History of Al-Zahra Cultural Educational Centre: Empowering the life of refugees through education

In 1995, Al-Zahra Art Cultural Education Centre was established with a great mission – uplifting the lives of refugee children in Iran with the transformative power of education. With deep understanding and hard work, we began a journey to provide a haven of hope and knowledge for those who have faced great hardships.

As a refuge for refugees, we started our journey by focusing on the elementary level and creating a safe environment for children, teenagers and young adults to learn and develop their minds. Two years later, in 1997, realizing the importance of nurturing a solid foundation for these resilient souls, we expanded our reach to include the middle school level.

In 1999, with the addition of a high school, our commitment to empowering the lives of refugees intensified, responding to the passionate appeals of young students who, despite their circumstances, yearned for a brighter future. Our commitment to education as a way to a better life fueled our efforts to break barriers and overcome obstacles for these brave children.

In response to the growing demand and the importance of education for young people, Al-Zahra Cultural Education Centre experienced significant growth from 1995-2003 and expanded its educational services to immigrant communities in different areas of Tehran in 4 branches.

In 2003, the educational staff of Al-Zahra Cultural Education Centre increased to the number of 250 experienced and specialized personnel with diploma, bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

1995-2016: Despite facing numerous challenges, the Centre continued to improve its educational quality and served 10,000 students. Among the schools under its management, a school in Varamin one of the cities of Tehran yet still stands as a symbol of resilience and continues to support the academic progress of 200 Refugees children.

This collection of educational services has also provided a wide range of classes and courses for Quranic studies, computer training, English language training, literacy classes for men and women, and kindergartens. It has also offered classes in the field of teaching and training parents on the correct ways of raising children, as well as courses in sewing, handicrafts, calligraphy, painting and music and sport and phycological and motivational workshops. Also, this group has published  in 2008 the Al-Zahra magazine and in 2009 Daikandi women’s magazine and held celebrations and events to promote culture and art in the society. Al-Zahra Cultural Educational Centre has been committed to providing quality education and support to the immigrant community throughout its journey.

The Al-Zahra Cultural Educational Centre, in addition to providing educational services to the immigrant community, has also established diverse and valuable events. By organizing an awareness-raising conference in 2003 for immigrants to participate in the first presidential elections of Afghanistan, this centre played a crucial role in increasing the participation and awareness of immigrants in electoral matters. This initiative not only helped enhance the political and electoral awareness of immigrants but also demonstrated the center’s commitment to the citizenship rights and equal participation of all individuals in the policy-making process.

Furthermore, the Al-Zahra has contributed to creating a rich cultural and social atmosphere by holding various cultural, artistic, and religious events on different occasions. These events have facilitated the harmonious combination of diverse cultural and artistic values among the immigrant community.

Moreover, organizing gatherings for teachers, educators, and parents among immigrants to exchange experiences and strengthen their teaching skills has played an effective role in enhancing the educational quality of this institution. These gatherings have fostered a warm and dynamic environment that encourages positive interactions among teachers, educators, and parents among immigrants, ultimately assisting in improving their teaching methods and professional growth.

But we are still facing challenges more than ever and the burden of maintaining the shrine is heavy on our shoulders.

The funding we are seeking will directly support the continuation of our education programs and ensure that refugee children receive the quality education they deserve. With your financial support, we can provide essential resources, educational materials and a safe environment for these young students to flourish.

Every dollar you donate becomes an investment in the future of these children, giving them the tools to rise above their circumstances and build a better life for themselves and their families. Your support is the lifeline that keeps the light of education on in the hearts of these resilient souls.

Your donation will make a world of difference in the lives of these vulnerable children, giving them a chance to break free from the shackles of their past and embrace a future full of possibilities. Together we can rewrite their stories with hope, resilience and determination.

Join us in this mission to empower the lives of refugees through education. With your support, we can continue this transformative journey and be the beacon of hope that these children desperately need.

Your contribution will leave an indelible mark on the lives of those who have already endured so much. Together we can build a brighter tomorrow for these innocent souls and prove that education has the power to heal wounds and pave the way for a better future.

Help now and be the guardian of hope for refugee children. Your kindness ignites a flame of resilience, transforms adversity into strength, and shapes destinies in ways that will forever inspire and empower generations to come.