Pezeshkian Connects with Renowned Philanthropist to Transform Education Through School Building Initiative

Pezeshkian Connects with Renowned Philanthropist to Transform Education Through School Building Initiative

During a recent visit to Tabriz, President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the critical role of school-building benefactors in enhancing educational infrastructure throughout Iran. This meeting with the notable benefactor Karim Mardani-Azar highlighted the tremendous impact that individual contributions can make in the construction of educational facilities, which is vital for the country’s development.

Mardani-Azar, along with his late brother, has played a pivotal role in establishing over 440 schools, featuring a total of 550 classrooms across the nation. Their generous contributions extend beyond education, as they have also supported the development of hospitals and medical centers, as reported by ISNA.

Benefactors’ Role in School Construction

According to government spokesperson Fatemeh Mohajerani, benefactors have been essential in the construction of educational institutions in Iran. She stated that approximately 51 percent of schools nationwide are built with the assistance of these charitable individuals. Here are some key points regarding their contributions:

  • Benefactors have contributed to the construction of over 8,000 classrooms this year alone.
  • They have pledged a staggering 200 trillion rials (around 250 million dollars) for school construction in the current Iranian year.
  • Over 50 percent of benefactors are involved in supporting semi-finished projects, with 1,856 schools and 9,746 classrooms requiring additional funds to be completed.
  • A total of 3,206 school projects with 16,157 classrooms are currently on the agenda, awaiting government support for their realization.

Mohajerani further stressed that the increased participation of school-building benefactors in recent years demonstrates their commitment to improving educational opportunities and developing infrastructure. She remarked, “Their efforts can have positive, profound impacts on the education, students, and the future of the country.”

Government’s Commitment to Education

The current administration is placing a strong emphasis on expanding educational infrastructure. The government aims to replace prefabricated schools with new constructions, even in regions with very few students. Mohajerani stated, “Education, educational equity, and the elimination of educational deprivation are among the top priorities of the current administration.”

Contributions from Women Abroad

In a remarkable development, Somayeh Hashemi, a member of the international committee of the Association of School-Building Benefactors, revealed that over 6,000 Iranian women living abroad are actively engaged in school construction efforts. Their involvement has significantly increased the number of educational institutions being established, with each benefactor effectively expanding their contribution to the creation of six or seven schools, as reported by IRNA.

This information was shared during the first national school construction conference held in Torbat-e Jam, Khorasan Razavi Province, on December 28, 2024. Hashemi’s insights underscore the collective effort of both local and expatriate Iranian communities in advancing education in their homeland.

Financial Contributions Over the Years

The financial contributions from benefactors have seen substantial growth in recent years. In the Iranian year 1401 (2022-2023), these benefactors allocated around 46 trillion rials (approximately 57 million dollars) for school construction. This amount was raised through various fundraising festivals.

However, the following year, 1402 (March 2023 – March 2024), witnessed a remarkable increase in contributions, which nearly tripled, totaling 115 trillion rials (almost 144 million dollars). This significant uptick reflects the growing awareness and support for education among Iranian benefactors.

In conclusion, the collaboration between the government and benefactors is vital for the future of education in Iran. The commitment of these individuals to improve educational infrastructure is paving the way for a brighter future for students across the nation.

Similar Posts

  • Iran’s Escalating Poverty: Families Sacrifice Meat and Dairy for Chicken Tails and Bread

    A report from Tehran reveals a troubling decline in purchasing power and rising food insecurity, forcing residents to alter their diets significantly. A survey by Ham-Mihan indicates that families are drastically reducing purchases of meat, dairy, and legumes, leading to empty butcher shops. With beef prices soaring to 900,000 tomans per kilo, many now opt for cheaper cuts or smaller quantities. Basic staples like eggs and legumes have also become unaffordable, pushing consumers towards low-quality substitutes. This crisis highlights the urgent need for solutions to restore economic stability and ensure access to basic nutrition for all Iranians.

  • Japan Launches Exciting Environmental Initiatives in Khuzestan

    Japanese Ambassador to Iran, Tamaki Tsukada, has announced Japan’s commitment to environmental sustainability projects in Khuzestan Province, focusing on water and waste management. During a meeting with Governor Mohammad-Reza Mavalizadeh, Tsukada discussed the region’s challenges, including waste accumulation and water scarcity, and emphasized collaboration using modern technologies. Japan aims to provide sustainable, low-cost solutions for these issues. Furthermore, cooperation between Japan and international organizations, such as the FAO and UNDP, aims to restore Lake Urmia through sustainable agricultural practices and effective water management, addressing the basin’s declining resources and promoting ecological balance.

  • Iran Tops Islamic Nations in 2025 Leiden Ranking: A Historic Achievement!

    The 2025 Leiden University ranking has recognized 48 Iranian universities among the top 1,594 globally, up from 46 in 2024, affirming Iran’s leadership in higher education among Islamic countries. The top Iranian institutions include the University of Tehran (166th), Tehran University of Medical Sciences (235th), and Iran University of Science and Technology (361st). The Leiden Ranking emphasizes scientific impact and collaboration, based on publications from 2020 to 2023. Additionally, the Times Higher Education rankings and other assessments show a positive trend for Iranian universities, with improved standings reflecting their growing global recognition and commitment to academic excellence.

  • IRCS Staff Enhance Skills with Intensive Disaster Response Training Courses

    The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) is enhancing disaster preparedness through extensive training for about 85,000 rescuers and rapid response teams across various provinces, including Tehran and Isfahan. The program features three modules: city-level training for relief workers, provincial training for rescuers, and specialized instruction for rapid response teams. Recently, three trainers completed their training in essential areas and will conduct local sessions. Additionally, the IRCS held a Rescue and Relief Olympiad to improve the physical fitness and operational skills of rescuers. These initiatives aim to build a resilient community capable of effectively responding to disasters.

  • Ministry of Interior and UNICEF Join Forces to Enhance Refugee Support Initiatives

    In Tehran, Nader Yar-Ahmadi, head of Iran’s National Organization for Migration, and Monika Oledzka Nielsen, interim UNICEF representative, discussed initiatives to improve refugee living conditions. Their collaboration focuses on health, education, and disaster management, following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in December 2024. Nielsen announced a new education program for Afghan girls, while Yar-Ahmadi noted that 700,000 Afghan students are in Iran, highlighting the need for international support. The partnership aims to strengthen community resilience, enhance disaster awareness, and improve support processes for vulnerable households, with implementation starting immediately and evaluations set for the end of 2025.

  • Iranian Experts Unite at MAHAK for the Exciting SIOP Asia Meet-Up 2025

    On December 4, 2025, the MAHAK Charity Institute hosted the 2025 SIOP Asia Meet-up in Tehran, bringing together experts and representatives from various scientific societies to discuss the future of pediatric oncology in Iran. Led by Dr. Hadi Mousakhani and Dr. Hadieh Eslampanah, the event focused on enhancing collaboration and knowledge sharing among specialists. Key topics included improving care pathways, national coordination, and supportive services for children with cancer, as well as addressing high medicine costs linked to economic sanctions. The meet-up highlighted MAHAK’s commitment to advancing pediatric oncology and fostering partnerships for better outcomes in childhood cancer care.