Aga Khan High School in Osh
26 July 2001 OSH (TCA).

Since assuming the office of Imamat in 1957, the Aga Khan has demonstrated concerned for the well being of all Muslims. Resulting from their tradition of service, Ismailis Muslims have elaborated a well-defined institutional framework to carry out social, economic and cultural activities. Under the Aga Khan's leadership, this framework has become the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of institutions working to improve living conditions and opportunities in specific regions. Their projects are to benefit all, regardless of their origin or religion. Their main sources of support are the Ismaili community with its tradition of philanthropy, voluntary service and self-reliance, and the leadership and financial underwriting of the hereditary Imam and Imamat resources. AKDN institutions work in close partnership with the world's major national and international aid and development agencies.

The Aga Khan Education Services (AKES) is one of four agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) supporting educational projects. AKES currently operates more than 280 schools and advanced educational programs, providing quality pre-school, primary, secondary and higher secondary education services to more than 54,000 students in Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Africa and Central Asia. The school in Osh, Kyrgyzstan will be similar to a new school opened in Korugh, Tajikistan. The Aga Khan High School, in Osh, is currently under construction at a cost of US$1 million. More than 80% of the cost is from funds donated by such organizations as C1DA and the European Commission. A total of 150 - 200 persons are currently working at the site, almost all from Kyrgyzstan.

The school building is composed of three distinct blocks - a four story, octagonal, library block, a three story academic block and a two story gymnasium and cafeteria. Along with modem features, in light of the-historical character of Osh, a large part of the building looks Central Asian, through the use of special facing bricks in the style like on Babur's House.

US$230,000 more will be spent on finishing and furnishing the classrooms and on purchasing cultural artifacts made by local craftsmen. US$200,000 will be allocated for supplies for student and teacher use. The school principal and teaching staff will be recruited from Kyrgyzstan, thus offering recent graduates and experienced teachers the opportunity to use their education and skills for the benefit of their country and the next generation. The wide range of subjects will be taught in Kyrgyz and Russian.


The Times of Central Asia