Frequently Asked Questions About Aga Khan Foundation and World Partnership
Golf
What is the World Partnership
Golf tournament?
World Partnership Golf was launched nationally in 2000 by Aga Khan Foundation
Canada as an engaging way for Canadians to raise funds and awareness for
projects that assist the poor and disadvantaged in Asia and Africa.
How can I get involved in a World
Partnership Golf tournament?
The tournaments, held in six cities across Canada, offer participants the
opportunity to get actively involved in helping to address global poverty.
Individuals and businesses with a willingness to help make the world a better
place can participate in World Partnership Golf in a variety of ways, from
putting together foursomes to sponsoring and promoting tournaments across the
country.
What impact does World Partnership Golf have?
Thanks in part to the funds raised by tournaments, millions of people in
Africa and Asia have benefited directly from programs supported by Aga Khan
Foundation of Canada. AKFC currently funds more than 40 development projects in
Asia and Africa. These projects have received positive evaluations from the
Canadian government and other organizations for their effectiveness and
positive, lasting impact.
Why should I participate in World Partnership Golf
this year?
A growing body of evidence shows that the solution to global poverty lies in
making a long-term commitment to disadvantaged communities by supporting simple
yet innovative initiatives that target basic needs while empowering citizens.
Canadians are aware of the leading role their country plays in contributing to
such initiatives. Now you too can participate. World Partnership Golf is an
event that allows you to contribute directly to programs in Asia and Africa that
give poor communities a chance to become self-sufficient.
Where do the funds raised go?
Funds raised by World Partnership Golf go to programs Aga Khan Foundation
Canada supports in Asia and Africa -- areas inhabited by a large percentage of
the world's poorest people.
AKFC currently supports programs in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan,
Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Bangladesh, India, Egypt, Syria, Kenya,
Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda.
The Aga Khan Development Network has been active in some of these countries
for more than 100 years. The Foundation is able to utilize the resources of
other member institutions and community organizations that have a proven track
record of managing schools, hospitals, and clinics in Africa and Asia. Local
staff and volunteers help monitor progress and ensure that resources are used
effectively. In this way even small programs can have an immense impact.
What is Aga Khan Foundation Canada?
Aga Khan Foundation Canada is a non-profit development agency started in 1980
that promotes sustainable and equitable social development without regard for
race, religion or political persuasion. It is a registered Canadian charity
(Charitable number: 10007 2586 RR0001), with a Board and National Committee. It
is part of the Aga Khan Development Network established by His Highness the Aga
Khan. The Network, which focuses on social, cultural and economic development,
was founded in the belief that everyone has the right to the dignity that comes
from self-reliance. The Foundation operates on the principle that effective
social and economic progress is based on partnership with individuals,
communities, businesses, governments, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
How does AKFC help communities overcome poverty?
A common objective of all programs supported by AKFC is to help people to
take charge of their own lives and environment. AKFC's programs encourage
community participation and self-sufficiency. Funds donated through World
Partnership Golf go directly to support "Smart Solutions" programs in four core
areas: health, education, rural development and strengthening community-based
organizations. These programs are designed to tap the initiative,
entrepreneurship, resources and energy of poor communities in order to help them
improve the quality of their lives. In all of our programs we pay special
attention to the environment and women in developing countries.
How does AKFC implement its programs?
Every project supported by AKFC is implemented by partners with a proven
track record of accountability and effectiveness. The Foundation places great
emphasis on effective management and accountability, and has established an
"on-the-ground" presence in developing countries through its affiliation with
the Aga Khan Development Network. Highly qualified local staff members are able
to ensure that resources are used effectively. Canadian staff members also visit
projects to assess the progress being made and to make recommendations.
In addition, the Foundation asks external organizations such as the World
Bank and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) to evaluate its
projects, and such reports are regularly published. Evaluators commissioned by
CIDA have concluded that AKFC's "stewardship and utilization of donor funds is
impeccable."
What is the relationship between the
Canadian government and Aga Khan Foundation Canada?
The Foundation and the Canadian government, through CIDA, have enjoyed a
close working relationship for more than 20 years. CIDA provides funding for a
number of programs that the Foundation supports in developing countries.
What does AKFC do in Canada?
In addition to supporting projects overseas, AKFC runs several educational
programs aimed at improving the quality of development assistance and showing
Canadians how they can help to be part of the solution to world poverty. Our
management training workshops are shaping the next generation of global leaders
by annually sending dozens of young Canadians abroad to learn about the
challenges of development from our in-country partners. A scholarship program
invites students from developing countries to study in Canada where they can
begin to form life-long professional relationships. The Foundation also sends
Canadian specialists overseas to share their knowledge and expertise with their
colleagues in the developing world.
AKFC is at the forefront of research on development issues and regularly
contributes to the ongoing dialogue on Canada's development policies. It
collaborates with many Canadian institutions, including University of Guelph,
University of Toronto, University of Calgary, Queens University, Ryerson
University, and the Canadian Center for Philanthropy. Thanks to the Aga Khan
Development Network, AKFC forms a unique link between Canadian development
professionals and their colleagues in the developing world.
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