The theme 'Children's Smiles are the Alphabet of the Homeland' has been chosen for Iran's National Children's Week, which will take place from October 7 to 13. The main focus of the week will be on children's rights, well-being, participation, and their role in shaping the country's future.
During a press conference on Monday, Hamed Alamati, Director of the Institute for Intellectual Development of Children and Youth (IIDCYA), stated that this week must go beyond simple celebrations and media programs, providing an opportunity to reconsider responsibility towards children.
He emphasized that National Children's Week is a chance to pay more serious attention to the needs, rights, and future of children, as well as the role they will play in building Iran's future. Alamati clarified that the chosen slogan should not be perceived merely as a symbolic or promotional phrase; a sincere smile depends on whether children feel safe and valued at home, in school, and in society, having opportunities for play, reading, learning, and creativity.
The Director also mentioned the emphasis made by the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, regarding the production of books, animated films, cinema, and other modern creative content for children and adolescents. He insisted that investments in children should be viewed as a strategic priority, not as a one-off or ceremonial activity.
Alamati specifically noted the necessity of creating more robust mechanisms for protecting children during crises. He observed that modern children are growing up amidst war, instability, environmental problems, unequal access to opportunities, anxiety, and rapid technological changes. He added that support should not only begin after a crisis arises; systems must be ready to protect children in advance during emergencies and provide them with psychological and social assistance afterward. The Director stressed that caring for a child does not end once the immediate crisis subsides, and it is necessary to help children return to normal life and continue developing.
The Director of IIDCYA also discussed efforts to implement Iran's National Document on the Rights of Children and Adolescents, noting that various state bodies and institutions have been working over the past year to adapt this document into practical measures. Alamati stated that the next stage is transitioning from the document to the real lives of children. He added that the value of such documents should be reflected in policy development, budgeting, and decisions that directly affect children.
Furthermore, Alamati called for treating children not just as recipients of programs, but as participants in decisions concerning their lives. He stressed that children and adolescents must have a real say in designing, implementing, and evaluating programs related to their lives, and that their participation must go beyond formal events.
According to Alamati, the first day of National Children's Week, October 7, will be dedicated to the theme 'Smiles That Will Not Be Forgotten' and will focus on children and adolescents who have lost their lives in conflicts. The program will emphasize child protection during war, ensuring the safety of schools and medical centers, as well as providing psychological and social support to children affected by crises. Alamati mentioned children who died in the Minabeh tragedy and at Shajare Tayyebeh School, stating that their stories should not be limited to the moment of death but should tell of their dreams, aspirations, and lives, as such stories are part of the historical and emotional memory of society.
The remaining days of National Children's Week will include programs dedicated to children's rights, education, creativity, family, social activity, and their future. Alamati insisted that the week's slogan must become more than just a theme for one week. He noted that the issue of children is intersectoral, and no single organization can meet all their needs, calling for cooperation between families, schools, cultural and social institutions, media, and medical organizations. He expressed hope that National Children's Week will lead to sustainable actions, rather than a series of short-term events, helping to ensure that children's voices are heard, their rights are protected, and their potential can flourish.