One of Khurram Jahanghir Khan’s students once asked him why he volunteered so much of his time.
His reply was simple: “There are 60 minutes in every hour and 24 hours in every day and I don’t want to waste a single minute or breath.”
Since arriving with his family from Pakistan only 18 months ago, the 19-year-old has selflessly devoted himself to the community.
A first-year biomedicine student at the University of Melbourne, Khurram volunteers as a tutor co-ordinator at the Sudanese Australian Integrated Learning Program, where he teaches high school science subjects using creative activities and modern technology.
The Werribee resident also helps students from disadvantaged backgrounds with their VCE studies and has helped a range of charity organisations, including Vinnies and Amnesty International, while he’s also a member of the Rotary Club of Hoppers Crossing.
Khurram’s extraordinary contribution to society was recognised last week, when Premier Denis Napthine named him as the Duke of Edinburgh Awards’ Volunteer of the Year.
“It [the award] was a complete shock,” he said.
“As a tutor, I try to keep students engaged by helping them with their English and their science subjects. Coming from a migrant background myself, I can share my experiences because I’ve faced the same hurdles they have.”
Khurram was one of seven Victorians to be recognised at the award ceremony, which highlighted and celebrated some of the outstanding achievements made by volunteers across Victoria.
“I believe we all have a responsibility to give back to the community, but volunteering starts at home then within your neighbourhood and then your city,” he said.
“The simplest form of charity is smiling. But even a smile has the power to change lives.”
Whether through volunteering or pursuing his dream to be a doctor specialising in immunology, Khurram wants to change lives.
“Medicine provides an opportunity to help people in so many ways,” he said.
“As a doctor, you’re connected to the community and you can help people understand their problems and help cure and prevent diseases. You can make a difference.”
