Regarding the school bus service, which has always been one of the concerns of parents on the one hand, and the board of directors of the Tehran Zoroastrian Association, on the other hand, I must say that, for the coming academic year, the situation is different from previous years. This is the first year that we have overcome the corona epidemic and entered the “Post-corona era”; a period not experienced by the Association nor our community members, including parents of Zoroastrian students who have been absent from schools during the pandemic, but going back to the normal situation, this year.
But this year, in many ways, it is not similar to a few years ago. Among other things, inflation in all areas, including transportation and school services, has become unpredictable. Among other issues, inflation in all areas, including transportation and school bus service, has become unpredictable. The economic situation has become more difficult than ever for many Iranians, including fellow Zoroastrians (except for a very few percentage of the people).
Regarding Tehran Zoroastrian Association, based on the information I have – and of course it is unofficial – I can say that the fact is that during the pandemic, a lot of the Association’s expenses were present and had to be met, but on the other hand no income existed, and the Association had to withdraw from savings. So, now also the liquid assets of the Association are under a lot of pressure, and the Association has become like someone who has a latest model car but no cash to refuel.
Therefore, Tehran Association must prioritize its expenses, and undoubtedly one of the most important priorities is Zoroastrian schools and Zoroastrian students.
Therefore, one of the Association’s priorities, this year, is the school bus service, which will be taken care of. But the question is what percentage of the financial burden of school services will be borne by the association and what percentage will have to be accepted by parents.
Maybe this ratio will be 50-50 this year. But I believe this will only happen this year, and next year the situation will improve with the measures that the Association’s board of directors will take.
With view to the above, parents should help the Association more than ever, and realize that the money they are spending will be for educating their children in a morally and psychologically safe environment with familiar class mates. Having such an educational environment is valuable, and it is worth enduring some hardships.
I would suggest that those well-wishers who want to donate towards our community should consider donating towards cultural and educational needs, for example, towards educational expenses borne by Tehran Zoroastrian Association, in order to help increase the quality of education of our children, resulting in a better future for them. By doing this, the philanthropists and donors have helped to build a better society and healthier children, at the same time.
This year, in particular, we should all do our best to get through this challenging year with the least harm to our fellow Zoroastrians.
