Community Building
Ali Sadr
The Iranian School of San Diego has begun its thirty-seventh year of operation. This year, it also achieved its highest enrollment record with over three hundred students. In the past 36 years, nearly 2,500 students have learned the Persian language and the vibrant Iranian culture at ISSD. Many of these students are now in high academic, economic, and social positions.
A large number of ISSD alumni—now parents—bring their children to the Iranian School. Currently, students from the first generation of immigrants (those who have recently immigrated), the second generation (children of first-generation immigrants), and the third generation (children of children of first-generation immigrants) are learning Persian and Iranian culture together. The love and dedication of these parents who, despite their busy schedules, bring their children to school on Sundays is truly commendable.
Alongside these parents, the school’s greatest asset is its exceptional administrative and educational staff. These individuals selflessly dedicate their time and energy to the Iranian and Iranian American children. They work diligently to gather valuable experiences and teach students using suitable textbooks and methods. The school has always strived to create a friendly and joyful environment for students and parents, alongside teaching Persian and familiarizing students with Iranian arts and culture. This positive and calming atmosphere remains a cherished memory for students, even if they forget Persian later on.
The few hours each week that students and parents spend at the school foster friendships and connections that will last for years. The school’s program states that the goal of the Iranian School is “not only” to teach Persian; language education is a means to positively impact students and parents, allowing children to feel comfortable with their identity and a sense of belonging to this wonderful and loving community. This has enabled the Iranian School to build a community over its 36 years of existence. Many families’ relationships and friendships began at ISSD. Here, no one is questioned about their religion, political interests, or social success. Everyone, whether they have political interests and religious beliefs or not, gathers around culture and collaborates with one another. This is a response to those who have always claimed that Iranians are distant from each other and cannot collaborate. Even in this time when society has become largely polarized, the school has managed to be an example for everyone, showing that people can come together around a vibrant culture and live with mutual respect.
These achievements are not limited to the Iranian School and the Persian Cultural Center. There are several other non-profit organizations in this city that have a long history of serving the Iranian community in San Diego. The Association of Iranian American Professionals, the House of Iran, the Dollar a Month Fund, and the Iranian American Scholarship Fund are among them. Each of these organizations operates within its own goals. They not only do not compete with one another, but they collaborate whenever possible. For example, PCC collaborates each year with AIAP and HOI to celebrate events like Chaharshanbehsoori and Sizdahbedar, which attract thousands of Iranian friends and supporters. There are few places in the U.S. that foster such a healthy, friendly, and collaborative atmosphere. This is why the community building that has taken place in this city has become well-known. The Iranian School is also part of this “Little Iran” community that our compatriots have created in this corner of the world. May we strive to preserve and expand it.
