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THE Aga Khan Development Network Foundation and the International Baccalaureate have agreed to jointly intensify efforts to broaden access to quality education for students in Uganda and other developing countries.

A memorandum of understanding signed at the Aga Khan headquarters in France between the two organisations sets out a framework for strengthened cooperation in the advancement of education.

Baccalaureate is a Swiss-based NGO, which offers educational programmes for “a worldwide community of schools”.

“The memorandum covers the entire spectrum of education from early childhood to secondary school, graduate studies and continuing professional learning for educators,” said a statement sent from the Aga Khan’s offices in Kampala recently.

The improvement of the delivery of education services will be done through Aga Khan agencies such as the Aga Khan Academies, the Aga Khan Education Services, the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia.

The agreement also seeks to provide a richer and more global perspective in education to students in the industrialised world.

The memorandum was signed by Princess Zahra Aga Khan, the head of the Aga Khan social welfare department, and Jeff Beard, the director of Baccalaureate.

Princess Zahra said the agreement was a landmark in the cooperation between the two companies.

“The agreement will enable our educational institutions to benefit from the educational philosophy, curriculum expertise and academic excellence associated with Baccalaureate. It will be instrumental in bridging cultural divides and traditions,” she said.

Beard said the agreement was an important move in expanding the organisation’s geographic reach.

“This is a significant development as it will allow Baccalaureate to extend its reach in developing countries and draw upon the expertise the Aga Khan has in providing education to students in some of the poorest and most challenging parts of the world,” he said.