The Coca-Cola Foundation—the global philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company—granted US$200,000 to the Aga Khan Foundation USA, to foster the social and economic development of youth in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan. With an additional US$50,000 contribution from The Coca-Cola Company, the grants will leverage The Project for Economic Development and Education Opportunities for Youth in Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan by equipping more than 12,000 students, young entrepreneurs, teachers and farmers with entrepreneurial skills and water management practices.

This project will be implemented by two agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network: the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the University of Central Asia (UCA). The initiative will encourage social entrepreneurship among youth, augment agricultural productivity, and increase access to educational opportunities.

“Promoting economic growth through entrepreneurship development is a core priority for UCA, with a central emphasis on endeavors that create social value to the communities where our learners come from,” said Dr. Bodhan Krawchenko, Director General of the University of Central Asia.

Dr. Mirza Jahani, the CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation USA added, “We are delighted to have Coca-Cola join us to inspire young entrepreneurs in Asia. This partnership brings fresh energy to improving lives and livelihoods.”

Through a nationwide awareness-raising campaign in Kyrgyzstan, the Aga Khan Foundation and its partner, the University of Central Asia, will encourage youth to submit innovative social entrepreneurship ideas to address an issue in their community. Already, more than 200 applications have been received, and 25 finalists received training in Bishkek to develop their project ideas. The Aga Khan Foundation will now award the top 10 projects with small seed grants.

Read the full press release here.