Title: New Financial and Travel Initiatives Launched to Support Iran’s Educators
In a significant move to enhance the welfare of the nation’s educators, the Cultural Staff Savings Fund has announced two major new programs: the expansion of low-interest loans and a forthcoming national travel subsidy scheme.
Expanding Financial Support
The foundation for this new wave of support is already being laid. Officials report that over 343,000 eligible retired educators have been introduced to the bank to access affordable loans. Registration and application processing for these financial facilities are currently underway for all qualified applicants.
A National Travel Scheme for Educators
Looking ahead, Ali Sadeghi, the Managing Director of the Cultural Staff Savings Fund, unveiled plans for the “National Mehr Afarin Cultural Staff Scheme.” This ambitious initiative is designed to provide travel facilitation for over 1.8 million active and retired member educators and their families in the near future.
Developed in collaboration with the Cultural Staff Economy and Welfare Company, the program will allow members to enjoy stays at three- and four-star hotels by paying only half of the trip cost upfront in cash. The remaining balance can be settled in up to 11 monthly installments, deducted directly from their salaries or pensions.
Sadeghi emphasized that this project represents a vital step towards improving the social vitality and overall welfare of educators and their families. If fully implemented, the scheme has the capacity to facilitate travel for over 800 educators and their family members each week.
Program Details and Oversight
The projected cost for a three-night, four-day stay for a member and two family members is set at 12 million Tomans, with an additional 4 million Tomans for each extra person. This all-inclusive rate covers accommodation and three full meals daily.
Sadeghi stressed that beyond signing agreements, the quality of execution is paramount. “We will utilize the capabilities of our subsidiary companies in aviation and tourism for the successful implementation of this plan,” he stated, adding that he will personally supervise its proper execution. The success of this travel scheme is expected to pave the way for the rollout of other welfare programs.
Commitment to Educator Dignity and Welfare
In a related development, Shokohi, the Chairman of the Fund’s Board of Directors, highlighted the establishment of a “Committee for the Dignity and Welfare of Educators.” He noted that this committee reviews numerous proposals to elevate the level of services provided to members.
“One of the most fundamental duties of the Fund is to preserve the dignity, status, and standing of our respected educators,” Shokohi stated. He added that the tourism plan is an established model, and their effort is to offer it to members with minimal issues and at a worthy standard.
The travel scheme will include full-board stays at high-quality three-star plus and four-star hotels in key tourist and pilgrimage cities across Iran, such as Mashhad, Shiraz, Isfahan, Kish, Babolsar, Gorgan, and Chaboksar.