Tehran Hamed Aramati (IIDCYA), director of Children and Young Adults (IIDCYA) at the Institute of Intellectual Development in Iran, announced a significant increase in the number of organizations involved in this year’s National Children’s Week, highlighting the transition to community participation and public engagement.
Speaking at a press conference held in Tehran on Sunday, Aramati highlighted the number of active institutions in the week has doubled compared to past years, reflecting the move towards people-oriented initiatives. “All sectors and institutions have participated this week this year, and the scope is beyond the institute itself,” he said.
Aramati emphasized the importance of honoring the memories of martyrs of Israel’s attacks on Iranian soil during the 12-day war, particularly those of 40 children of martyrs. “We must commemorate the sacrifices of these martyrs, as their memories represent both the suffering of their children and the resilience and strength of Iran,” he argued.
He also noted two important distinctions of this year’s event. First, the establishment of a high-level comprehensive framework, namely the “National Child Rights Document,” exists as a unified guiding principle for all participating entities. “This document is now a leading policy tool for protecting the rights of children in Iran, and it is essential to promote awareness among society, authorities, families and the media,” Aramati explained.
The National Child Rights Document is designed to run in collaboration with all groups and institutions to help children with happiness. The emphasis on a culturally and religiously aligned approach rooted in the Iranian and Islamic biosphere is central to the planning and implementation of this year’s programme.
Reflecting the wider participation range, Aramati noted that there is a significant increase in the involvement of child-focused organizations with the aim of promoting a more inclusive, community-based approach. “The increased institutional participation underscores our goal of democratizing events and turning them into collective efforts that include government agencies, the private sector, academia and civil society.”
This year’s theme, “Children, a state of joyful life” encapsulates the spirit of hope, vitality and growth. It encourages children to create a fun environment where they can thrive physically, mentally and socially, he said.
In terms of programming, over 10,000 events are scheduled nationwide, spanning cultural, artistic, educational and recreational activities.
Private sector and civil society organizations are actively involved and host many specialized programs for children. For example, postal companies continue their initiative by distributing books through postal libraries across the country and fostering a culture of reading and learning. Meanwhile, the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRIB) has provided extensive compensation across the network to promote recognition and involvement, Aramati explained.
He concluded by highlighting the importance of aligning national policy with Iran’s cultural and religious values, cultivating a supportive environment for the country’s youngest citizens, and emphasizing future development rooted in hope and resilience.
The National Children’s Week week celebration begins on October 7th and closes on October 13th.
sab/