WHO WE ARE
Established over two decades ago by a group of compassionate and caring friends, Children of Persia provides sustainable assistance to the underprivileged children of Iran. Since its inception with a small group of volunteers, it has grown into a large network of individuals sharing the conviction that the act of kindness and giving, no matter how small, creates a small ripple and a sea of change.
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We hold specific licenses issued by the US Government, Department of Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) permitting the funding and implementation of our humanitarian projects in Iran, such as disaster relief, food and medicine distribution, family support, and children’s health and educational programs including support of several orphanages. Licenses are valid for a period of two years and we are happy to have received our recent renewals. In addition to the specific licenses, we also work in Iran under the OFAC Iranian General License E which authorizes humanitarian activities and projects to benefit the people of Iran, and allows for non-commercial reconstruction projects in response to natural disasters for a period of up to two years.
OUR STORY
Our story begins in 1999 where a group of caring and compassionate friends got together to respond to a request for help from a family member in Iran. The high school kitchen that provided food for the girl’s elementary school in Varamin was closed for the month of Ramadan and the children were not receiving their daily lunch. Immediately, several longtime friends came together and raised the funds to fulfill the request.
Recognizing the need and out of a deep concern for the continued well-being of these children, the group decided to continue with a more sustainable solution and raised additional funds which provided for the elementary school’s own kitchen with kitchen cabinets, equipment and supplies as well as a much-needed phone line.
Inspired by their success, the group sought out to formalize their efforts and in 2000 set up Children of Persia, with an ambitious pledge to change the lives of the underprivileged and underserved children and their families. Since then, we have made significant progress towards our goal.
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OUR MISSION
We promote the wellbeing of underprivileged children and their families, in health, education and social services in Iran and elsewhere in the world through opportunities to learn, lead a healthy and positive life, thrive in their journey with hope for a better future, and in turn contribute to the betterment of their community and the society at large.
OUR TEAM
Shiva Davoodpour
Director & Officer
President
Katayoon Shaya
Board Chair
Past President &
Officer - Treasurer
Guita Irani
Director
Laya Kahnamoui
Director & Officer
Secretary
Mahnaz Motevalli
Director
Kambiz Fakhrai
Director