Out-of-School Children
Working to ensure that all children in Iran have equitable opportunities to quality and relevant education
- Available in:
- فارسي، فارسي
- English
Issue
Since 2011, the Iranian Formal National Education system is undergoing a major reform, guided by the Fundamental Reform Document of Education in Islamic Republic of Iran. The Document highlights “enhancing equity in education, promoting active participation for children in the process of learning and teaching and, empowering human resources, particularly school management and teachers” as one of the reform’s goals. In addition to out-of-school Afghan children, mostly undocumented, over 770,000 children aged 6-16 are out-of-school in Iran (2015-2016). A legal barrier preventing refugee children’s access to formal education was removed in 2015. The Ministry of Education needs UNICEF’s help in rapidly accommodating Afghan refugee children into public schools. Primary education net enrolment is more than 95%, but girls, children with special needs, and children living in border and disadvantaged areas are those needing extra help to access and remain in primary school.
Solution
UNICEF works with the Government and other partners to:
- Equip the Ministry of Education with technical expertise, global best practices and cutting-edge knowledge to improve access to formal education for all children in Iran.
- Support the Ministry of Education to enhance quality of education in boarding schools in disadvantaged provinces.
Impact
Equal access to primary education will be increased for the most disadvantaged children including refugee children, girls and, children with special needs.
Partner
The main partner is the Ministry of Education.