The achievement of sustainable development goals relies heavily on the foundational principle of investing in education, particularly in the education of children. This goal cannot be realized without addressing the crucial issues of educational inequality and discrimination, ensuring that all children have access to free and equitable education.

In accordance with this principle, the Tabriz Children’s Support Association, known as Hekmat, was officially and legally registered in 2015. It operates as a non-profit, non-political, non-governmental organization with the registration number 2920 and National ID number 14006033984.

In the initial phase, “Preschool Education” assumes a crucial significance in the realm of education, sparking debates on its nature of being optional and not freely accessible. This, in turn, poses challenges to achieving educational equity, capturing the attention of the community.

The economic and social poverty experienced by disadvantaged families prevented them from registering, as they lacked the financial means to do so.

With the presence of marginalized and immigrant populations, as well as bilingualism in Tabriz, the Hikmat Association has recognized the need to enhance social awareness on these crucial issues. In response, they have embarked on a mission to establish Nikane Ayande schools equipped with standard facilities and equipment. The Hekmat Association is committed to providing free preschool education for children without guardians (orphans) and children with needy guardians. The primary focus of this initiative is to cater to children residing in informal settlements and nearby villages.

We recognize that the multifaceted poverty experienced by children differs from that of households. As such, our focus at the Nikan Ayndeh schools is to provide targeted services in education, healthcare, treatment, and nutrition based on scientific principles. Our aim is to remove barriers hindering children’s growth and academic excellence.

One of the key pillars of the association is the consistent utilization of insights from seasoned academic and social experts to enhance the educational experience and well-being of children enrolled in Nikan Ayndeh schools. The Hikmat Association aspires to stay true to this noble pursuit by persisting in principled and scientific approaches, bolstered by the backing of advocates of culture, to realize the cherished potential of the population of Iran and foster the prosperity and abilities of children who represent the future’s wealth.

Why preschool?

Global research highlights the critical significance of early learning, particularly before the age of 7. In Iran’s educational system, preschool education is categorized as non-compulsory and non-free, a significant barrier that hinders parents from enrolling their children in preschool. This inequality in access to preschool education results in educational injustice, leading to both short-term and long-term consequences.

In bilingual provinces, the limited availability of preschool education, coupled with the abrupt introduction of a new language for first-grade children, significantly impacts the overall quality of education and the motivation of primary school students. The lack of access to free preschool further compounds this issue, highlighting the need for a more balanced approach to education. Bridging the educational disparity between children from low-income families with less educated parents, who lack a conducive learning environment, and those from higher-educated backgrounds is crucial in addressing this issue. Therefore, ensuring comprehensive preschool coverage for all children in bilingual provinces is essential in narrowing the educational gap and fostering greater equality of opportunity.

Experts highlight that over 6% of primary school students fail each year, with the failure to complete preschool being the primary cause for the rise in primary school student failures. The majority of these failures occur during the first grade, and completing the preschool curriculum can enhance the academic performance of first graders, consequently decreasing the number of students failing.

In reality, quality preschool education plays a crucial role in sustainable poverty alleviation, particularly in bilingual regions and disadvantaged households. Children from these backgrounds often lack educational support at home due to factors like their parents’ low literacy levels, household poverty, and societal challenges. Consequently, having access to a high-quality educational environment at school is vital for the development and future success of these children.

The significance of preschool lies in providing equal opportunities for all children during their formative years. This early stage enables the early identification of children with varying processing characteristics, such as learning disabilities, reading difficulties, math challenges, and more. By identifying these issues sooner, it allows for timely intervention, treatment, and support, ultimately preparing children for a successful transition to formal education.