When a dozen high-school students from theInternational School of the Americas in San Antonio, Texas, visited Washington, DC in February to learn about the U.S. Government and international development, their program included the headquarters of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA).

There Joanne Trotter, Director of Programs for AKF USA, described for them the Foundation’s work helping to reduce global poverty. She highlighted the Foundation’s long-term commitment to communities where it works, even across generations. She also explained AKF’s approach to strengthening communities’ capacity to manage for themselves in five core areas: rural development, civil society, health, education, and the environment.

She illustrated her talk with examples from Central Asia and East Africa.

Fatima Jaffer, one of the seniors, later texted about Trotter’s presentation: “Awesome!!!! Everyone loved it so much and my teacher said it was one of the best presentations he has seen out of all 10 DC trips.”

At AKF USA, the students considered challenging questions about the role of technology, for example, and comparing problems faced by developing countries with issues here at home. They noted that the problem of brain drain experienced by developing countries paralleled the difficulty faced by U.S. cities in attracting skilled citizens.

John Donahue, a parent and an emeritus professor at Trinity University who accompanied the students, thanked Trotter “for a most informative session on the AKF. It was for me one the highlights of our trip.” He continued, “I especially liked the extended timeline of your projects, allowing for a second generation to emerge that then might take over the project. I wish you well in your continuing efforts to serve communities most vulnerable” and most in need of basic services.

Fatima’s father, Bob Jaffer, noted that the class visited the Kenyan Embassy the next day. “The students mentioned AKF USA to the Embassy staff, who talked very highly of the AKF and Aga Khan Development Network programs implemented in Kenya,” said Jaffer. “Fatima’s class was very pleased to hear the testimonials of the Embassy staff. Your team has made a huge impact on the students.”