Iran: First graders start academic year amid COVID-19 health protocols in Tehran

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Primary schools across Iran celebrated the beginning of the academic year with ceremonies like the one held at Monireh Asemi Primary School in Tehran on Thursday.

Pupils wearing masks were seen entering classes in lines while holding flowers and Iranian flags.

According to the country's COVID-19 safety measures, pupils are set to return to classes remotely first, and combine face-to-face and virtual education from October. For in-person attendance, each classroom must allow an average distance of 2.25 meters between the students.

Despite the joy visible on pupils' faces, several teachers were concerned about the possible spread of COVID-19.

"We are mainly concerned about the Coronavirus [pandemic] because children's health is at risk," said Mahnaz Soltani, a teacher at Tehran's Monireh Asemi Primary School.

This year, principals are required to coordinate with the 'School Health Committee' to assess the readiness of the schools to start the face-to-face education process. After being approved, each school will notify the parents of the start date.

SOUNDBITES:

SOT, Mahnaz Soltani, First-grade teacher, Monireh Asemi Primary School (Farsi): "We are mainly concerned about the coronavirus [pandemic] because children's health is at risk. If, for example, the coronavirus is eradicated all over the world, we will be relieved. We love it and we are eager for the classes to be held face-to-face and to hear the warm voices of the children. And we really enjoy being with them and it brings great encouragement and more enthusiasm."

SOT, Leila Khalili, Vice-principal, Monireh Asemi Primary School (Farsi): "Initially, classes start virtually from today. But from late October, classes will most likely be held in combination [of face-to-face and virtual forms]. Of course, we all follow the directives sent to us by the ministry. We are also waiting for a decision to be made and communicated to us. But even if the classes are going to be face-to-face, firstly, it will not be mandatory for any student, secondly, they will be held in combination. That is, we group the students. For example, each class is divided into three groups, they enter the class with the teacher. The number should be small and they [should] attend the classes in turn."

SOT, Alireza Kazemi, Iran's acting Education Minister (Farsi): "Based on our nationwide plans, we estimate that about 30% of schools will hold face-to-face classes from September 23rd. Teachers and 12-to-18-year-old students of rural and nomadic schools, which accounts for about 45,000 schools across the country, that have a very small number of students, are being vaccinated, students' parents are also being vaccinated. These all provide the background for students' health. But what is important is to observe social distancing and health protocols that will be followed in both schools and classrooms."

SOT, Alireza Kazemi, Iran's acting Education Minister (Farsi): "Based on our nationwide plans, we estimate that about 30% of schools will hold face-to-face classes from September 23rd. Teachers and 12-to-18-year-old students of rural and nomadic schools, which accounts for about 45,000 schools across the country, that have a very small number of students, are being vaccinated, students' parents are also being vaccinated. These all provide the background for students' health. But what is important is to observe social distancing and health protocols that will be followed in both schools and classrooms."

#Tehran #Iran #COVID19 #coronavirus

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