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.