Service Learning

From an early age, our students learn to care about the people and environment around them. They put their theoretical learning into practice through sustainable work on local community projects, whether partnering with local organisations, working with branches of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) or initiating their own projects.

Community Outreach

Core to the vision and mission of the Aga Khan Academies is that students should be developed in terms of their values of giving back and contributing to the communities in which they live. This short film follows a group of students from the Aga Khan Academy Mombasa, who formed the group STEM for Growth to mentor younger students at a local school and help them gain higher achievement levels and greater confidence through hands-on experiments and activities.

Student Proposes Affordable and Sustainable Electricity for Zanzibar

Growing up in Zanzibar, Tanzania, Grade 10 student Maaher Bhaloo saw families struggle to afford electricity and noticed the absence of eco-friendly initiatives to keep the island sustainable for future generations. These issues inspired his IB personal project: designing an affordable, environmentally conscious solar power plant proposal for Zanzibar.

“I am passionate about the environment, my town’s development and community service, something the Academy has taught me as vital to life,” Maaher said.

He presented his model, “Zanzibar – a Solar Island”, to Zanzibar’s Minister of Land, Water, Housing and Energy, who approved the project for implementation and recognised his innovation and commitment to positive change.

Using Science to Quench Thirst

During his DP2, Ambuj Ranjan discovered that the residents of Junju, a settlement in Kilifi, Kenya, were drinking untreated water. Determined to help, he designed a simple, cost-effective water-filtration system using gravel, sand, stone chips and activated charcoal. Tested and approved as safe, it gave the community clean, drinkable water.

“Seeing transparent water for the first time was unforgettable for them,” Ambuj said.

He continues to track the project and train residents on how to harvest rainwater, viewing it as a first step toward improving the quality of life in Junju.

“When I was planting mangroves, I realised this wasn’t just about trees; it was about protecting people’s homes, the animals and our future. It made me feel like I could do something real, even as a student.”

Ibtisam Hamdi

Grade 8, AKA Mombasa

Service Learning in Action

Grade 10 Service Learning demonstration

Through Service Learning, students apply classroom knowledge to real community needs. During service learning demonstration days, they present their projects, reflect on their learning journeys and share how the experience has helped them develop skills beyond the classroom.