Empowering young changemakers: illuminate inspires future careers in international development

AKF's illuminate programme welcomes 40 students to explore future careers in international development

7 July 2023

Reinforcing illuminate’s longstanding relationship with ARK Schools, a multi-academy trust, last month, 40 students from ARK John Keats Academy visited the Aga Khan Centre to explore and understand academia and higher education and diverse career paths within international development.

In a world full of transformative ideas and limitless possibilities, AKF’s illuminate programme guides the path of aspiring students. With a mission to expand horizons, ignite inspiration, and cultivate a generation of changemakers, this initiative paves the way for students to make meaningful contributions towards a better world.

ARK students discussing their future career paths at an interactive session.

On their visit, the students first immersed themselves in an enlightening career session, led by AKF staff members Kendra Schreiner, Partnerships Manager and Salmaan Sher, Finance Manager. During the interactive session, the students learnt about Kendra and Salmaan’s personal journeys into international development, delved into the intricacies of working for AKF, gained invaluable insights into the organisation’s approach to development and the diverse countries it operates in. They explored the multifaceted nature of AKF’s work and witnessed first-hand how the organisation tackles complex challenges with innovative solutions.

Salmaan Sher, Finance Manager at AKF conducting his careers session.

“I think it is important for young people to be exposed to all the possible career paths available to them so that they can make informed choices. My own path has not been conventional for a finance and accounting professional or for someone working in development sector. I hope the students learnt something new and their view of a future career path is a little bit broader.” – Salmaan Sher, Finance Manager, Aga Khan Foundation

The session culminated with understanding what students could do to prepare for a potential career in international development. This sparked conversation amongst the students, compelling them to reflect on their own potential and the steps they can take to initiate such a career.

To further enrich their experience, the students were taken on a tour of the Aga Khan Centre. As they explored the building’s vibrant spaces, they got a tangible representation of a professional working space and the transformative work AKF does – igniting and inspiring future aspirations.

Kendra Schreiner, Partnerships Officer delivering her careers session.

“We are excited that students from ARK John Keats had to the opportunity to explore the possibility of careers in the field of development. This is what illuminate was designed to do: inspire students to be bold with career choices and prepare them to engage in the world beyond the classroom as citizens aware of global issues as well as global opportunities.” – Dr Gurdofarid Miskinzoda, illuminate Project lead and Member of Aga Khan Foundation UK National Committee ”

Equipped with newfound knowledge, the young individuals were encouraged to think beyond boundaries and foster transformative ideas. This timely visit was ahead of the launch of illuminate 2023 cycle which took place on 21 June 2023 at the AKC. Like last year, students were invited to take part in a multi-media essay competition for which they can enter a short essay, video blog or piece of art to portray, depict and answer questions on the future of technology and how this will transform our world.