Iran prepares for new school year amid education challenges

As the new school year approaches in Iran, official reports highlight both administrative preparations and significant challenges within the education system. The Ministry of Education's deputy for primary education announced that over 140,000 children were identified as being out of primary school last year, though approximately 48,000 have since been reintegrated into the educational cycle.

Key factors contributing to school dropout rates include physical unreadiness, severe illnesses, mental health issues, poverty, and cultural barriers. High dropout rates were specifically noted in provinces such as Sistan and Baluchestan, Tehran, Khorasan Razavi, and Khuzestan. Additionally, the report noted that 277 students lost their lives during a 40-day conflict period.

On a local level, educational authorities in regions like Qorveh have reported full readiness for the upcoming term, with teachers organized and nearly 90 percent of textbooks distributed. Meanwhile, in Kamyaran, communities gathered to honor the memory of Mahan Zarei, a student who passed away during recent conflicts, marking a somber start to the academic season for his classmates and family.