“…. the intellectual quality of a school depends not upon an abstract curricular design, but upon the quality of mind, classroom inventiveness and dedication of the teacher and upon the support given that teacher by parents and school leaders. A major goal of these academic centres of excellence therefore is to rejuvenate and restore the public standing of the profession of teaching. The minds of our children require teachers who are the intellectual equals to the best professionals in other fields such as law and medicine. We must not only compensate them appropriately and in accord with our expectations that they will grow professionally, but assure to them a quality of life which will both satisfy them, and encourage future generations of educated men and women to see in teaching a great and valid opportunity in life, and not a profession of last resort.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Inauguration Ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy Kilindini, Mombasa, Kenya
December 20, 2003
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“….The World Bank….found that the quantity of time or money spent on education was less important than the quality of specific educational experiences. Extraordinary teachers and exceptional companions are the key to such experiences.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
Foundation Ceremony of the Aga Khan Academy, Kampala, Uganda
August 22, 2007
Speech at Press Centre, AKDN
“It seems to me to be the responsibility of educators everywhere to help develop ‘ethically literate’ people who can reason morally whenever they analyse and resolve problems, who see the world through the lens of ethics, who can articulate their moral reasoning clearly – even in a world of cultural and religious diversity – and have the courage to make tough choices. And it is clear that the quality of ethical leadership throughout society can in great measure be shaped by our educational institutions.”
His Highness the Aga Khan
University of Alberta, Canada
June 9, 2009
Speech at The Institute of Ismaili Studies
A great school, “will educate its students not merely to be personally successful but also to use their gifts to build their communities and enhance the common good to levels beyond our dreams.”
His Highness The Aga Khan
Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi
Ismailimail 