“Inspiration permeates the thoughts
and actions of truly effective teachers.”

About Zaka Khan

Zaka Khan spent much of his life teaching and inspiring disadvantaged youth at Lakeside-EGA, a residential school for troubled teenagers in New York. Zaka Khan was able to build trust and rapport with many kids that were thought to be beyond help. He also taught at a number of other schools and colleges in New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

For 47 years, Zaka Khan used a variety of creative and innovative techniques to inspire students of all ages to think and learn. He was a humble man and touched many people’s hearts in and out of the classroom, with his kindness, irreverence, humor, and love.

Today, Amed Khan, founder of the Zaka Khan Foundation, carries on his father’s legacy through profound philanthropic endeavors.

“If teachers are really interested in their students and truly want their students to learn, they will be willing to try anything to help.”

— Zaka Khan

About the Foundation

The Foundation, in keeping in line with the values of Zaka Khan, operates with the following principles and approach:

1. Modesty and humility

2. Cooperation and partnership

3. Joy and humor

4. Transparency and sincerity

Program Areas

Education

Girls’ education in the developing world

Special Education (emotionally
challenged/disadvantaged students)

Use of creative dramatics (role playing)
in education

Inspiring youth to think for themselves

Inter-cultural Communication
& Understanding:

Bridging gaps between ethnic and religious
communities

Increasing economic and social interdependence

Cultural exchange