Manhattan, NY – Earlier this week Mrs. Nayeema Khan, Chairperson of Khan’s Tutorial was recognized at the United Nations Headquarters for her leadership in education. Mrs. Khan was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Leadership & Governance by the Executive Board of iChange Nations Organization at the United Nations. In her role at Khan’s Tutorial, Mrs. Khan oversees a staff of 400 leaders & Instructors, and serves over 3,500 families weekly, for their supplemental education needs. Today she also serves as a UN Goodwill Ambassador for the Sustainable Goal of Education.
“It was an incredibly humbling moment to be present to see my mother receive an honorary doctorate from the Organization for Poverty Alleviation & Development. As many friends and family know, this week is both my father’s birthday on September 25th and the anniversary of his passing on Oct 1st.
A big part of my father’s hard work was possible due to the constant support, organization, and fighting spirit of my mother. Besides leading Khan’s Tutorial for 25 years as a co-founder with my father, my mother led his battle against cancer for 12 brave years. There were many times that my mother’s resiliency pushed back to clinicians that didn’t expect my father to live a long time. My mother was able to disapprove clinical doctors time and time again due to her strong faith in God and the existence of medical miracles.
I can’t think of anyone more deserving to receive such a special honor during such a special time of year for our family. I am fortunate to have an incredible wife Nipa who is my mother’s number one supporter around her involvement at Khan’s Tutorial. I am very grateful to God and to every member of the community that’s prayed for my family, and our overall work at Khan’s Tutorial. Congratulations Mom! I love you so much!” said Dr. Ivan Khan.
“I’m very excited to receive this honorary doctorate at the United Nations. I never dreamed of receiving such an honor but I’m so grateful to the iChange Nations Organization for recognizing our work. It was Dr. Khan’s dream to help all children receive a quality education and me and my son Ivan have worked hard to fulfill that dream,” said KT Chairperson Mrs. Nayeema Khan.
“We are thrilled about Mrs. Khan’s latest award for her long history of education work in New York City. Education, youth empowerment, and building leaders of tomorrow has been my sister’s dream and her 24/7 occupation. She has been steadfast in her focus with unwavering attention and total devotion. I am therefore, am not surprised but so happy for the recognition she has received from such a prestigious organization and I pray that many more keep coming her way in the future. I know my sister will not slow down from her work which is so close to her heart and continue to empower our community through education,” said Wasima Parveen, Director of Scholastica, Bangladesh.
With 10 locations in the outer boroughs of New York City, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and in the Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Astoria, Ozone Park, and Floral Park neighborhoods of Queens, Khan’s Tutorial primarily serves in assisting families in low-income, new immigrant neighborhoods. Since 1994, Khan’s Tutorial has helped 3,383 students gain admission to New York City’s Specialized High Schools.