Toronto, Ontario 28 February 2014
There are a number of serious development challenges faced by millions of the poorest people in the world, including weak health systems, a poor quality of early education and the limited capacity of local civil society institutions to address local needs.
To help address these challenges, on February 28, 2014, Prime Minister Stephen Harper and His Highness the Aga Khan announced $100 million towards the Partnership for Advancing Human Development in Africa and Asia. The joint initiative helps to strengthen health and education systems, and build the capacity of local civil society institutions in Africa and Asia. It also raises Canadian awareness and involvement in international development. The announcement took place during an official visit to Canada by the Aga Khan from February 27 to 28.
Of the $100 million, the Government of Canada is providing $75 million over five years (2012-2017), through the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development’s Partnerships for Development Innovation program. Aga Khan Foundation Canada is providing $25 million for the partnership.
The Partnership for Advancing Human Development in Africa and Asia focuses on four areas:
1. Strengthening Health Systems in Central Asia (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and the Kyrgyz Republic)
Implementing partners: Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies and selected government and not-for-profit health care facilities
Timeframe: June 2012 to December 2017
Brief Description: The aim of the project is to strengthen health systems in Central Asia by targeting poor communities in mountainous areas which are often vulnerable to natural disasters, difficult to access, and politically or economically marginalized. Strategies will focus on reaching women, newborns and children under five years of age.
More specifically, the project helps to:
- increase the availability of quality care in health facilities across the region;
- improve the quality of care by enhancing diagnostic and imaging capacity in a network of 14 governmental and non-government facilities;
- improve the capacities of female and male health professionals to manage and provide quality care;
- provide health care providers (doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health workers) with the necessary skills to deliver efficient and quality health services;
- introduce measures to increase knowledge and promote healthy behaviour among community members; and,
- promote learning and enhance knowledge management to inform and improve the functioning of the health systems.
2. Strengthening Pre-Primary and Primary Education Systems in Eastern Africa (Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda)
Implementing partners: Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies and selected teacher training colleges
Timeframe: June 2012 to December 2017
Brief Description: In Eastern Africa, the quality of early education is low, and teacher training is inconsistent. The aim of this program is to strengthen education systems, improve the quality of pre-primary, primary education and teacher training, and promote learning and dialogue to improve learning outcomes for children and youth in government, community schools and pre-schools.
More specifically, the project helps to:
- develop skilled and competent teachers at the pre-primary and primary levels in target areas of East Africa;
- strengthen education support systems and institutions;
- build accountable leadership, management and technical capacity within the education systems; and,
- increase high-quality, evidence-based knowledge of key pre-primary and primary education issues in East Africa by conducting studies, creating user-friendly summary reports and policy briefs, and stimulating and encouraging policy dialogue with and amongst governments and key education stakeholders.
3. Building the Capacity of Civil Society Organizations in Africa and Asia (Egypt, Kenya, Madagascar, Mali, Mozambique, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, India, Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan and Tajikistan)
Implementing partners: Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies
Timeframe: June 2012 to December 2017
Brief Description: This component of the project aims to strengthen the effectiveness of civil society organizations to work with communities to adapt to climate change and ensure food security, to test innovative approaches that improve livelihood opportunities, and to support gender equality. Community-based organizations are often best placed to respond to basic needs and services in marginalized communities.
More specifically, the project helps to:
- strengthen the capacity of civil society organizations to address gender equality objectives in their projects;
- support civil society organizations in testing new and innovative development approaches across sectors; and,
- assist civil society organizations in working with communities to mitigate the effects of climate change by developing and implementing adaptation strategies and/or interventions in various sectors including agriculture, water conservation, micro-finance and disaster risk reduction.
4. Helping Canadians Become More Aware of, and Involved in, International Development
Implementing partners: Implemented by Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC) in major cities and towns across Canada, drawing on Canadian expertise and the resources of agencies in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). Canadian professionals and selected Canadian universities and colleges will also provide expertise in support of institutions in Africa and Asia.
Timeframe: June 2012 to December 2017
Brief Description: The project aims to engage the Canadian public in Canada's global development and poverty alleviation efforts. It will also send young and mid-career professionals to selected institutions in Africa and Asia, and will support partnerships between Canadian universities/colleges and selected counterparts in Africa and Asia.
More specifically, the project helps to:
- increase knowledge of select human development themes among interested Canadians, educators, media and young Canadians, as well as development actors and other relevant professionals and institutions;
- create overseas placements for young and mid-career Canadian professionals; and,
- create partnerships between Canadian and overseas post-secondary institutions.
