A government news agency in Iran reported a sharp increase in the prices of school supplies in the market, noting that luxury items have also entered this market, with school backpacks being sold for prices ranging from 300,000 tomans to 7 million tomans. The ISNA news agency highlighted the million-toman costs of purchasing school supplies, stating that the prices of various stationery items have risen compared to the previous year, with some products categorized as luxury and priced higher than expected. According to this agency, a pack of 12 black pencils is sold for up to 240,000 tomans, and premium models can reach over 1 million and 400 thousand tomans. The report also indicated that mechanical pencils in the retail market are sold from 40,000 tomans to over 2 million tomans, and the price of ordinary ballpoint pens has reached 50,000 tomans. Additionally, it was announced that colored fountain pens in packs of 42 are offered at prices exceeding 6 million and 500 thousand tomans. Each pack of 12 colored pencils costs up to 700,000 tomans, and a pack of 120 foreign colored pencils is sold for 23 million tomans. According to ISNA, the price of backpacks ranges from 300,000 tomans to nearly 7 million tomans, while laptop backpacks are sold from about 700,000 tomans to 25 million tomans. These staggering prices come at a time when many families cannot afford the educational necessities for their children, leading to increased dropout rates and a lack of entry into the educational system. In this regard, the Deputy Minister of Primary Education announced that in the 2023-2024 academic year, there are approximately 216,243 children who have dropped out of school at the primary level. Mohammad Molavi, a member of the Education Commission of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, stated in July of this year that 279,000 children have dropped out due to 'financial problems.' The Vice Chairman of the Education Commission in the Islamic Consultative Assembly also announced on Thursday, July 4, that the number of children who have dropped out of school in Iran is 911,000, including 400,000 primary school students. Families and the challenges of providing school supplies are consequences of the spread of poverty in Iran: '556,000 adolescents' drop out before entering high school. The start of the academic year in schools in deprived areas; classrooms lacking desks and benches host students. A 50% increase in the price of school supplies; the academic year begins with high costs for students. The bitter taste of the high prices of stationery and the sorrows of the month of Mehr.
Million-Toman Costs of School Supplies Ahead of New Academic Year; Inflation Affects Education
Iran is experiencing a significant rise in school supply costs ahead of the new academic year, with prices soaring due to inflation. Many families are struggling to afford these necessities, leading to increased dropout rates among children. This situation highlights the broader issue of poverty affecting education in the country.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
Iran is facing a dramatic increase in school supply prices ahead of the new academic year, making it difficult for families to afford necessary items. This financial strain is contributing to rising dropout rates among children.
- Prices of school supplies have increased by 50% compared to the previous year.
- Approximately 911,000 children have dropped out of school, with financial issues cited as a primary reason.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
Iran is grappling with high inflation and economic challenges, which are severely impacting education and family budgets. The education system's struggles reflect broader societal issues.
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