Spotlights

Grade 6 student Areesh Rehmani from AKA Maputo is a curious learner and avid sportsperson passionate about science, technology and languages. Fluent in English and Portuguese, he enjoys exploring cultures while excelling in academics and football.

Mwanapwani Said from Msambweni, Kwale County, joined AKA Mombasa in 2017 on a full scholarship through the Talent Identification Programme. Embracing every opportunity, she excelled academically and in sports, particularly football.

At AKA Dhaka, students step beyond classrooms to teach and connect with a nearby government school. Planning, mentoring and sharing knowledge, they witness transformation on both sides. Through peer learning, gratitude blooms, privilege becomes purpose and giving teaches as much as receiving.

When devastating floods struck Kerala, the Junior School at AKA Hyderabad turned compassion into action. During their Super Saturday, students from Grades 1–5 cycled, read, swam and danced their hearts out – raising over ₹5,81,000 for relief efforts.

Raphael Mwachiti, a DP student at AKA Mombasa, joined in 2015 on a full scholarship through the Talent Identification Programme. Inspired to give back, he created a device to assist the visually impaired, winning the Ryerson Sandbox Basecamp prize and a CAD $5,000 grant.

AKA Mombasa alumnus Bilal Adamjee received the Pomona College International Scholarship.

AKA Mombasa alumnus Ziyaan Virji received the prestigious International Leader of Tomorrow Award from the University of British Columbia.

As Global Manager of University Counselling for the Aga Khan Schools, Theresa Urist helps students access world-class universities and realise their potential as ethical leaders.

Grade 4 students at AKA Dhaka explored the theme “How we express ourselves” through stories, poems, performances and art during their unit display.

DP students at AKA Dhaka organised a three-day bake sale to support flood victims across Bangladesh. The event united the Academy community in a shared act of compassion and service.

Grade 10 students showcased innovative, real-world solutions at the annual MYP Personal Project Exhibition, such as solar-powered systems, noise-to-energy disaster relief drones and more.

Anjum Budhwani always wanted to teach at AKA Hyderabad, and since she got the job seven years ago, every day of work has been special. “Compassion builds a strong relationship between teacher and student,” she says.

Originally from Germany, Maike says it was her father’s voluntary work in her hometown that swayed her into the teaching profession.

Titus Mutemi joined AKA Mombasa in 2015 as part of the Teacher Preparation Programme. This became a turning point for his career as he has since further developed his extensive knowledge and skills

The PDC hosted a mid-term training for government primary school teachers under the KIX project, focusing on phonological awareness using the Learning Toolkit+’s ABRACADABRA and READS software.

The Academy celebrated the graduation of its first Teacher Preparation Programme (TPP) fellows, marking a milestone in advancing quality education in Bangladesh.

The PDC hosted impactful workshops for Academy and government school teachers, advancing professional growth and innovative teaching.

AKA Dhaka hosted ambassadors from France, Palestine, Singapore, the Holy See and Afghanistan for an engaging dialogue with Diploma Programme students.

As part of UNESCO’s World Heritage Volunteers Programme 2023, volunteers visited AKA Dhaka to explore its sustainable, eco-friendly campus.

AKA Dhaka hosted H.E. Mr Pranay Kumar Verma, High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh, alongside senior diplomats from the Indian High Commission.

With advanced degrees in physical education, Md. Kamrul Islam is passionate about fostering students’ physical, intellectual and emotional well-being.

With years of teaching experience at the Aga Khan School, Dhaka and other English medium schools, Sonia Islam brings creativity and compassion to her role at the Academy.

AKA Dhaka welcomed a new group of Teacher Preparation Programme (TPP) fellows embarking on an 18-month journey to become IB-certified educators.

During the winter break, DP1 students gained firsthand exposure to professional environments through internships at organisations.

Through her organisation CHIL&D and her global initiative, the Zero Olympiad, Faatiha Aayat, a Grade 8 student, inspires young people to create solutions for issues such as poverty, hunger and carbon emissions.

Adiba Binte Ahmad Tuba, a Grade 10 student and founder of the Esho Pashe Darai Foundation, leads initiatives empowering girls and supporting underserved communities across Bangladesh.

Alyssa Jamal, a Grade 10 student, created an affordable wrist splint for children with cerebral palsy, made from cheap and locally available materials.

Ambuj Ranjan, Class of 2020, worked with the people of Junju on creating a sustainable filtration system to provide clean and safe drinking water for the settlement.

Adiba Binte Ahmad Tuba, a Grade 10 student, won a Diana Award for her non-profit organisation dedicated to poverty alleviation in Bangladesh.

Class of 2012 alumnus from AKA Mombasa Ham Serunjogi – CEO and co-founder of African fintech giant Chipper Cash – realised the importance of staying connected to something larger than himself.

Hear from alumnus Moiz Rajwani, a Class of 2018 graduate from the Aga Khan Academy Hyderabad, on how our inquiry-based curriculum develops young individuals who will have the capacity to lead and build strong, civil democratic societies in the future.

Lilian Odera has a passion for actively being involved in community-based initiatives to influence change and creatively find solutions to issues in whatever way she can. 

Built on a 17-acre site near Bashundara, Dhaka, the Academy in Dhaka is home to a diverse community of students and staff. Learn more about AKA Dhaka from the Head of Academy Sandy Mackenzie.