Who We Are
We are a registered Alberta charitable non-profit society working to make sure the cost of school never decides a child's future.
To broaden educational and skills opportunities for the underprivileged.
We exist to remove the barriers that keep students out of school. Our work is concentrated in Azad Jammu & Kashmir, primarily focusing on Thorar and its catchment area— a region where talent is plentiful but support is scarce.
We pay tuition directly to teaching institutions, supply learners with books and uniforms, support travel and boarding where needed, and walk alongside each student with mentorship until they graduate.
We are organized as a charitable, non-profit society under Alberta's Societies Act. Our resources, income and assets are committed entirely to advancing learning — never for personal gain.
At a glance
- Legal status
- Registered Society — Alberta, Canada
- Incorporated
- February 22, 2024
- Where we work
- Azad Jammu & Kashmir, primarily Thorar and its catchment area
- Governance
- Board of 5 directors
- Registered office
- 230 Panorama Hills Bay NW, Calgary, AB T3K 4X5
What we hold ourselves to.
Direct Impact
Tuition is paid directly to the teaching institution. Material support is delivered, not promised. We are accountable for the dollar that leaves our hands.
Equity & Need
Support is awarded on the basis of demonstrated need and academic potential — not background, gender, or social standing.
Stewardship
As a charitable non-profit, our financial resources are never distributed for personal gain. Modest, reasonable remuneration to staff is the only exception, and is fully disclosed.
Mentorship
Money alone doesn't keep students in school. Each sponsored learner is paired with mentorship, counseling, and ongoing academic monitoring.
Transparency
Our bylaws, board composition, and program design are public. Annual reports and balance sheets are reviewed at every Annual General Meeting.
Local Roots
We work with families, schools, and communities on the ground rather than around them. Decisions about a student's path involve the people closest to that student.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors is responsible for managing the affairs of the Society. Each director serves a fixed two-year term and is elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Dr. Liaquat Khan, MD
Founder & founding director. Surrey, BC.
Sardar Talib Khan
Founding director. Calgary, AB.
Iqra Talib Khan
Founding director, education specialist. Calgary, AB.
Riaz Ahmed
Founding director. Surrey, BC.
Iman Khan
Founding director. Surrey, BC.
How we operate.
Education First International Society is governed by a written set of bylaws enacted by its Board of Directors and confirmed by its members.
Annual General Meeting
Held each year at a time and place set by the Board. Agenda items include election of directors, review of the annual report, reconciliation of the balance sheet, and any business properly brought before members.
Officers
The Society's officers are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Past Board Chair / Advisor. Officers are elected by the Board every two years.
Quorum & Voting
A quorum of 40% applies to general business and 50% to financial decisions. Members entitled to vote may be represented by proxy.
Conflict of Interest
Directors and officers must disclose any conflict of interest and abstain from voting on matters where their interest is adverse — recorded in the minutes.
Amendments
Bylaws may be amended by a majority of a quorum at any regular or special meeting.
Dissolution
If the Society is dissolved, remaining assets — after debts are settled — are transferred to a charitable and educational organization analogous in nature, never to members or directors.
Help us grow.
Whether by sponsorship, volunteering, or joining our board — we'd love to hear from you.