereals and potatoes (in a wheat flour equivalent) totalled 20,310 tons,

which was less than the comparable figure for 1999 by 3,340 tons. This

corresponds to nearly 70% of the staple food needs of the Oblast, and

represents a major achievement compared to the self-sufficiency level

of 15% at the inception of the programme.

Wheat, barley, rye and potatoes continue to be grown as the main food

crops. MSDSP also encourages and facilitates the production of pulses,

vegetables and fruits in order to provide a balanced diet and a sustain-

able supply of vitamins and minerals. Wheat, barley, potato, pulse and

vegetable seed (returned to MSDSP from previous loans) are made avail-

able to participating farmers for spring and autumn planting, together

with fruit tree saplings. MSDSP attempts to procure as much seed as

possible locally, in order to encourage farmers to market their surplus,

and to inject cash into a cash-starved economy. Fertiliser, fuel, agricul-

tural machinery and dairy-processing and other equipment continue to

be made available on a cash or credit basis.Varieties of wheat are tested on experimental

plots. New grains have helped double

production in potatoes and wheat.

Since 1993, almost all state farm land has

been placed under private management,

totalling more than 11,000 hectares.

Village Organisation members participate in a

MSDSP channel building programme to

extend the area of arable land available to

private farmers.

4

MSDSP’s most urgent task was to ensure the availability of enough food

for the survival of the population of GBAO, and, for the longer term, to

work towards food self-sufficiency. MSDSP is close to achieving the im-

mediate objective: private farmers have gradually been producing an

increasing share of the region’s staple food, while food aid has been

diminishing. The table below shows trends in the level of self-sufficiency

in staple foods (cereals and potatoes, calculated as wheat flour equiva-

lent) and also the impact of drought in 2000-2001.

In GBAO, MSDSP collaborates with over 24,000 private farmers who

cultivate 85% of the crop area, of which 83% is under staple food crops.

The remainder is planted with pulses, vegetables and fodder. Applied

agricultural research is undertaken in GBAO with the National Agricul-

tural Research Service. As a result of this collaboration, four improved

varieties of wheat and six of potato are now being grown in the region. To

disseminate information on new varieties of crops and different crop

management practices, MSDSP carries out annually some 30 farmers’

field days in both regions. In addition, demonstration plots were estab-

lished in strategic locations in order to encourage the rational use of

inputs and innovative farming techniques.

In the Rasht Valley region MSDSP collaborates with more than 5,500

farmers. Yields of private farmers for wheat and potatoes have been two

and a half times higher than on state farms.

By improving food security in Gorno-Badakhshan and the Rasht Valley –

regions to which large numbers of former opposition fighters fled during

the Tajik civil war (1992-1997) – and by offering the opportunity of

private farming and credit, AKDN has contributed to the promotion of

peace and stability in Tajikistan.

In GBAO, MSDSP collaborates with over

24,000 private farmers who cultivate 85%

of the crop area, of which 83% is under

staple food crops.

In 2000, production of cereals and potatoes

(calculated as wheat flour equivalent) totalled

20,310 tons - nearly 70% of staple food

needs compared to 15% at programme

inception.

25%

35%

60%

78%69%68%

0

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001*

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Food Deficitleft hand scale

Local Productionleft hand scale

Self sufficiency ratioright hand scale

* estimate

mt

5

Agricultural DiversificationAgricultural DiversificationAgricultural DiversificationAgricultural DiversificationAgricultural Diversification

A livestock programme is undertaken in both GBAO and the Rasht Val-

ley region to address issues related to poor animal health, insufficient

fodder availability and lack of organised marketing systems. A breeding

programme aims to improve livestock quality and yields of meat and

dairy produce. In order to improve livestock health as well as to enable

herders to process raw milk into marketable products, fodder seed, con-

centrated feed, medicines and vaccines, and basic dairy processing

equipment are procured and distributed on a sale or credit basis.

Local processing is being encouraged with a view to adding value to

livestock products.

In addition, small animal husbandry activities, largely managed by

women, have been initiated in both regions, including poultry, wool-

processing and bee-keeping.

A horticultural programme has tested and introduced new varieties of

vegetables: nine new varieties of beans and six varieties of peas were

tested in two districts - suitable varieties, which are well adapted to the

particular climatic conditions of the region, have been identified and

planted. In addition to increasing fruit and vegetable production through

the provision of fertiliser, seeds, saplings, and plastic tunnels for small

greenhouses, the horticultural programme also provides training and

equipment for processing and preserving horticultural produce, includ-

ing apricot drying. MSDSP has also rehabilitated two greenhouses from

the Soviet era, which are heated and irrigated all year round from nearby

natural hot springs. The greenhouses are thus able to supply a small, but

profitable market for out-of-season vegetables to Khorog and other areas.

Civil Society and Rural DevelopmentCivil Society and Rural DevelopmentCivil Society and Rural DevelopmentCivil Society and Rural DevelopmentCivil Society and Rural Development

Programme activities have moved away from a single focus on food self-

sufficiency, and now deal increasingly with broader long-term economic

and social development using innovative models suitable for wider rep-

lication. The underlying philosophy is that rural economic development

is best catalysed and sustained through village-level institutions that

are autonomous and transparent, and that contribute to democratic norms

of behaviour and to the growth of civil society. The shift in focus has

been accompanied by an organisational change within MSDSP from a

vertically organised group of independent programmes to a set of activi-

ties integrated through the Village Organisations (see below).

Civil-society organisations such as MSDSP were an entirely new concept

in the region in 1993. MSDSP has established a reputation as a serious

partner for the regional and national governments as well as for the inter-

national donor community. It has offices in Moscow, Osh, Khorog and

throughout districts of Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast (GBAO)

Apples, as part of the MSDSP programme to

increase fruit and vegetable products, are

laid out to dry on the roof of a house and

will then be stocked for winter.

A breeding programme aims to improve

livestock quality and yields of meat and

dairy produce.

6

and the Rasht Valley. Its total staff complement exceeds 340, with an

annual operating budget of over USD 3.5 million and strong locally

recruited professional core staff with representatives in each district.

Since its inception, MSDSP has gained considerable experience in the

design, implementation and monitoring of complex development inter-

ventions, as well as the procurement and distribution of humanitarian

assistance and agricultural inputs, the training of farmers, social and

community mobilisation and the implementation of a variety of infra-

structure projects.

VVVVVillage Orillage Orillage Orillage Orillage Organisation (VO) Prganisation (VO) Prganisation (VO) Prganisation (VO) Prganisation (VO) Programmeogrammeogrammeogrammeogramme

The central channel for most activities is the community-based grass

roots Village Organisation. Villagers learn self-reliance, and VOs mo-

bilise human, physical and financial resources to empower local vil-

lagers, give them greater ownership of development activities and

generate wealth.

There are more than 400 VOs in GBAO with nearly 45,000 members,

equivalent to virtually 100% coverage of rural settlements - over 95% of

rural households are members. In April 2000, the VO programme was

initiated in the Rasht Valley region: there are now more than a dozen

VOs in the region with more than 2,700 members. In addition to initiat-

ing their own savings and internal lending programme, VOs have

access to a ‘Village Development Fund’ made available by MSDSP

and have begun to implement small village- and household-level

development initiatives.

Special efforts have been made to enhance women’s participation in the

development process. Within MSDSP, a new cadre of female Social Or-

ganisers have been recruited to work with Women’s Groups. WG projects

include vegetable processing, poultry and other micro-enterprise projects

and provide the necessary physical inputs as well as training in book-

keeping, accounting and general management. These projects increase

women’s control over their financial resources, integrate women more

fully into emerging local markets, and contribute increased income. Over

600 women members have taken internally managed micro-credit loans

for various processing, marketing and trading purposes. These women

have gained increased respect and standing in their communities.

H E A LH E A LH E A LH E A LH E A L T H R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET H R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET H R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET H R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET H R E F O R M P R O G R A M M E

The health sector in Tajikistan remains very much as it was in the Soviet

period. During this time, decisions about the health of the population

were made by the central government with little or no consultation with

their regional counterparts, there was a surplus of health facilities and

personnel, the focus of medical care was curative, and resources were

One of twelve bridges constructed by Village

Organisations under AKF programmes.

Both women and men participate in Village

Organisation meetings. There are more than

400 VOs in Gorno-Badakhshan with nearly

45,000 members - over 95% of the rural

households are members.

7

spent without much regard for cost-effectiveness. The collapse of the

Soviet Union meant an end to previous high levels of subsidy.

The GBAO Department of Health (DoH) turned to AKF for technical and

financial assistance in 1997 and now works closely with AKF in imple-

menting a health reform programme, the aim of which is to assist the

government to transform the health system from a centrally planned, fa-

cility-based operation to one that is decentralized, cost-effective and

responsive to the local needs of the population in GBAO. It seeks to

• provide essential, cost-effective health services to people most at

risk

• enhance the efficiency of the public health system

• monitor and analyse the health status of the population and suggest

ways to improve the health system in GBAO, and

• influence the national health reform programmes.

It is guided by the health sector reform (HSR) initiative launched by the

Ministry of Health (MoH) at the national level in 1999. Together with the

Somoni team (the group established by the MoH to oversee all aspects of

HSR), the AKF health reform programme seeks to impact the following

main principles of the national HSR:

• prioritising of services due to limited resources

• strengthening the primary health care (PHC) system and the intro-

duction of a comprehensive PHC approach

• distributing resources according to need, based on geographic and

service level distribution

• ensuring necessary information management for policy and decision-

making and monitoring the impact of health sector reform

• rationalising of services

• improving quality of care

• developing human resources

• strengthening management capacity, and

• creating responsibility for health among the population.

The primary sources of funds for the AKF Health Reform Programme are

the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), USAID, AKF-

USA, and the European Commission. It comprises five components.

Rationalising Pharmaceutical PolicyRationalising Pharmaceutical PolicyRationalising Pharmaceutical PolicyRationalising Pharmaceutical PolicyRationalising Pharmaceutical Policyand Management (RPPM) Projectand Management (RPPM) Projectand Management (RPPM) Projectand Management (RPPM) Projectand Management (RPPM) Project

The RPPM project addresses three basic constraints:

• a serious shortage of high-quality, essential, low-cost pharmaceuticals

• inefficiencies in the management of pharmaceuticals

• a lack of involvement of health care users in the management of

health resources.

The aim of the Health Reform Programme is

to assist the government to transform the

health system from a centrally planned,

facility-based operation to one that is

decentralized, cost-effective and responsive to

the local needs of the population in Gorno-

Badakhshan.

A pharmacy set up in Roshtkala is part of an

AKF project that provides essential pharmaceu-

ticals to Primary Health Care facilities and

pharmacies.

8

The project contributed to the introduction, in 1997, of a national

Essential Pharmaceuticals List (according to the World Health Organi-

zation’s standards).

Working in all eight districts in GBAO, the project has provided essen-

tial pharmaceuticals to primary health care (PHC) facilities at an afford-

able cost, with partial cost recovery. Health care staff have been trained

and health sub-committees and village organisations (VOs – see MSDSP

section above) have been assisted in managing the cost recovery funds.

A policy dialogue has been initiated at national level.

The current value of the cost recovery fund after three years is approxi-

mately USD 65,000. Twenty percent is used for the remuneration of gov-

ernment health workers participating in pharmaceutical distribution; a

small portion goes to the health committees of the VOs to help fund

projects for the improved health of their communities and to cover the

cost of medicine for the poor who are exempt from payment; the balance

finances the ongoing procurement of pharmaceutical supplies. The aver-

age number of pharmaceuticals prescribed per physician consultation

has decreased from 4.6 to 2.5 and the amount of antibiotics in injections

has decreased from 51% to 18%.

The project acts as a test model to improve management and financing of

essential pharmaceuticals throughout Tajikistan, and will provide les-

sons on institutional sustainability for replication at the national level.

Reproductive Health and ChildReproductive Health and ChildReproductive Health and ChildReproductive Health and ChildReproductive Health and ChildSurvival (RHCS) ProjectSurvival (RHCS) ProjectSurvival (RHCS) ProjectSurvival (RHCS) ProjectSurvival (RHCS) Project

The RHCS community-based project aims to improve the health status of

women of childbearing age and children under five by promoting healthy

behaviours - e.g. breastfeeding, family planning, prevention of sexually

transmitted diseases (STD), good nutrition, good hygiene - supporting

and strengthening health institutions in the provision of health care

for this population and encouraging communities to take action for

their own health.

Since 1998, the RHCS project has provided training to PHC staff - in-

cluding doctors, nurses and midwives - in reproductive health, family

planning, immunization, breastfeeding, anaemia, STDs, nutrition and

the control of diarrhoeal diseases and acute respiratory infections. PHC

facilities in GBAO have received basic medical equipment and supplies

and training of the PHC staff in their proper use. In collaboration with

the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (see section

above), the project has begun the rehabilitation of PHC facilities.

The project has provided micronutrients (i.e. iodine, iron and vitamins A

and D) to women of childbearing age and iodised salt to the general

Community health points provide pharma-

ceuticals to communities in outlying areas.

Improving the health status of women of

childbearing age and children under five is

the aim of the RHCS project.

9

population through PHC facilities and other village-level distribution

points. To encourage the proper consumption of micronutrients and io-

dised salt, the project has also developed information, education and

communication materials that have been disseminated through local tel-

evision, radio, and press. The low immunisation rate in GBAO has

prompted the collection and analysis of immunisation data to form the

basis of a comprehensive immunisation strategy, in collaboration with

the DoH, UNICEF and Médecins Sans Frontières.

Results from the RHCS project show that compliance for vitamins A

and D has increased from approximately 70% in 1998 to 89% in 2000.

The project team has been engaged in policy dialogue with the Somoni

Health Care reform group, the core group involved in health sector

reform at the national level. The team has also participated in seminars

with international and national organisations on HIV/AIDS and STDs

in Tajikistan.

Health Management InformationHealth Management InformationHealth Management InformationHealth Management InformationHealth Management InformationSystem (HMIS) ProjectSystem (HMIS) ProjectSystem (HMIS) ProjectSystem (HMIS) ProjectSystem (HMIS) Project

The Soviet HMIS was characterised by the collection of much informa-

tion of varying (and in some cases doubtful) utility, only little of which

was actually used to inform decision-making. The existing information

system is heavily based on hospital-related information rather than being

community-based. The emphasis is being shifted towards efficient data col-

lection at the community and primary health care levels. The project

aims to achieve the following objectives:

• work with the government’s Health Statistics Information Centre

(HSIC) and the DoH to demonstrate the contribution of health infor-

mation to rational decision-making by health managers

• enhance the capacity of government health staff to collect health-

related data and develop, test and introduce management tools

• make nutrition and health information available to stakeholders

(e.g. district hospitals, national MoH) in order to improve health

services.

All staff employed in the HMIS project are from the DoH. DoH, HSIC and

other medical staff have been trained in improved data collection and

analysis skills. The project provides technical equipment and sup-

plies for all health facilities in GBAO. A Health and Nutrition Survey

(HNS) is made in GBAO every three years covering health-related indica-

tors (malnutrition, STD prevalence, anaemia, etc.). Its results provide valu-

able information on the impact of AKF’s concerted programmatic efforts in

education, health, agriculture, and humanitarian assistance in GBAO.

The RHCS project has provided training to

Primary Health Care staff in reproductive

health, family planning, immunisation,

breastfeeding, anaemia, STDs, nutrition

and the control of diarrhoeal diseases and

acute respiratory infections.

Assessing medical equipment needs in health

facilities as part of the HMIS Project.

10

Hospital Support Project (HSP)Hospital Support Project (HSP)Hospital Support Project (HSP)Hospital Support Project (HSP)Hospital Support Project (HSP)

The collapse of the Soviet Union resulted in the weakening of hospital

services in Tajikistan. As a result of the cutback in financial resources

from the central government, hospitals are characterised by outdated

medical practices, low esteem for the nursing profession and correspond-

ing low standards, a deterioration of physical infrastructure and medical

equipment, poor sanitary conditions and overprovision of facilities and

beds in relation to the size of the population served. Effective rationali-

sation of services will result in improved patient care, more efficient use

of resources, and a potential transfer of finances from the hospital sector

to primary health care. The Aga Khan Health Service, Tajikistan, was set

up in 2000 to address these issues in partnership with the AKF health

programme and the Department of Health in GBAO, through the Hospital

Support Project.

The HSP has updated the clinical skills of doctors through professional

development courses, study leaves and support from North American

counterparts. Doctors and nurses have attended English language and

computer courses in large numbers in order to access current medical

information through distance learning. Management courses for head

doctors, nurses and hospital administrators have been held in response

to the need to change the centralised authoritarian system of manage-

ment and to encourage the implementation of new clinical practices. The

rehabilitation and rationalisation of three district hospitals (Vanj,

Ishkashim and Murghab) and parts of the central referral hospital in

Khorog and the provision of essential equipment have resulted in im-

proved patient care. A strategy to improve nursing practice has been

developed and will be implemented at the national level.

There is an acceptance among hospital staff of the need for the better use

of resources (by reducing the size and number of hospitals) and the na-

tional Ministry of Health has expressed interest in replicating the train-

ing of nurses and rationalisation of hospital services components of the

HSP throughout Tajikistan.

Building Capacity for RestructuringBuilding Capacity for RestructuringBuilding Capacity for RestructuringBuilding Capacity for RestructuringBuilding Capacity for Restructuringand Reform (BCRR) Projectand Reform (BCRR) Projectand Reform (BCRR) Projectand Reform (BCRR) Projectand Reform (BCRR) Project

The main goal of the BCRR project is to plan, implement and monitor

health reform activities in GBAO by enhancing the capacity of the

DoH through skills development, information system strengthening

and increased exposure to alternative approaches to managing and

financing health care with limited resources. It is creating a better

understanding of the need to reform the health system in GBAO and the

country as a whole and of the ways to approach reform.

The rehabilitation and rationalisation of

parts of the central referral hospital in

Khorog and the provision of essential

equipment have resulted in improved patient

care.

11

A three-year programme of work outlining the reform process has been

developed in conjunction with the DoH. A steering committee and sup-

porting working groups in HMIS, pharmaceuticals, PHC, hospital serv-

ices and health financing have been created. Several study visits to

other countries of the former Soviet Union have taken place in order to

share health reform experiences in similar systems elsewhere. A new

component aims to strengthen district management. Policy dialogue is

being pursued with different stakeholders (e.g. the World Bank, MoH,

WHO, etc.) at the national level and a regional health bulletin is planned.

E D U C AE D U C AE D U C AE D U C AE D U C A T I O N R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET I O N R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET I O N R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET I O N R E F O R M P R O G R A M M ET I O N R E F O R M P R O G R A M M E

As in the health sector, education under the Soviet system benefited

from a very generous allocation of financial resources. Expenditure for

education in Tajikistan started to decline in 1992, from 11.1% of GDP

in 1992 to 2.1% in 1999. 20% of the schools were destroyed during the

civil war and it is estimated that it will require more than USD 25

million to rebuild and rehabilitate school buildings. Many certified

teachers are leaving their schools to search for better employment op-

portunities abroad (e.g. Russia), leaving behind uncertified teachers

with only Grade 11 level education and no teaching experience. As a

result, almost a whole generation of children is going through an educa-

tion system that is unlikely to produce individuals capable of compet-

ing in the modern world. In spite of all these challenges, the people of

GBAO are determined to give their children the best education possi-

ble. Teachers continue to teach for less than USD 10 a month, parents

are voicing their concerns about the conditions in which their chil-

dren learn and school administrators are finding new ways to finance

their schools, despite limited financial support from the government.

Initially, in order to prevent the education system from total break-

down, AKF provided schools with textbooks and essential educa-

t iona l suppl ies , as we l l as se t t ing up revo lv ing funds and

community support mechanisms. Village Organisations have under-

taken rehabilitation of school buildings.

The programme has now shifted from relief to long term development,

including promoting new teaching/learning approaches, enhancing man-

agement and planning skills of mid- and senior-level education admin-

istrators and building capacity in development of curriculum and

teaching resources. It focuses more on institution-building (pri-

marily in the Institute for Professional Development – IPD – a govern-

ment institution whose mandate is to provide in-service teacher training,

conduct educational research and develop education and teaching ma-

terials for schools in GBAO), on capacity-building and on the creation

of educational structures (e.g. district support groups, key teacher struc-

tures) that can be embedded within the whole education system.

Initially, as part of the programme to

address the decline of schools, 20% of which

were destroyed during the civil war, AKF

provided text books and essential educa-

tional supplies, as well as setting up

revolving funds and community support

mechanisms.

12

The programme supports educational policy reform in GBAO by:

• decentralising decision-making at the local government and commu-

nity levels

• strengthening the IPD

• training school communities, head teachers, district school directors

and provincial officials in planning and management skills

• increasing community involvement and setting up revolving funds for

educational materials and textbooks at school and district levels

• improving teaching and learning methodologies

• developing new teaching and learning materials as part of a wider

curriculum reform, and

• rehabilitating the physical infrastructure of schools.

The Programme is funded by the Canadian International Development

Agency, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the

UK Department for International Development (DFID), the Dutch

Interchurch Organisation for Development Co-operation, the Flora

Foundation and Aga Khan Foundation Canada. It has the following

main components.

Curriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum DevelopmentCurriculum Development

Improvements in the quality of teaching and learning must start in the

early stages of education in order to have a lasting impact. In GBAO,

classrooms, teaching and learning methods were highly formal, with a

reliance on rote learning and memorisation. For most teachers, the cur-

riculum was a single textbook, often of dubious quality and teaching

resources were lacking. The primary aims are, therefore, to make learning

more interactive by introducing teachers to child-centred approaches

and to promote self-sustaining professional development.

Training workshops are organised and a training manual on child-

centred methodology and a guide to teaching Tajik (the medium of

instruction in schools) have been developed and distributed.

Institute of Professional Development (IPD)Institute of Professional Development (IPD)Institute of Professional Development (IPD)Institute of Professional Development (IPD)Institute of Professional Development (IPD)

AKF was instrumental in the re-instatement of the IPD to its status

as part of the reform process and has been working with it to revive

its functions and broaden its mandate to include applied research.

Transparent and accountable governance and operating structures have

been introduced.

As uncertified teachers continue to replace the growing number of certi-

fied teachers in the education system, IPD is assisting uncertified teach-

ers to acquire basic teaching skills, and professional acceptance through

training workshops and a certification plan.

Daulat, Head of the Aga Khan Lycée, Khorog,

and Gulguncha, a Master Teacher Trainer,

discuss pedagogical techniques, as part of the

professional development programme.

As part of a new teaching and learning

approach under AKF’s Education Reform

Programme, students work in groups.

13

AKF will progressively transfer to IPD its present role in programme im-

plementation. IPD should, in the long term, constitute a model of good

governance for key national educational institutions in Tajikistan.

Selected school support: “Allied schools”Selected school support: “Allied schools”Selected school support: “Allied schools”Selected school support: “Allied schools”Selected school support: “Allied schools”

As a result of limited funding and resources, educational standards are

declining. A general objective of the Aga Khan Development Network is

to promote high standards of educational quality and the new Aga Khan

Lycée in Khorog exemplifies this commitment as well as providing a model

of potential financial sustainability for quality education in poor com-

munities. The government of GBAO is attempting to develop a similar

model through support for ‘gymnasium’ schools in GBAO (schools that

can attract better resources but must serve a wider student population).

AKF will support this initiative through the “allied schools” project that

will demonstrate how quality education might be achieved in a more

efficient public system. Over the next four years, AKF will support a

school in each district that will serve as a resource centre for the district

and become a model for other schools. Through the selection of schools

already demonstrating good practices and that are able to serve a wider

area than their current one, AKF will:

• demonstrate the concept of schools as places of learning where explo-

ration, problem-solving and creativity is encouraged, and

• show that schools can implement transparency and accountability as

part of their operating structures.

LanguagesLanguagesLanguagesLanguagesLanguages

The languages component of the AKF education programme in GBAO pro-

vides technical training to language teachers and methodologists in new

and innovative methods of teaching languages at the primary level (Rus-

sian, Tajik, English), develops curriculum and resources, strengthens the

IPD and builds capacity among the local IPD and AKF education staff.

Since 1997, language methodologists from the IPD have participated in

workshops and study tours to upgrade their technical knowledge and train-

ing skills for training teachers in GBAO in pedagogy and curriculum con-

tent. Over 1,000 language teachers have attended workshops on

participatory approaches to teaching languages in the classroom and on

developing low-cost educational resources (with the assistance of “mini-

resource-centres” in target schools equipped with low-cost materials).

At the Aga Khan Lycée, Khorog, young

students work in the computer lab as part

of an active learning, problem-solving

session.

Gulguncha assists a teacher with teaching

methods. She was sent to get a Masters Degree

at the Institute for Educational Development

at the Aga Khan University in Karachi so that

she could train Lycée teachers on modern

pedagogical techniques upon her return.

14

Mobile ResourMobile ResourMobile ResourMobile ResourMobile Resource Tce Tce Tce Tce Training Centrraining Centrraining Centrraining Centrraining Centreseseseses

In order to meet the increasing challenge of working with teachers in

isolated communities who are unable to attend teacher training, two “Mo-

bile Resource Training Centres” have been set up, comprising a mini-

van, equipped with trainers and resources, that visits schools on a regular

basis. Language and primary teachers are trained to improve their teach-

ing methods and managerial skills and have access to instructional me-

dia and educational resources.

Educational Management (EM)Educational Management (EM)Educational Management (EM)Educational Management (EM)Educational Management (EM)

This component works with education administrators at the school, dis-

trict and regional levels in order to achieve

• decentralisation through policy dialogue

• greater local autonomy and democracy in education

• strengthening the IPD

• capacity development of education managers at all levels

• greater involvement of communities in school life, and

• development of replicable models of best practices.

A training course provides information on management, leadership and

organisational development to educational administrators in GBAO. The

EM component is currently developing a library within the IPD to be

equipped with the most updated resources (e.g. books, journals, CD

ROMs, etc.) and to develop the capacity of the IPD librarian.

The project publishes a professional educational newsletter, Rahnamo,

as a resource for teachers and educational administrators on current is-

sues in education. It advises regional and district education departments,

school administrators, leaders of village organisations and school heads

in GBAO on the generation, management, allocation and monitoring of

their own education funds. At community-level, a training course, Com-

munity Development and Involvement in Education, is offered.

Health Education Project (HEP)Health Education Project (HEP)Health Education Project (HEP)Health Education Project (HEP)Health Education Project (HEP)

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, food shortages have caused a

rapid decline in nutritional status in GBAO, particularly in women and

children. The deterioration in sanitation has led to increasing levels of

diarrhoeal diseases. The majority of illnesses in the region can be pre-

vented: research by the HEP team identified a lack of awareness about

basic preventive health measures.

An English language teacher at Khorog

State University learns computer skills from

the Department Head as part of the lan-

guages component of the AKF Education

programme in GBAO.

The AKF model requires the active

involvement of parents and the community

in school life.

15

The HEP works closely with teachers, school directors and administra-

tors, methodologists, children, community nurses and district and re-

gional departments of health and education at the government level to

promote disease prevention and ensure that local communities have ac-

cess to health-related information. The HEP is developing the methods

through which teachers and nurses can effectively transmit messages

related to personal hygiene to school children – a teacher’s guide for the

primary level has been prepared and a culturally sensitive health educa-

tion curriculum is being developed, dealing with nutrition, safety, first

aid and personal hygiene. The HEP uses child-to-child learning meth-

odologies that train children to pass on what they learn to their families

and communities. Secondary materials, including topics surrounding drug

abuse and sexual behaviour, are currently being developed and will be

implemented in the same manner.

The project, in collaboration with MSDSP, has provided and repaired

latrines and appropriate hand-washing facilities in selected schools.

The project aims to demonstrate to the national Ministries of Health and

Education its potential for replication in other areas of Tajikistan. It has

initiated a health education forum to share ideas and experiences with

both local and international organisations working in health and health

education in Tajikistan. It receives funding from the UK Department for

International Development (DFID), the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Af-

fairs and Christian Aid.

S C H O L A R S H I P P R O G R A M M ES C H O L A R S H I P P R O G R A M M ES C H O L A R S H I P P R O G R A M M ES C H O L A R S H I P P R O G R A M M ES C H O L A R S H I P P R O G R A M M E

The Tajik Scholarship Programme was started in 1993 to assist students

stranded in Gorno-Badakhshan as a result of the civil war and to create a

cadre of educated young people to help with the development of the

region. Ten students were selected every year from among the best of the

first and second year students at Khorog State University and sent to

pursue undergraduate studies, first to Moscow and, as of 1998, to Bishkek

in Kyrgyzstan. Eighty students have so far received awards. Those who

have finished either continued their studies at the Master’s level or found

jobs in Moscow or Tajikistan. Students have opted for courses that are

thought to be useful for the development of their country: Economics,

Business, Geology, Computer Science, Law, Medicine, International Rela-

tions, Language Studies, Agricultural Economics and Public Administra-

tion.

In addition to the annual 10 awards for study outside Gorno-Badakhshan,

another smaller programme was initiated in 2001 to assist secondary

school graduates from the outlying districts of Gorno-Badakhshan who

Primary teachers learn in small groups at

a health education workshop.

Participatory monitoring and evaluation

techniques are studied by a team member of

the Health Education Project.

Washing hands is part of a health and

hygiene lesson. Children are encouraged to

act as health messengers, communicating

health information to their peers, families

and communities.

16

have been admitted to Khorog State University in the provincial capital.

Twenty-five students were chosen initially; they receive tuition and liv-

ing expenses. It is planned that five new students will be added each

subsequent year, thus giving talented but poor students the opportunity

to continue their studies at the local university.

An impressive number of AKF scholarship students have achieved ex-

cellent results at the prestigious Lomonosov Moscow State University

(MSU), at People’s Friendship University in Moscow, at the American

University of Kyrgyzstan and the Slavonic University in Bishkek. Stu-

dents in Moscow are also given the possibility of attending English lan-

guage courses at the British Council and four have succeeded in gaining

admission to UK universities, such as the School of Oriental and African

Studies and the London School of Economics, for postgraduate courses.

AKF Scholarship students who have

graduated from Moscow State University.

Tajik AKF scholarship students attending

university in Bishkek.

Compiled : March, 2002

AnnexesAnnexesAnnexesAnnexesAnnexes

Other AKDN Activities in Tajikistan

Map 1: Tajikistan

Map 2: Gorno-Badakhshan

Map 3: Garm region

AKDN

Photographic Credits : Photographic Credits : Photographic Credits : Photographic Credits : Photographic Credits : All photographs were provided by Jean-Luc Ray/

Aga Khan Foundation with the exception of p.1(top) & page 3(bottom)

Robin Oldacre; p.1(bottom) H.P. Peterson; p.8(bottom) Robert Middleton;

p.9(top & bottom) Pierre Claquin; p.15(top) Diana Porter; (centre) Kate

Smith; p.16 Catherine Hieronymi.

17

O T H E R A K D N A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S TO T H E R A K D N A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S TO T H E R A K D N A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S TO T H E R A K D N A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S TO T H E R A K D N A C T I V I T I E S I N T A J I K I S T A NA NA NA NA N

Micro-creditMicro-creditMicro-creditMicro-creditMicro-credit

Since 1995, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) has operated a micro-credit and small

business support programme in Tajikistan. This “Enterprise Support Facility” trains entrepreneurs and finances

a wide-range of small-scale businesses ranging from agro-processing to services and commerce.

Pamir Utility Project: Clean, Renewable Electric Power for Gorno-BadakshanPamir Utility Project: Clean, Renewable Electric Power for Gorno-BadakshanPamir Utility Project: Clean, Renewable Electric Power for Gorno-BadakshanPamir Utility Project: Clean, Renewable Electric Power for Gorno-BadakshanPamir Utility Project: Clean, Renewable Electric Power for Gorno-Badakshan

The Pamir Utility Project builds on a programme begun in 1994 to respond to the end of subsidised diesel fuel

shipments that had resulted in drastic cuts in electricity. People were forced to cut down forests and orchards in

order to heat homes, hospitals and schools. An estimated 70% of the forest cover was cut down. In response, the

Aga Khan Foundation, working with donors and the Tajikistan government, invested in 12 mini hydropower

projects with a total generating capacity of 540 kW. It also installed two new turbines at the Pamir 1 hydropower

plant with a generating capacity of 14 MW. A new initiative, the Pamir Utility Project—launched by AKFED and

costing USD20 million—will build on the previous work by expanding power generation while setting up a system

for sustained funding of costs. When complete, the project will provide clean, renewable energy to 145,000

residents, as well as schools, hospitals and businesses.

The Aga Khan Development Network has been working in Tajikistan since 1991. It has invested USD150 million

to date in the country. It operates programmes in humanitarian assistance, agricultural reform, health, education,

physical infrastructure improvement and culture.

Highlights of AKDN Activities 2000-2001Highlights of AKDN Activities 2000-2001Highlights of AKDN Activities 2000-2001Highlights of AKDN Activities 2000-2001Highlights of AKDN Activities 2000-2001

There were several important developments in the period 2000-01.

• Signing of a Treaty between Presidents Rahmonov of Tajikistan, Akayev of Kyrgyzistan and Nazarbaev of

Kazakstan and His Highness the Aga Khan to establish the University of Central Asia, the first interna-

tional “mountain” university, with a main campus in Tajikistan;

• Endorsement of AKDN’s reform programme in the health sector in Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous Oblast

(GBAO) by the Tajikistan Ministry of Health;

• International recognition for the AKDN’s regional Humanities Programme for Central Asia, which is based in

Tajikistan;

• Visit of a high level delegation under the leadership of the Deputy Prime Minister responsible for Agricul-

ture to the AKDN’s agriculture reform programme;

• USD15 million mobilised and invested in Tajikistan - for a total of USD150 million to date.

18

The University of Central AsiaThe University of Central AsiaThe University of Central AsiaThe University of Central AsiaThe University of Central Asia

The world’s first internationally chartered private institution of higher education is being established in Central

Asia. To be known as the University of Central Asia (UCA), the new institution has been founded by the joint

action of the presidents of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan, and of His Highness the Aga Khan. At ceremo-

nies held in Dushanbe, Bishkek, and Astana on August 28, 30, and 31, 2000, the four parties entered into an

International Treaty establishing the new University and signed its founding Charter. While many other institu-

tions have aspired to be international in character, UCA is the first private institution of higher education to

be internationally chartered.

The University of Central Asia is intended to serve the educational and developmental needs of people across the

vast mountain zones of Central Asia and beyond. Through university degree programmes and research and through

training courses available to the general public, UCA will foster economic and social betterment throughout a

region that modern development has largely bypassed.

The University of Central Asia’s main campus will be at the city of Khorog in the Gorno-Badakhshan Autonomous

Oblast of Tajikistan. At first glance this may seem an unlikely spot for the seat of a major regional institution of

higher education and research. Khorog is small, with barely 27,000 inhabitants. At an altitude of 2,384 metres,

Khorog at first leaves many flat-land visitors catching their breath.

His Highness the Aga Khan first visited the large Ismaili Muslim community of Khorog in 1995. On the basis of the

successful experience of the Aga Khan Development Network in the nearby Northern Areas of Pakistan, he

immediately sensed the region’s unrealised potential. Important considerations confirm and reinforce the logic

of this choice.

Khorog sits astride ancient transportation routes that connected the oasis cities of Central Asia with the Indian

sub-continent and the Middle East with China. Marco Polo is said to have passed up the nearby Wakhan valley on

his way to visit the court of the Great Khan. When peace returns to the region these routes will once again be

opened. New roads and air routes have already begun this process.

Khorog is also at the very heart of the great Asian mountain system that includes the western Himalayas, Karakorum,

Pamir, Hindukush, Zarafshan, Tien-Shan, Altai, Kohi-Baba, Safedkoh, Siakoh, and Kopet Dag ranges. As such, it

has ready access to a virtual laboratory of mountain geology, flora, fauna, and human adaptation.

Finally, the conditions of underdevelopment and poverty that prevail for hundreds of miles in every direction from

Khorog are precisely what the University of Central Asia has been established to address. If it were otherwise,

there would be little need for such an institution.

The Aga Khan Humanities ProjectThe Aga Khan Humanities ProjectThe Aga Khan Humanities ProjectThe Aga Khan Humanities ProjectThe Aga Khan Humanities Project

Central Asia is going through profound cultural change. New foundations for identity are emerging as the recently

independent nations face much broader economic and political horizons. Central Asians are reaching into their past

for inspiration. A number of Central Asian intellectuals have expressed a need for assistance in drawing upon the

rich traditions of societies across the region in an education project that promotes tolerance, peace and civic virtues.

The Aga Khan Humanities Project (AKHP), headquartered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, is a project of the Aga Khan

Trust for Culture, Geneva. The AKHP aims to strengthen the study of humanities in the education systems of

19

Central Asia. The goal of the AKHP is to develop skills of cultural interpretation, independent thinking, reasoned

debate, and open-ended curiosity. The AKHP also promotes tolerance for pluralism in ideas, cultures, and peoples,

and develops a capacity for ethical reflection and aesthetic appreciation.

The AKHP addresses these objectives by encouraging Central Asians to write curriculum material and by training

teachers to ensure accurate delivery of the material. The curriculum consists of a core introduction to humanities in

Central Asia based on the cultural traditions of the region. The curriculum developers, in close collaboration with

teachers, then experiment with innovative pedagogies. These experiments are then tested in selected universities in

Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and Tajikistan. The results are compiled and analysed for further development.

Central Asia is a product of many civilisations: Buddhist, ancient Greek, Iranian, Islamic, Jewish, Russian, Turkic, and

Zoroastrian. The Project does not promote any one perspective nor provide instruction in any religion. Instead, it seeks

to help students address current challenges, predicaments, and opportunities, and build bridges across communal

boundaries in the region. The Project also helps Central Asians make culture available to the outside world. This

endeavour could help return Central Asians to their historical role in connecting different cultures. Such connective

traditions can serve the yearning of Central Asians for national identity and their concern for all humanity.

The Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central AsiaThe Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central AsiaThe Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central AsiaThe Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central AsiaThe Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia

The Aga Khan Music Initiative is a multi-year project (in collaboration with the Silk Road Project, Inc.) for the

preservation and promotion of traditional music at the heart of the Silk Road. The long-term goals are to revitalise

the study and performance of traditional music and to make local festivals artistically and financially self-sustaining.

In partnership with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the Silk Road Project is expanding its public programming

and outreach initiatives to the core lands of the Silk Road - Central Asia. A series of concerts and festivals are

being held in 5-6 countries featuring Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble together with outstanding local

performers of both Western and Eastern music.

Educational Collaborations

Like the Silk Road Project’s concerts and festivals in other cities around the world, the programmes in Central Asia

are conceived not simply as performances, but as educational collaborations involving local cultural organisa-

tions, musicians, students, and communities. Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble are including local musicians

in performances of the works they present to Central Asian audiences. Many of these works include a combination

of Western and Eastern instruments, and performers of both types of instruments are recruited from local conserva-

tories and musical communities.

Workshops and Master-Classes

In addition to performing concerts, Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble are offering workshops and master-

classes to music students in conservatories and teacher training institutes. The aim of these events is to explore

new avenues of musical creativity that bridge different musical languages, and to bolster communication between

musicians from Central Asia and the West.

20

Map 1Map 1Map 1Map 1Map 1

Map 2Map 2Map 2Map 2Map 2

21

Map 3Map 3Map 3Map 3Map 3

22

A G A K H A N D E V E L O P M E N T N E T W O R KA G A K H A N D E V E L O P M E N T N E T W O R KA G A K H A N D E V E L O P M E N T N E T W O R KA G A K H A N D E V E L O P M E N T N E T W O R KA G A K H A N D E V E L O P M E N T N E T W O R K

( A K D N )

AKF is a member of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of development agencies, institutions,

and programmes that work primarily in the poorest parts of Asia and Africa. Their common goal is to help the poor

achieve a level of self-reliance sufficient to plan their own livelihoods and help those even more needy than

themselves. AKF’s partnerships with other AKDN institutions in the social sector provide grassroots support in a

community-based environment for achieving the Foundation’s objectives.

The following AKDN institutions operate in social development: Aga Khan Foundation (AKF), the Aga Khan

University (AKU), the University of Central Asia (UCA), Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), Aga Khan Education

Services (AKES) and Aga Khan Planning and Building Services (AKPBS). In addition the Foundation has set up

a number of agencies for the implementation of its programmes (such as the Aga Khan Rural Support Programmes

and the Mountain Societies Development Support Programme).

The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, with its affiliates, Tourism Promotion Services, Industrial Promo-

tion Services and Financial Services, seeks to strengthen the role of the private sector in developing countries by

supporting private sector initiatives in the development process. The Fund and the Foundation also encourage

government policies that foster what the Aga Khan first called an “enabling environment” of favourable legisla-

tive and fiscal structures for promoting philanthropy.

The Aga Khan Trust for Culture co-ordinates the Network’s cultural activities. Its programmes include The Aga

Khan Award for Architecture, the Historic Cities Support Programme, the Education and Culture Programme, the

Aga Khan Humanities Programme and the University of Central Asia.

Inspiration for the creation of these institutions, some of which are over one hundred years old, derives from the

Muslim ethic of compassion for the most vulnerable in society. AKDN institutions draw on the Ismaili community’s

traditions of philanthropy, volunteerism, self-help, education and social welfare. In every country these institu-

tions work for the common good of all citizens, regardless of their gender, origin, religion or political persuasion.

AKDN, through the synergies and partnerships it offers on economic, social and cultural issues, is uniquely

poised to contribute a wide variety of strategies and instruments to the development process.

For more information, please visit www.akdn.org