
We are excited to announce the signing of a new partnership agreement with Aga Khan University (AKU), whose mission is to improve quality of life in the developing world and beyond through world-class teaching, research and healthcare delivery. Founded in 1983 as Pakistan’s first private university, AKU is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. Starting in 2000, AKU expand​ed to Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan, and the United Kingdom. ​
AKU and the Spark of Hope Foundation (SoHF), in the spirit of international friendship, have agreed to cooperate to facilitate higher education opportunities for women from the regions served by AKU’s mandate, and any other countries specifically agreed to. Both SoHF and AKU believe that education – especially higher education – is key to empowering future generations with the tools to better their and their families’ lives and address the challenges of social and economic advancement of their communities. The Foundation will supplement the university’s financial assistance to ensure adequate funding for selected scholars.
The Foundation previously had agreements in 2014 and 2015 with AKU’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED), and this agreement expands the scope of the partnership to all undergraduate, graduate or PhD programmes within any school, college or institute at AKU.
The Foundation’s alumnae include 27 scholars at AKU-IED and three who have graduated from AKU Medical College. The Foundation is currently supporting ten students at AKU Medical College and two students at the Institute for Educational Development.
Photo: Aga Khan University
Share
STAY IN THE LOOP
Subscribe to our free newsletter.
We are deeply honoured to announce a legacy gift from the Umedaly Family Education Foundation
Narmin Ismail, SoHF Founder and CEO, was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal (M.S.M.) by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General
Aaliya, a doctoral student in the Earth and Climate Sciences program at Duke University, shares some key insights in an interview conducted by Duke University




































Doug has many years of senior business and financial management experience across a diverse range of industries and size of businesses. During his career, Doug has also worked as a consultant to several start-up companies. Currently, Doug is President & CEO at North American Fur Auctions Inc., a private company with operations in Europe, North America and Asia.
Tanneke is a partner at Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP with a focus on natural resource project development in emerging markets. Tanneke is highly regarded for her expertise and experience in the mining industry where she is recognised as a leading legal advisor. Her extensive experience includes advising on all aspects of the development and financing of mining and other natural resource projects in emerging markets, with an emphasis on African markets.
Sajida Raza, from Chitral in the Northern Areas of Pakistan, completed her medical degree in November 2019. Chitral only has hospitals in very few places, so access to quality healthcare can be limited and it is often cut off from the rest of the world for months during winter.