Former English teacher from Burnage Academy for boys, Ms Tehmina Khan passed away peacefully on the 30th August 2022

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Report (sabira Naheed Manchester)

Amongst her students, family and friends, Mr Fenn ( headteacher at Burnage Academy for boys) has paid his tribute to the the former teache

Tehmina Khan – an obituary
Tehmina Khan joined the staff at Burnage High School, as it was then called,
in 2000 and was a loyal, dedicated servant until her retirement through ill
health in 2018.
When she first joined the school, her expertise and caring professionalism
were immediately apparent. She brought a unique skill set which included her
ability to teach English; support children with Special Educational Needs;
identify vulnerable youngsters and above all help bridge the gap between the
school and community.
Perhaps her most significant work was working with the growing number of
refugees that the school received from the various war zones in the world. It
is particularly important that staff are able to make children who may have
walked from as far away as Iraq, feel safe and cared for. Tehmina was an
absolute expert in this and became almost a surrogate mother for those who
had tragically lost their mothers.
There are many young men who owe their happiness and place in
Manchester’s family at least in part to Tehmina. Her patience was seemingly
infinite, and she seemed to know when a child was ready and willing to reach
out for help. Coming to terms to life in a strange country, usually without
much family support, and with very little English or understanding of life in
the west, can be traumatic. The ‘jungle at Calais’ is no preparation for life in
Manchester. Tehmina provided the necessary support at just the right time.
Tehmina also threw herself into many aspects of school life and often
encouraged children to participate in events where they would share their
culture and experiences on the school stage. In effect Tehmina was one of
those unsung heroes who did not seek acknowledgement but was just keen
to help the children who needed it so much.
She will be missed by all those who knew her, as well as those whose lives
are richer and fuller thanks to her dedication.
Ian Fenn
Headteacher (retired)
Burnage Academy for Boys