Our Community
For the Academies, community is outward-looking and lifelong. It extends from students eating on campus with their dorm family to alumni working in another continent; from donors around the globe to campus staff who create a harmonious living environment.
“Among history's great truths is that a society is only able to advance to newer horizons of greater promise when it overcomes insularity, and recognises strength in difference.”
His Late Highness Aga Khan IV
Maputo, June 2024
The Academies Within Their Societies
The vision set out by His Late Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV is for each Academy to become an integral part of its greater community. Campuses are sited where they can bring the most benefit to their host country. Staff keep community service in mind as they share their skills beyond the campus, and students are selected for their social awareness as well as their academic potential.
The Academies nurture their students to be:
1. Inquirers
2. Knowledgeable
3. Thinkers
4. Communicators
5. Principled
6. Open-minded
7. Caring
8. Courageous
9. Balanced
10. Reflective
11. Leaders
12. Stewards
The last two attributes, emphasising working with others and making the world a better place, are unique to the Aga Khan Academies Learner Profile.
"We visited the National Assembly and were able to ask Her Excellency Verónica Nataniel Macamo Dlovo questions about how parliament operates. Some of us are now thinking about how we can help Mozambique if we study politics in the future."
Alessia del Frate, Grade 7, AKA Maputo
"My project aims to bring affordable power by using natural resources like the sun to light up the homes of many locals who lack access to electricity because it is expensive. This will, in turn, develop the socio-economic aspects of our community."
Maaher Bhaloo, Grade 10, AKA Mombasa
"I learnt to care about people around the world, becoming an activist through working closely on issues of international concern. I was encouraged into public speaking and debate, and have become invested in public speaking events such as MUN."
Khushi Hajiyani, DP2, AKA Hyderabad
“What started off as a school project ended up being an invaluable platform for development and growth. This inspired me to learn more about my community and foster crucial skills that I can use in the future in school and in life."
Syed Md Hamza Hasib, Grade 10, AKA Dhaka
Meet the AKA Family
Community means more than a single Academy. With a worldwide network, staff share technology and knowledge. Students interact with their peers from other cultures at their own school, through collaboration with other Academies and the Student Exchange Programme. Alumni also form a big part of our community by reconnecting with their former school or other schools within the network.
Development organisations and the IB also share their knowledge with the Academies, and benefit from AKDN experience in their turn. The Professional Development Centres ensure continuous work with local schools, building local networks to enrich their countries.