Getting to Know International Organizations: Part 1

 

https://www.akdn.org/

 

               Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is one of the world's leading poverty solutions networks. AKDN works together with communities to help them around the world to build better futures. Each year the AKDN helps improve the quality of life for tens of millions of people in over 30 countries. AKDN works in countries where life is hard, poverty is dire, and more help is needed. 

 AKDN is different from other poverty alleviation organizations in the world.

AKDN says

           "We don't just provide services or goods. We dedicate ourselves to partnering with communities to improve their quality of life for decades and generations. We make long term investments, from early childhood programs to universities that benefit 2 million students every year. We build hospitals and schools to make sure everyone has access to world-class institutions. We work with people to serve their community and build their local economy. Our work impacts tens of millions in over 30 countries every year."

          "In AKDN's experience, the understandable but short-term humanitarian impulse to help poor people is usually not enough to lift them out of the cycle of poverty. For AKDN, poverty alleviation is conceived as part of a long-term strategy for developing a community's resources in ways that lead to self-reliance."

A cherry and apple orchard Demonstration Plot planted with the assistance of the Aga Khan Foundation, in Rustaq District, Takhar, Afghanistan.

In Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, the Aga Khan Foundation launched the Enhancing Food Security and Incomes (FSI) initiative to improve agricultural production and market linkages for smallholder producers, sustain access to basic financial services, facilitate non-farm enterprise, and enhance nutrition-related awareness and practices.

Hidden hunger-

            In an Aga Khan University's Conference on Nutrition and Early Human Development, speakers talked about Hidden hunger in Pakistan. They said that Hidden Hunger is present among half of the Pakistani Children. A lack of iron, vitamin A or vitamin D is often referred to as 'hidden hunger.' Its symptoms are not visible as in other forms of malnutrition, such as wasting and being underweight. But a lack of these essential micronutrients can lead to serious, lifelong repercussions, including delayed growth, reduced immunity to disease, frequent fatigue, and low school achievement.

 Crossing the Pyanj river: Delivering milk to Afghan schools.

This is a story of great planning, courage, and endeavor.

Watch yourself.

AKDN has given me great insight into Poverty. I now realize that providing food to the hungry is not a lasting solution. We need to bring social change, and these social changes take years to give its fruits.

In September 2015, the UN adopted a plan for achieving a better future for all – laying out a path over the next 15 years to end extreme Poverty, fight inequality and injustice and protect our planet.

Let's hope and put our part to the UN's plan of ending extreme Poverty by 2030.