Only ’10 to 15 Percent’ of Iranian Students Have Returned to School; Uncertainty Over Paid Funds
Iran’s Minister of Education says that following the reopening of schools, only 10 to 15 percent of students have returned to classrooms.
According to ISNA news agency, Mohsen Hajimirza’i, speaking at a press conference on Sunday, May 18, dismissed reports of school closures in September as rumors.
Schools in Iran reopened from Saturday, May 17, following approval by the National Coronavirus Headquarters. According to the headquarters’ decision, student attendance at schools is not mandatory, and they can consult with teachers to address their educational problems.
In recent days, reports have circulated indicating that various schools have collected payments from families for extracurricular services during the coronavirus crisis, but have neither provided these services nor refunded parents’ money.
Hajimirza’i, referring to this issue, called for these funds to be “returned.”
The Minister of Education also stated that correspondence has taken place regarding support for imprisoned teachers. He did not provide details on this matter.
In recent days, Mahmoud Beheshti Langrudi, an imprisoned teacher, returned to prison after his leave was not extended.
In another report, the Islamic Teachers’ Professional Association of Islamshahr announced that Esmail Abdi, an imprisoned teacher, has been sentenced again to 10 years in prison in “a fabricated and false case” that had previously been closed.
Source: Radio Farda
