Justice in education begins with equal opportunity, Pezeshkian says
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized the importance of equal educational opportunities in a speech on Sunday, declaring that justice in education begins with providing every child, regardless of their background, the chance to succeed.
Speaking at a ceremony honoring top educators in Tehran, Pezeshkian called for a national effort to ensure that all children, especially those from disadvantaged communities, receive meaningful and goal-oriented education, president.ir reported.
Pezeshkian urged schools to become platforms for “goal-oriented” and effective learning, stressing that “the real asset” of the country lies not in its industries but in its children.
“What teachers plant today is the future of the country,” the president said, calling on educators to instill the belief that “children can shine in healthy competition” and develop essential skills in a nurturing space.
While announcing plans to expand school construction nationwide, Pezeshkian made clear that infrastructure alone isn’t the goal. “Building schools is not the endpoint,” he said. “We must create an environment where quality education thrives.”
Pezeshkian warned that neglecting disadvantaged communities would stall national progress. “If we want to build the country,” he said, “we have to see all children—not just those with money.”
He pointed to historical examples of great change-makers emerging from humble backgrounds.
The president also pressed for a shift in educational values, urging decision-makers to prioritize capability and integrity over rank or wealth. “Choosing the wrong people because of status leads us astray,” he said, invoking both human experience and religious teachings. “Justice in leadership,” he added, “is rooted in our faith.”
Iran has struggled with education disparities across provinces. According to the Ministry of Education, rural and underfunded regions see higher dropout rates and limited access to qualified teachers.
He also emphasized that children must be raised to be “creative, capable, and honest,” and not simply conform to appearances. “They should strive to display their skills, not just themselves.”
The ceremony comes amid Iran’s renewed push to overhaul its public education system, which critics say remains outdated and overly centralized. The government’s school-building drive, launched in early 2024, aims to add thousands of classrooms, but Pezeshkian stressed that curriculum and character-building must come first.
“If we get this right,” he said in closing, “Iran will not fall behind any nation.”