The month in pictures: May

A Black Drongo bird perches on a cow at Bhikhubhai’s farm in Malia, Gujarat. Bhikhubhai is a farmer who, as well as rearing cattle, has recently switched to regenerative farming practices to grow his crops. Now, he produces his own organic fertilisers and pesticides using animal waste and plants grown around his farm. These methods help restore soil health, reduce input costs, improve farmers’ health by eliminating chemical inputs, increase productivity, support biodiversity and raise incomes.

These efforts are supported by the Aga Khan Rural Support Programme in India, and form part of AKF’s wider ReGeneration initiative, which aims to build climate and community resilience along the Indian Ocean coast over the next ten years.

Naina, winner of the Amal Clooney Women’s Empowerment Award, stands proud on the red carpet at the King’s Trust Awards Ceremony in London. Naina is an alumnus of AKF’s Project Lehar, a girls’ empowerment initiative supporting young women in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, India. “This award is not just mine,” she says. “It belongs to every girl who is creating positive change in her life and community.”

During her visit to London to collect her award, Naina attended a garden party at Buckingham Palace, visited the Aga Khan Centre and shared her story with members of the Jamat at the Ismaili Centre.

Read Naina’s story here.

Supported by The King’s Trust International.

A ‘pigeon tower’ against the cloud-spotted blue sky of Salamieh. Facilitated by AKF, several of these towers have been constructed, serving 40 farming households across six rural villages. These traditional yet innovative structures are designed with climate resilience in mind, utilising clay and local materials to ensure natural insulation and low environmental impact. The initiative provides a dual benefit – a sustainable source of high-quality animal protein for home consumption, and improved incomes through the sale of birds and organic fertiliser made from pigeon manure, which is highly valued for local crops.

School students in Bishkek present their ideas for making their schools and communities more climate resilient. They mocked up their ideas into 3D models, including windmills, greenhouses and schools surrounded by trees. During the event, as well as presenting their models, the students took real climate action, planting tree seedlings in the school grounds.

These efforts are led by Schools2030, AKF’s flagship education initiative bringing teacher leadership and climate innovation into schools across 10 countries worldwide.

Construction workers restore Salamieh City’s water pumping line. This work forms part of a major infrastructure development project which is underway to ensure safe and reliable access to drinking water for residents. It will involve the expansion of a 1000 m³ underground water tank, the construction of a dedicated pumping station and the rehabilitation of the existing pumping line. The project, facilitated by AKF, is being carried out in coordination with the Salamieh and Hama Water Authorities.

Fresh green vegetables grow in the school garden at Madamu Primary School in Morogoro, where students are cultivating food and practical skills. Introduced through AKF’s Maendeleo initiative, the garden has become part of daily school life, with pupils actively involved in planting, watering and maintaining crops.

Through hands-on training, students are learning regenerative farming practices, including the use of locally made biopesticides and bio-foliar solutions. They are gaining knowledge they can apply beyond the classroom while contributing to improved nutrition at school. The garden supports healthier school meals which then strengthens concentration, attendance and engagement, as more students are able to stay in school throughout the day.

A teacher presents her classroom innovation at the Schools2030 National Showcase in Patna. The event brought together educators from primary, secondary and senior secondary schools, government representatives, researchers and early childhood care workers. Participants had the opportunity to explore a range of vibrant stalls celebrating teacher-led innovation and transformative learning.

The event highlighted the power of teacher agency in reimagining classrooms, with educators showcasing innovative, scalable solutions designed to strengthen learning outcomes and inspire change across schools.