Learning and knowledge plays an important role in the development of human personality and the growth of human societies. Undoubtedly the benefit of literacy, at least reading and writing, which is the right of every human being is a window to new information and wisdom for the individuals. Thus, increasing the ability of individuals to cope with social situations, understanding and problem-solving power, active participation in social decision-making, the ability to communicate with individuals, and the power to protect moral and spiritual values are some of the benefits of literacy.
In an interview with the information base of the High Council for Human Rights of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Habib Taraghoui, the Deputy for Literacy of the Department of Education of Sistan and Baluchestan, explained the measures taken by this department to eliminate illiteracy in deprived and remote areas of Sistan and Baluchestan:
How many illiterate people are now studying in Sistan and Baluchestan?
Despite all challenges we faced with in 2019 and 2020 especially during COVID-19 pandemic, about 9,460 people enrolled in literacy courses in Sistan and Baluchestan province. 7628 people are covered in the transitional course and 3860 people in the stabilization course. The statistic include people from 10 to 49 years old.
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, how are the educational courses held?
Sistan and Baluchestan province has special features and due to the multiplicity of remote areas, most of the literacy education is done in person and in accordance with the protocols. But televised and distance learning are also on the agenda, accounting for about 10 to 15 percent. We are currently holding the final exams and will start the 1400 training program soon.
It should be noted that in-person education courses are not held in the same place every time; mosques and literacy houses are used to hold classes. We have recently established learning centers and permanent bases in each city, which will be fully equipped for literacy.
How many illiterates or school dropouts do you cover per year?
The Department of Education in Sistan and Baluchestan province organizes its activities according to the directive of the Literacy Movement Organization. The number of illiterates or school dropouts in the province is higher. In 2021, with a 10% increase in the statistics announced by the Literacy Movement Organization, we increased the literacy courses to 16,050 people. This statistic reached 6750 people in the stabilization course and 8860 people in the transition course who are enrolling and classes are held for them.
Does your target community include all sections and groups of the society?
The work of literacy centers is a kind of “Jihad” in order to eradicate illiteracy in the society so it includes all classes and groups, even those in prison. Training courses have been held for approximately 1,300 illiterate or low-literate prisoners covered by the province's Department of Education. Rural women are another priority for us to receive education.
In this year, with the cooperation of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation, we are going to cover the illiterate people of this committee.
How successful are the literacy programs?
The range of achievements differ due to the vastness of the province and the existing problems we face in it, but in average 50 to 70 percent of the education programs are successful .