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| Naina is a participant of AKF and King’s Trust International’s Project Lehar, which supports girls and young women in India to learn, earn, and thrive. Photo: AKF |
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| Naina wins 2026 Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award |
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| At just 23, Naina from Bahraich district in Uttar Pradesh, India, has gained global recognition for her commitment to girls’ education. On May 11, she received the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award at the King’s Trust Awards in London—an honor celebrating young women driving change in their communities.
One of four siblings, Naina was withdrawn from school at a young age and expected to work. Refusing to give up, she studied alone at night by lamplight.
She later joined Project Lehar, an AKF program supported by King’s Trust International. Lehar works with girls aged 16–29 and their families to build life skills, strengthen confidence, and shift harmful gender norms that limit girls’ opportunities.
Through her determination, she completed her schooling and inspired 15 other girls to enroll. Today, every girl in her village attends school.
“I will continue to work for all those girls who wish to turn their dreams into reality, no matter how difficult the path may be,” she says. |
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| | | “This award is not just mine. It belongs to every girl who is creating positive change in her life and community.”
NainaLife skills Facilitator, Project Lehar |
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| | | | Celebrating World Nutrition Day |
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| Students at Ak-Dil kindergarten in Naryn, Kyrgyz Republic, are provided with a nutritious meal. Photo: AKF |
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| This World Nutrition Day (May 28), we highlight AKF’s focus on nutrition as an integral component of our work. For communities to thrive, access to nutritious, quality food and clean water is crucial. AKF is committed to improving nutrition in the places where we work, especially for women, infants, children, and adolescents.
Our programs are building climate-resilient food systems in India, installing clean water and sanitation facilities in Afghanistan, and providing cooking demonstrations in Madagascar. In 2024, we implemented nutritional screening and counseling for 3.3 million children, adolescents, and pregnant women. Learn more about our health and nutrition programs. |
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| | | Golfing for global change in San Antonio, Texas |
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| AKF USA’s San Antonio Golf Tournament was a huge success, filled with great energy, amazing players, and unforgettable moments on the course. Join us in a heartfelt thank you to all our volunteers, sponsors, supporters, and participants from the South Central Region for putting together an incredible event.
Check out the highlights of the day! |
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Thank you to our Regional volunteer leadership |
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| | Early this month, AKF USA welcomed our volunteer Regional Chairs and Vice Chairs (RCVC) to Washington, DC, for a chance to connect, problem-solve, and plan. AKF’s work is made possible by a dedicated network of volunteers across the United States who raise awareness and funds to support AKF’s global impact. We're grateful for our RCVCs, who play a critical role in this effort, leading volunteer teams and strengthening our collective reach nationwide. |
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| | | Get into the swing of fighting poverty |
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| AKF USA volunteers are already preparing for a busy season of fall fundraising events. You can get involved, too. Join one of our upcoming AKF USA Golf or Walk & Run events in your area as a participant, sponsor, or volunteer. |
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| | Save the Date: AKF USA Houston Walk & Run |
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| It’s official! The Houston Walk & Run will take place on November 1, 2026 at Constellation Field in Sugar Land, Texas. This event is a perfect opportunity to step out with friends, family, and colleagues and raise funds and awareness for AKF’s life-changing programs in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
We’ll share more information soon! |
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| | | Mark life’s most meaningful moments with impact |
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| Students from Kwale, Kenya, join in the celebration of World Teachers Day. Photo: Isaac Njagi |
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| Congratulations to all of the recent graduates! Whether you’re graduating from high school, college, or a higher education degree, consider celebrating this memorable milestone by creating a fundraiser for AKF.
Your personal graduation day fundraiser can help break the cycle of poverty for vulnerable families and communities. |
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| | | Thank you to our generous National Sponsors |
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| Copyright (C) 2026 Aga Khan Foundation USA. All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website.
Our mailing address is:
Aga Khan Foundation USA
1825 K St NW Ste 901
Washington, DC 20006-1214
USA
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