According to Seyyed Mohammad Sadegh Aliparast, the CEO of the Razavi Cultural Foundation, the key religious education indicators for children in these schools include strengthening children's religious spirit, educational classes and activities, and educational camps as an engaging religious education framework.
Emphasizing the importance of religious upbringing, Aliparast highlighted several core principles, notably fostering allegiance to Ahl al-Bayt, enhancing understanding and rational thinking in religious and social matters, and promoting faith, divine piety, and unity among Muslims. “The goal is to elevate spiritual levels and self-discipline in students, in line with the Education Transformation Framework.”
A significant program in Imam Reza Schools involves visits to the shrine of Imam Reza, in the northeastern Iranian city of Mashhad. Through activities like visiting the children's hall, museum tours, and participating in shrine rituals, students learn religious customs and traditions. These visits also encourage students to participate in roles like Quran recitation, azan (call to prayer), and religious hymns, enhancing their connection with the shrine and its religious practices.
He added that the schools host various classes aimed at promoting both scientific and ethical growth saying that “children are introduced to the holy Quran through engaging activities and games, which help them memorize short Quranic verses and understand the importance of prayer”.
“Group prayers are held to emphasize the significance of prayer and foster a collective spirit”, said Aliparast.
The official further highlighted the importance of educational camps in fostering spiritual and social growth among children in Imam Reza Schools.
“The Razavi Cultural Foundation, in collaboration with two dedicated groups, Banat al-Reza for girls and Abna al-Reza for boys, organizes diverse religious and cultural programs. These include commemorating martyrs in schools, celebrating the birth of Imam Reza, mourning events during the last ten days of Safar, and holding ceremonies during Ramadan and Muharram”, explained the foundation’s CEO.
“These events aim to enhance students' participation, foster cooperation, and reinforce the spiritual and social values taught in the schools”, he stated.