Vice Chancellor for Cultural and Educational Affairs:
New Cultural and Educational Initiatives Planned by Strengthening Past Successes.
Dr. Hamidreza Ebrahimi, Vice Chancellor for Cultural and Educational Affairs at Farhangian Teacher Education University (FTEU), announced a strategic plan to expand student-teacher participation in diverse cultural and educational programs. The initiative builds on successful efforts from previous years and aims to foster inclusive engagement aligned with the university’s mission and national educational transformation goals.
In an interview with the university’s public relations office, Dr. Ebrahimi emphasized the vital role of teachers in shaping future generations. He stated that the cultural division continuously designs programs tailored to student-teachers, reflecting the evolving needs of schoolchildren and anticipating future educational developments.
Referencing the six foundational domains outlined in the Fundamental Reform Document of Education of Islamic Republic of Iran, he stressed that student-teachers must be equipped to educate across all dimensions—including spiritual and religious competencies—integrating these values into modern pedagogical practice.
Among the programs set to continue is the “Quranic Literacy Assessment,” which aims to ensure that all student-teachers graduate with the ability to read and recite the Quran fluently, fostering both personal and professional connection to the text.
Dr. Ebrahimi highlighted the importance of collaboration with national religious institutions, citing a recent partnership with the Astan Quds Razavi Youth Foundation, through which two groups of student-teachers participated in the “Infinite” program free of charge.
He also pointed to the division’s work in promoting themes related to the Islamic Revolution, the thought of the Imams, and the Sacred Defense. With 1,029 student-teachers identified as martyrs during the war, commemorative conferences are being held nationwide. These events go beyond memorials, forming comprehensive cultural, artistic, and social packages that culminate in creative outputs such as books and theater productions for future generations.
Other initiatives include the “Book at the Price of Reading” campaign to promote literacy, the “Ethnic Festival” to celebrate Iranian cultural diversity, and various theater and choir festivals. Dr. Ebrahimi emphasized that the goal is to accommodate the broad interests of student-teachers within the framework of the national transformation agenda.
He further noted the importance of supporting student-led innovations tailored to local cultural contexts, through festivals, seminars, and provincial gatherings.
Dr. Ebrahimi underscored the role of cultural clubs and student organizations in fostering volunteerism and creative expression. He announced plans to issue national credentials for cultural clubs and their leaders, enhancing their institutional identity and recognition.
Scientific associations, he added, serve as dynamic platforms for academic and professional development, especially for activities not easily pursued through formal curricula.
The division also supports student-run publications, with efforts underway to improve their technical and editorial quality, recognizing their vital role in shaping campus discourse.
Turning to student excursions, Dr. Ebrahimi described them as a key component of cultural programming. He expressed interest in better organizing religious pilgrimages—such as Arbaeen and first-time visits to Mashhad—as well as educational trips like “Path of Resistance,” “Path of Light,” “Path of Progress,” tours, and academic field trips that complement classroom learning.
He concluded by affirming the division’s commitment to fostering open dialogue, academic and cultural forums, Islamic student organizations, and platforms for free thought. These, he said, are essential for maintaining intellectual vitality across the university.
Finally, Dr. Ebrahimi emphasized the importance of incorporating Mahdism into teacher education. As a theme of hope and spiritual readiness highlighted in the Fundamental Reform Document of Education, Mahdism will be a central focus in preparing student-teachers for their future roles.