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Introduction

AKDN activities in the United States encompass several education partnerships, notably with Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Texas and Philips Andover Academy, as well as a continuing collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. These partnerships have sought to improve education in given fields in both the developed and developing world.

The Aga Khan Programme for Islamic Architecture, at Harvard and MIT, works to improve the study of Islamic architecture and cultures while the on-line archive and forum (ArchNet.org) provides a global resource on the study of architecture of the Islamic world.

American educators have also been part of a novel programme that promotes global education and student-centered teaching at participating schools by linking schools in Africa, Asia and Europe. The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) also supports an early childhood education programme for immigrant families in several US cities. AKF’s fundraising activities include the Partnership Walks, which are held in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston and Los Angeles. In the last decade, over 200,000 people have participated and raised over $26 million.

A number of cultural initiatives, particularly through the Aga Khan Music Initiative in Central Asia (AKMICA), have introduced North Americans to the culture of Central Asia through a series of tours across North America and a set of recordings in collaboration with the Smithsonian Institution. AKDN has also supported Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Project.

Focus Humanitarian Assistance, an AKDN affiliate which provides aid after disasters, usually in developing world contexts, has also been involved in relief operations after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.