Iran
Global Partners Iran primarily focuses on the refugees of Afghanistan. Its goal is to equip a war damaged generation to be contributing members of society who will assist in the rebuilding of their country when they return. Our primary current activity is in running Skills Training Centres with a total of about 500 students. Our projects with Afghan refugees in Iran include:
Football with a Purpose in Life
In 2007, GP Tehran project managers, after completing several months of research in the target area, 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 up 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 participated since its inception. Through the professionalism and compassion of GP Expat managers and Iranian staff, these students participated in sports (volleyball, football), academics (English), arts (drawing, painting, handcrafts) and basic health education classes. The FPL participants learned the value of developing life skills to equip them to face life’s challenges.
Nematabad Training Center
In September 2009 the Nematabad Training Center was opened with English and computer classes for Afghan refugees and Iranian poor. The first year of this project has shown that there is a great need for these kinds of classes. From the first term, due to demand, many people have been placed on a waiting list. NTC has averaged about 200 students each term.
In 2010 NTC entered its second year of operations with plans to expand the English and Computer classes and launch the highly requested library. Future plans also include the addition of life skills classes.
The focus of NTC is on the Afghan refugees aged 15-25 years; a group considered at high risk getting caught up in the drug and crime culture. By providing the opportunity for access to superior quality programs in a suitable environment the beneficiaries are more confident, and better able to make good choices affecting their future. The Afghan refugees have also expressed that they are more likely to repatriate to Afghanistan because the skills developed will open new opportunities there for them.
The aims of NTC are to provide the Afghan community:
1. Opportunity to learn in a positive and encouraging atmosphere
2. Superior quality English and Computer classes
3. Opportunity for developing essential life skills
4. Access to training at a reasonable price
5. Access to a quality library
Project Assessment
Project assessment work has taken off in 2010 in two very exciting directions that may have a huge impact on 2011 project activities. Providing superior vocational skills training in Construction and Agriculture are two key areas where GP feels Afghan refugees can not only benefit from but also excel.
