Street & Working Children in Iran

Street and Working Children in Iran

Many thanks for your interest and your questions. Children of Persia, a 501(c)(3)organization under US Internal Revenue Code, was founded in 1999 in Maryland and has undertaken a number of initiatives in fulfillment of its mission to help the needy Iranian children. Some of these initiatives have been completed, and some are on an on-going basis as listed on Children of Persia's website under Projects/Programs as shown in:
//www.childrenofpersia.org/cop_projects.html,
//www.childrenofpersia.org/cop_programs.html.

These include the recently completed Zabol Clinic in Sistan va Baluchestan, IT Center and Library in Bam in the aftermath of earthquake, scholarship fund, support of families in crisis, and many others including Street and Working Children in Iran. In 2004, Children of Persia was introduced to The Society for Protection of Street and Working Children [Anjoman Hameian Koodakan Kar va Kheyaban] (SPSWC), an Iranian NGO working in Tehran. The mission of this group is to empower children in difficult situations, exposed to trauma, abused, and/or homelessness. As part of its mission, the Society for Protection of Street and Working Children, has established a center, Khaneh Mehr, in Karaj.

The Khaneh Mehr center is a school for children and youth, age 5 to 18, who cannot attend regular school because they have to work to support themselves or they lack proper papers such as birth certificates. (Large numbers of children born in rural areas and children born of non-Iranian parents, particularly Afghan parents, are not registered. Birth registration is required for school enrolment.) These children are predominately immigrants from Afghanistan, as well as Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and other Central Asian countries. According to the school’s director, there are currently 120-160 students enrolled on any given day. Daily enrolment varies due to the accommodations available in the school and the ability of a particular child to attend every day due to his/her work. Even on those days when they can attend, it may only be for a few hours. Enrolment and attendance at the school is free of charge

Due to the fact that there are restrictions, sanctions, preventing Children of Persia from providing direct monetary assistance to SPSWC, and specifically, Khaneh Mehr, Children of Persia has facilitated the internships of students to attend and assist at the center. Since 2006, a total of six interns, all university students majoring in various humanities and social science areas have visited and volunteered at the center. They have returned with bittersweet stories of their experiences. They have met children with the same hopes and dreams of children everywhere, but children also hardened by the street and wary of persons unknown to them offering help. But at Khaneh Mehr they found help and met children who are beginning to see a future beyond the streets.

In addition, Children of Persia has been educating the public about the plight of street and working children, the work of SPSWC, and Khaneh Mehr. As a result of Children of Persia’s efforts, Iranians and other charitable individuals, in other countries and not otherwise restricted by U.S. sanctions, have provided assistance in the form of food, medicine, medical programs, and volunteered professional services to Khaneh Mehr. Specific accomplishments initiated and achieved through Children of Persia’s work include nutritional breakfasts, school uniforms, identification cards for students, a comprehensive survey of the students’ medical needs, and two emergency medical procedures (pace maker and surgery to remove a metal shard).

Children of Persia is currently in the process of applying for a license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control that would allow it to provide support for Khaneh Mehr. In the meantime, it will continue to support the center in any manner within in the limitations imposed by law.

Regards,

Children of Persia
www.childrenopersia.org
(301) 315-0750

Children of Persia

It's a noble idea to help these kids, I am glad there's been an organization in place for improving the living condition of these children.

I looked at the website (the link in the comments section didn't work for me) but I couldn't get any information on what has been done so far. It looked like the last activity (beside the may 11th event) took place in 2007 and it was the only one that year. 

It says this organization started in 1999, the most activities were in 2001, I see norooz parties and 13-bedar events, walks and fundraisings, but I can't find any report on the funds. How many children have been rescued/helped and how?   where did the funds go? 

I also learned that the scholarship programs helped 5 students across US. One kid with medical problems was also mentioned. My question is what kind of help has this organization provided for the street children of Iran?  

I might have missed this information on the website. Would you please show me where to find it?

Thank you

IRANdokht

Street and Working Children in Iran ~ Slideshow

//picasaweb.google.com/sdavoodpour/May11StreetKids/photo?authkey=62O6bijw1k0#s5200375736352114290