Meeting Held to Discuss Establishment of Center for Teaching Persian Language to Non-Persian Speakers (AZFA) at Farhangian Teacher Education University (FTEU)

The meeting to discuss the establishment of the Center for Teaching Persian Language to Non-Persian Speakers (AZFA) at FTEU was held on June 7 in Shahid Bahonar Hall of the university’s Central Organization, attended by experts, faculty members, and the Director of International Affairs.

During the session, Hossein Omidi, Director of International Affairs, presented various aspects of the proposed plan, and attendees shared their opinions and suggestions. Omidi highlighted the unique, effective, and strategic role of FTEU in the educational system of the Islamic Republic of Iran, its membership in the Federation of the Universities of the Islamic World, COMSTECH Inter-Islamic Network on Virtual Universities (CINVU), as well as its connections with the National Commissions for UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO). He stressed that the university’s standing as a leading educational institution within the BRICS University Network, and its scientific ties to active AZFA centers such as the Islamic Culture and Relations Organization, present a timely and significant opportunity to establish this center.

Omidi added that this initiative could enhance the cultural and communication skills of the faculty members and future teachers, building connections with their international counterparts. He noted that by training international AZFA instructors, the university would contribute to promote the global presence of the Persian language and its rich cultural heritage. Regarding the need for establishing this center, Omidi emphasized the importance of addressing the growing global demand for learning Persian language and culture, supporting the language and cultural policies of the Islamic Republic of Iran at national and international levels, establishing an official regulatory body at FTEU for activities pertaining to AZFA, providing professional development opportunities for international Persian language instructors in Iran, and preparing suitable conditions for educating talented students and teachers in Persian language teaching to non-Persian speakers.

The target audience for the center was stated to include international students and professors, non-Iranian admissions to Iranian universities, diplomats, embassy staff and personnel of international organizations, students from border regions, children of Iranians with non-Persian mother tongue, and both domestic and international researchers and scholars with an interest in Iranian studies.