In short
- UNICEF Iran and the Iranian Red Crescent Society have launched a joint initiative to safeguard early childhood education (ECE) in disaster-prone areas of Iran
- In December 2024, they trained 270 IRCS volunteers on inclusive ECE approaches
- The program aims to establish a national network of trained teachers to provide learning support for affected children.
UNICEF Iran and the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) have kicked off a combined effort to protect Early Childhood Education (ECE) in times of emergencies in Iran's disaster-risk areas, UNICEF website said. Being Asia's fourth most disaster-prone country, Iran suffers from recurrent interruption of education services due to floods, earthquakes, and droughts.
In December 2024, partners provided training to 270 IRCS volunteers such as teachers and psychosocial support groups on inclusive ECE approaches in emergencies. The workshop touched on disability inclusion, child protection, and trauma-responsive teaching practices.
"ECE brings stability in crises," a UNICEF Iran spokesperson stressed, highlighting the program's emphasis on vulnerable populations, such as children with disabilities. The 2024-conceived initiative establishes a national network of teachers trained to provide learning support prior to, during, and following crises.
Subsequent stages will extend community-based ECE services to isolated villages, building on lessons from early trainings. The partnership reflects UNICEF's determination to ensure education access during crises, protecting vulnerable children from losing developmental opportunities in the face of environmental adversity.
