Alumni-led projects creating positive change
The Alumni UK Grant Programme supports international UK alumni to develop and deliver projects that respond to challenges in their communities and professional sectors.
For 2026–27, the programme supports projects under two themes:
- Climate Action and Sustainability, supporting practical, community-driven or creative responses to climate change and environmental sustainability.
- Inclusion, Reducing Inequality & Empowerment of Underrepresented Groups, supporting initiatives that promote inclusion, expand opportunities and empower underrepresented or marginalised groups.
This year, five projects have been selected for support in Pakistan.
Child Guard (CG) Health: Piloting a Child Climate-Health Early Warning Application
Anoushay Khurshid
Theme: Climate Action
CG Health is developing an AI-powered platform to help schools and communities in Pakistan anticipate and respond to climate-related health risks. Using artificial intelligence, machine learning and geospatial data, the platform provides location-specific alerts and child risk assessments for heat stress, haze-related respiratory illness, dengue and flooding. With its Android application nearing completion, the project will pilot the platform with schools and communities to assess its usability, uptake and impact. The findings will help improve the technology, strengthen community preparedness and build evidence for expanding access to climate-informed health protection.
Kisan Rahnuma: Sindhi-Language Climate Farming and Green Finance Advice for Smallholders
Dr Muhammad Ismail
Theme: Climate Action
Kisan Rahnuma will help smallholder farmers in Sukkur, Khairpur and Ghotki adopt more sustainable and climate-smart farming practices. The project will train 120 farmers in water-efficient irrigation and low-chemical agriculture, while reaching a further 1,500 people through awareness activities in Sindhi. A free WhatsApp advisory service will guide farmers through organic certification and climate-smart credit applications, helping them access financial opportunities that reward sustainable practices. By making agricultural guidance and support accessible in local languages, the initiative aims to improve farmers' livelihoods, protect natural resources and encourage more resilient farming communities.
Resilient Recovery: Heat-Safe Survivorship for Women After Breast Cancer in Pakistan
Dr Zeerak Jarrar
Theme: Inclusion
Resilient Recovery will address the overlooked impact of extreme heat on women recovering from breast cancer in Pakistan. Working with breast cancer survivors in urban and rural communities, the project will explore their experiences, develop practical heat-safety guidance in local languages and test a peer-educator model to help women share knowledge and support one another. Building on the breast cancer services and research expertise of Aga Khan University Hospital, the initiative will work with an established national survivor network to develop an approach that responds to women's needs and can inform future support for cancer survivors.
Fish Tank
Haya Emaan Zahid
Theme: Inclusion
Fish Tank supports women from low-income communities in building sustainable businesses and achieving greater economic independence. Rather than providing cash grants or loans, the initiative establishes fully equipped micro-enterprises tailored to each woman's skills and local market opportunities. Women also receive a four-month financial safety net and up to a year of peer mentorship from an established Fish Tank entrepreneur. Piloted in Karachi, the programme has established 54 enterprises, all of which remain operational. By helping women build reliable livelihoods and greater control over their income, Fish Tank aims to strengthen their ability to make independent decisions and exercise their rights.
Coastal Climate Champions: Youth-Led Climate Resilience in Coastal Balochistan
Sikander Bizenjo
Theme: Climate Action
Coastal Climate Champions will equip 30 young people, with at least 50% women, from fishing and farming communities in Gwadar and Lasbela to lead local climate action. Through training and community engagement, participants will raise awareness and promote practical adaptation and preparedness measures in coastal villages facing cyclones, flash floods, rising seawater intrusion and declining fisheries. Led by the Balochistan Youth Action Committee (BYAC), the initiative builds on its experience training youth climate leaders and mobilising over 200 champions who have supported communities during climate emergencies. The project aims to strengthen local leadership and help vulnerable coastal communities better prepare for climate-related challenges.