Shortage of Classrooms: A Major Educational Problem in Iran

A deficiency of as many as 12,000 classrooms in Tehran Province has turned it into one of the most significant issues in the education sector. Anoushirvan Mohseni Bandpay, the governor of Tehran, acknowledged the problem. (The state-run ISNA news agency – February 9, 2020)

Discussing the shortage of educational space in Tehran, Ali Shahri, General Manager of the School Renovation Organization for Tehran Schools, stated, “On average, the number of students per classroom is 35; in some cases, there are as many as 45 students in a single classroom. Moreover, many schools and classrooms in Tehran are dilapidated, and therefore badly in need of repairs.” (The state-Run Young Journalists Club website – February 9, 2020)

The Director-General of the School Renovation Organization had previously acknowledged that Iranian students have 3 square meters less educational space compared to the international standards. (The state-run ISNA news agency – June 27, 2019)

The international standard for each student is 8.4 square meters. In Iran, the average is 5.2 square meters per student.

Lack of access to educational facilities – or more simply, shortages of schools and classrooms – is a critical factor that prevents students from attending school.

This problem is even more widespread for school girls whose families often prohibit them from traveling long distances to attend school. In many cases, children have access to a local elementary school; however, there are no secondary schools in the area. Thus, many students, particularly girls, are forced to drop out and cannot attend high school. (The state-run online Economy website – August 21, 2019)

In other news, some 1,300 classrooms in Khuzestan province are made of stones. The Director-General for Renovation, Development, and Equipping of Schools in Khuzestan admitted that of the 1,300 classrooms, approximately 80 must be reconstructed due to their advanced state of dilapidation. These schools present a real danger to students. (The state-run Young Journalists Club – February 6, 2020)