Children in South Khorasan Lack Cultural Centers; Institute Faces Space Shortage

Birjand – The director general of the Intellectual Development Center for Children and Adolescents of South Khorasan reported a shortage of cultural centers and necessary facilities for children in the province.

Referring to the National Children's Week, Mehdi Mazhari told Mehr reporter on Wednesday morning, in a meeting with the representative of the Supreme Leader in South Khorasan, that this week is held every year from 15th to 21st of October, and the 16th of October is International Children's Day.

The director general of South Khorasan Center for Intellectual Development of Children and Adolescents stated: This occasion is an opportunity to introduce the activities of the center and pay special attention to the needs, talents and capacities of children and adolescents.

Stating that the core of the center's activities is to familiarize children with the depth of their existence and the world of creation, he added: Using tools such as painting, poetry, stories, games, and especially books, the center's colleagues try to lead children to better understand themselves and the world around them.

He added: Of course, children's exposure to books in the center has a different approach from conventional educational methods.

Director General of South Khorasan Center for Intellectual Development of Children and Adolescents, referring to the place of children's happiness in religious teachings, said: In a narration of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), a house in heaven called "Dar al-Farah" is mentioned, which is the place of those who make children happy.

Mazhari continued: This narrative reminds us of the importance of paying attention to children's happiness and the center's activities are in the same direction.

The director general of South Khorasan Children's and Adolescents Intellectual Development Center, emphasizing that the center's activities are not limited to the National Children's Week, said: The colleagues of this center work for the intellectual, cultural and educational development of children and teenagers throughout the year, on normal days and holidays.

Referring to the lack of facilities and infrastructure of the center in South Khorasan, he clarified: This province is facing limitations in terms of the space and facilities needed by the center, compared to many provinces of the country, and some cities still do not have a center for intellectual development. An issue that has limited the possibility of providing cultural services to children in these areas.

The director general of South Khorasan Children's and Adolescents Intellectual Development Center continued: Birjand is also facing serious problems in the field of old buildings, limited number of centers and lack of suitable spaces for the population and demand of families. Nevertheless, the efforts of colleagues have made the performance and quality of the center's activities beyond the existing facilities.

Referring to the long-term effects of cultural activities, Mazhari said: the fruits of cultural work are not always visible in the short term, and its results may be revealed in the lives of individuals and society years later.

He added: Many managers and officials of the province today were members of the center in the 50s and 60s, and this shows that cultural investment in childhood can be effective in the future of the society.

Criticizing the short-term view of cultural activities, he added: one of the serious harms in this field is the administrative and everyday dealing with culture and waiting to see the results quickly; While cultural activity needs time, continuity and planning.

Director General of South Khorasan Children and Adolescent Intellectual Development Center said: Instead of looking at several years, officials should plan for cultural development with 30, 50 and even 100 year horizons.

Referring to Ferdowsi's enduring role in Iranian culture, Mazhari said: Ferdowsi's Shahnameh, after the passage of about a thousand years, still plays a role in strengthening the epic spirit, anti-enemy and patriotism of Iranians. This durability shows that cultural works and actions, if they have depth and a long-term view, can be effective for successive generations.

The director general of South Khorasan Center for Intellectual Development of Children and Adolescents, referring to the limited financial resources of the province, pointed out that the facilities and credits available for the construction of these centers in the short term are not enough, and the realization of these plans requires the follow-up of officials, the support of benefactors, and the participation of individuals.