Iran’s Educators Embark on “Mehr-Afarīn” National Travel Scheme
In a significant move to enhance social welfare, Iran’s Teachers’ Savings Fund has unveiled a major new initiative designed to provide extensive travel benefits for the nation’s educators.
A Landmark Initiative for Educators
Mr. Ali Sadeghi, the CEO of the Teachers’ Savings Fund Institute, announced the upcoming implementation of the “National Mehr-Afarīn Scheme for Educators.” This ambitious program is planned to facilitate travel for over 1.8 million active and retired member educators and their families. The scheme, developed through the efforts of the ‘Economy and Welfare of Educators Company,’ represents a substantial investment in the well-being of Iran’s cultural front.
How the Travel Scheme Works
The program offers a highly accessible financial structure to make travel more feasible. Member educators and retirees can enjoy accommodation in 3-star Plus and 4-star hotels by paying only half of the trip’s cost upfront in cash. The remaining balance can be settled in up to 11 monthly installments, deducted directly from their salaries. This model is designed to ease financial burdens while providing a high-quality experience.
Mr. Sadeghi outlined that for a three-night, four-day stay for a member and two family members, the anticipated cost is set at 12 million tomans. Each additional person would cost 4 million tomans. This all-inclusive price covers accommodation and three full meals daily (breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
Boosting Social Vitality and Welfare
The CEO emphasized that executing this plan is a crucial step toward elevating the welfare of educators and increasing social vitality for their families. Upon full implementation, the scheme has the capacity to facilitate travel for over 800 educators and their families each week.
“More important than signing the memorandum of understanding is the quality of execution,” Sadeghi stated, noting that he will personally supervise the proper implementation of the scheme. Subsidiary companies of the Institute in aviation and tourism will also be leveraged to ensure the program’s success. He added that the success of this pilot scheme would pave the way for other welfare programs to be operationalized.
Destinations of Cultural and Religious Significance
The tourism plan includes comprehensive service packages (accommodation and meals) in key tourist and pilgrimage cities across the country. Educators will have the opportunity to visit destinations such as Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kish, Babolsar, Gorgan, and Chaboksar, staying in high-standard hotels.
Commitment to Educators’ Dignity
Further elaborating on the Institute’s commitments, Mr. Shokouhi, Chairman of the Board of the Institute, referenced the formation of the ‘Committee for the Dignity and Welfare of Educators.’ He stated that this committee reviews numerous proposals to enhance welfare services for members.
“One of the most fundamental duties of the Institute is to preserve the dignity, status, and position of our cherished educators,” Shokouhi said. “This tourism scheme is an experience that has been implemented in other companies, and our effort is to offer it with the fewest flaws and at a level worthy of our member educators.”
