Spirit of Math Steps Forward to Fight Global Poverty

Spirit of Math stepped forward to end global poverty at the 2017 Aga Khan World Partnership Walk in Toronto on Sunday, May 28. Led by captain Qaahir Rahemtulla, the Spirit of Math team joined thousands of Canadians across the country to take part in the walk, raising a total of $6,830 for the cause. Under Qaahir’s leadership, the Spirit of Math team has contributed more than $17,065 to the Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC), an organization dedicated to influencing social, economic, and cultural development in 30 countries across the globe. At last year’s World Partnership Walk, our campaign was recognized by the Canadian Government, who matched our fundraising, resulting in a $22,750 contribution to the cause! The 2017 World Partnership Walk saw a total of 1,970 participants on 131 teams raise a total of $1,789,009 to support Canada’s largest public event to fight global poverty. Focusing on education, health, rural development and civil society, here are just a few ways that the Aga Khan Foundation Canada has impacted lives across the world: Weaving a Brighter Future: Apendiwe’s Story According to the World Bank, more than half of the population of Mozambique – a Southeast African nation of roughly 25-million – lives below the poverty line. The story of Apendiew is typical of the average Mozambican. Growing up without learning to read or write, she struggles as an adult to feed her children and send them to school. With the support of the AFKC, Apendiew and her friends began a weaving workshop, turning their talents into a profitable business, which provides a vital source of income. WATCH: Apendiwe’s Story: How to tackle poverty with art  Savings Groups: Amida’s Story In remote areas, it can be difficult to access banks and financial services. This is very much true for Ibo Island, a rural Mozambique community. With no banks to turn to for fiscal management, the AFKC stepped in to train the community to start a savings group. Now, 12 members meet regularly and invest in the future by saving their money together and offering business loans to one another. One member the group, Amida Mahando, has used the savings from the group to buy a freezer and start selling maheu (a breakfast drunk). She saved enough money to begin baking bread for a living in an oven she built with the funds. About the Aga Khan Foundation Established in 1980, AKFC is a registered Canadian charity and an agency of the worldwide Aga Khan Development Network, a group of development agencies with individual mandates that address social, economic and cultural dimensions of development. Active in 30 countries, these agencies share a mission to improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. Cool Links Why Walk?… For Hope, Education, Opportunities  Breaking the Cycle of Poverty: A Strong Foundation for Every Child Who We Are – Aga Khan Foundation Canada