Agencies

Aga Khan Development Network in the Kyrgyz Republic

ABOUT AKDN

The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of private, international, non-denominational development agencies working to improve the welfare and prospects of people in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. The AKDN works in over 30 countries around the world and employs over 96,000 people, the majority of whom are based in developing countries. The AKDN’s nine development agencies focus on social, cultural and economic development for all people, irrespective of their origin, faith, or gender. For more information, please visit the.akdn

AKDN IN KYRGYZSTAN

For over two decades, AKDN has been supporting the establishment of institutions and programmes that help develop an economically dynamic, socially prosperous, intellectually and culturally vibrant Kyrgyzstan. The Agreement of Cooperation signed in 2001 between Kyrgyzstan and AKDN and ratified by the Jogorku Kenesh (Parliament) provides the legal framework for the AKDN’s activities in Kyrgyzstan.

Operating in all 7 oblasts (provinces) of the country and guided by locally identified development priorities, AKDN agencies work to increase access to high quality education, foster economic opportunity and financial inclusion, build human capacity and infrastructure, promote climate resilience, and strengthen civil society and local governance. In Kyrgyzstan, AKDN agencies provide employment to over 1,700 people, the overwhelming majority being nationals from the country itself.

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ASIA (UCA)

UCA is a fully residential, internationally chartered university founded in 2000 by the Presidents of Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and His Highness the Aga Khan. The founding parties signed the International Treaty and Charter to establish this secular, private, not-for-profit University to promote the social and economic development of Central Asia, particularly its mountain communities. The UCA treaty was ratified by the respective parliaments and registered with the United Nations. UCA's first campus opened in Naryn, Kyrgyzstan in September 2016. In 2021, a first cohort of students graduated from UCA’s School of Arts and Sciences. For more information, please visit www.ucentralasia.org

AGA KHAN SCHOOL (AKS)

Established in 2002 in Osh, AKS offers instruction in both English and Russian to over 500 students. The School create a positive and productive environment that enables pupils to balance academic rigour, sporting activities and cultural events as well as community life. It challenges its pupils to be intellectually inquisitive and socially conscious, preparing them to become confident leaders so they may contribute their knowledge to the development of their country. AKS awards scholarships and offers needs-based discounts to enable students to study regardless of their ability to pay. Licensed by the Ministry of Education, AKS supports professional development of public school teachers and provides access to the School’s Learning Resource Centre to the community. For more information, please visit www.agakhanschools.org

AGA KHAN FOUNDATION (AKF)

AKF seeks to improve the quality of life, enhance self-reliance, and promote pluralism in remote, marginalised communities of the Kyrgyz Republic. Its long-term, community-based approach addresses people’s needs, especially those of women and girls. Its activities enhance agriculture and food security, promote early childhood development and access to quality education, improve health and nutrition, advance economic inclusion, and strengthen civil society. AKF’s integrated rural development programmes are realised through its implementing partner, Mountain Societies Development Support Programme (MSDSP). Disaster risk reduction, enhancing local governance, and improving climate change resilience are complementing themes across AKF’s programming.

AGA KHAN MEDICAL AND DIAGNOSTIC CENTER (AKMDC) IN NARYN

AKMDC is a private and not-for-profit consultation and diagnostic centre. It was established in Naryn by the Aga Khan Health Services in 2016 to increase access to high-quality health care and promote quality of life by offering an international standard of health service. The Centre, operating under a licence issued by the Ministry of Health, is staffed with qualified doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to provide reliable and affordable services using the state-of-art medical equipment. It also offers full laboratory services including biochemistry, pathology and haematology tests.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

KYRGYZ INVESTMENT AND CREDIT BANK (KICB)

To stimulate long-term and inclusive economic growth in the country, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development partnered with the Government of Kyrgyzstan and other international financial institutions to establish the KICB in 2001 Currently, KICB serves clients in all regions of the country through a branch network of more than 50 branches. In accordance with its main activities, KICB invests in projects, related to agriculture, manufacturing, construction and light industry. Since its establishment, KICB has expanded its services in the retail market, it is successfully gaining positions and becoming one of the leading commercial banks. In 2013, KICB expanded its range of products with insurance services provided by Jubilee Kyrgyzstan Insurance company. In order to increase financial inclusion, in June 2014, KICB launched an electronic wallet - ELSOM, an innovative financial instrument that is used by more than 500,000 users, including the most remote regions of the country. For more than 20 years of active and stable work, the Bank has established itself as one of the leaders of the banking system of the Kyrgyz Republic and gained a reputation as a reliable partner. KICB will continue to develop remote customer service channels and introduce innovative products. For more information about KICB visit www.kicb.net

ACCELERATE PROSPERITY (AP)

Accelerate Prosperity is a new AKDN global initiative active in Kyrgyzstan providing technical expertise, creative financing solutions and market connections for small and growing businesses. AP aims to inspire entrepreneurship, facilitate innovative business models, coach promising entrepreneurs, create networks and mentorship opportunities, and accelerate business growth. Since its inception, AP has accelerated 417 SGBs. Out of those, twenty-nine have secured capital investments in the amount of USD 749,117 and created 269 new jobs.

CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

AGA KHAN MUSIC PROGRAMME (AKMP)

AKMP was established to revitalise and transmit Central Asian musical traditions by supporting outstanding talent, training new teachers, and documenting and disseminating Central Asian music to stimulate interest in the regions’ culture worldwide. Established by AKMP, the Centre Ustatshakirt, operates throughout Kyrgyzstan in collaboration with primary schools and universities since 2005. The Centre supports professional development of music teachers to improve their skills for teaching and music making. Some 8,000 children annually study music and theatrical art based in innovative methods.

REHABILITATION OF SEYITAALY JAKYPOV PARK IN NARYN

Seyitaaly Jakypov Park in Naryn town was rehabilitated by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture and inaugurated in 2016 as part of a broader effort to spark social and economic development in town. The rehabilitated Park has become a popular place in town for families and youth for exercise, entertainment, and public events.

Overview of AKDN Programmes