GP in Iran
They come to the Nematabad Training Center from many different directions and in all shapes and sizes.
On that particular morning, the project manager was pleasantly surprised to find two little ones walking about the center like they belonged there. They may be too small to be participating in the center’s language and computer classes, but they know they’re not too small to benefit from the place’s resources.
Like from its library.
Having an older brother or sister studying English and/or computer at the Nematabad Training Center has opened up new opportunities for learning to younger siblings and their parents. While top-notch English and computer teachers are busy challenging the older students in morning and afternoon classes, the library doors are open to their families during the day, five days a week.
The center is further preparing to start some literacy classes for mothers who are head of their households. A good number of them have lost their husbands to death or divorce. They have become the sole providers for their children after fleeing war-torn Afghanistan. While watching their sons and daughters grow through participation at the Center, they have begun to express a strong desire to learn to read and write as well.
The center isn’t the only way Global Partners is strengthening communities in Iran. In 2007, GP Tehran project managers identified an innovative opportunity to improve the quality of life among a substantial population of Afghan refugee and poor Iranian children and their families caught in the vicious cycle of poverty, crime and violence.
The result of their research was the successful implementation of the Football with a Purpose in Life (FPL) project.
In October 2010, the FPL project completed its third year of operation. More than 2,000 Afghan refugee students between the ages of 8 and 21 have participated since its inception. Through the professionalism and compassion of GP workers, these students participated in sports, academics, art and basic health education classes.
The FPL participants learned the value of developing life skills to equip them to face life’s challenges.