TEHRAN (Iran News) –Supreme Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei called on Iranian teachers to promote the Iranian and Islamic identity among children.
Ayatollah Khamenei made the remarks in an address to a group of teachers and academics on Tuesday on the occasion of the National Teachers’ Day, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Ayatollah Morteza Motahhari, who was martyred by Forqan Group soon after the victory of the Islamic Revolution.
The Leader commemorated Ayatollah Motahhari, saying he was a true teacher as he possessed all the characteristics expected of teachers in Iranian schools and universities.
“He had knowledge; he had committed; he was precise; he had discipline and order in his work. And thank God, his martyrdom was also a blessing for the country,” he noted.
“He himself reached high positions (martyrdom) and his works gained a place in the hearts of the society as a result of this martyrdom. I recommend that his writings and prepared lectures be read carefully, especially by teachers,” he added.
“Our dear teachers should raise the children of this nation in the same manner that they wish their own children to be raised, [that is,] as happy, proud, wise, educated individuals who display respectable behavior. This important matter will be realized not only through teaching, but also through the behavior and actions of teachers.”
The Leader said reviving the feeling of “Iranian-Islamic identity and national personality” in the intelligent youths of the country is a “fundamental” duty.
Ayatollah Khamenei added that strengthening the Iranian identity and teaching the Islamic-Iranian way of life are among the main things required in the country’s education system.
The Leader emphasized that all Iranian officials and decision-makers and people from all walks of life must understand the significance of education.
Ayatollah Khamenei called on the authorities to make a revision in the current path of education and evaluate its productivity for the country.
“The main policy of education should be based on teaching useful science and meeting the current and future needs of the country,” the Leader stated.
The Leader said that teachers and academics are educators of the precious jewel of the “teenage and young generation” and the future architects of the country.
Ayatollah Khamenei underlined that it is not possible to make progress without the assistance of the education system.
Elsewhere in his remarks, he called for measures to strengthen public schools, so that those who do not have enough financial resources would be able to receive proper education.
The Leader also praised the country’s teachers for their efforts in educating children despite difficulties.
