Hello!
Thank you for donating to the fund.
OMID helps disadvantaged young women, who have been discarded and undervalued by society, to transform their lives and work toward a better future for themselves and other women in Iran. Since 2004 OMID has worked with women between the ages of 15 and 25 who are survivors of abuse, trauma, neglect and persecution. Our aim is to support and provide tools to these vulnerable young women in their journey toward self-empowerment – social, economic and emotional.
It's program consists of:
"...An educational program with classes in English, Math, Computing, Sciences, Arts, Music and Drama we also have recreational outdoor activities including mountaineering, martial arts and athletics clubs in place, to help build confidence and team work, as well as improve physical health and wellbeing. We also run regular self-empowerment workshops to improve self-confidence, self-worth rebuild trust and develop self awareness skills. More recently we have started to run a Peer Education and Leadership Program, a yogaHOPE TIMBo program and Parvaneha for our most fragile and vulnerable young women."
Women's issues and their leadership programs have a direct influence on Iranian society and through time will help challenge opressive institutions as a whole both in Iran and internationally!
I am challenging us to raise money for the tuition of three girls at Omide Mehr's school in Iran to attend university and other educational programs.
Sakineh Pourkamali
Background: Abandoned by parents and family at age 8. Grew up in Behzisti (Social Services Organization). Transferred to OMID in 2014 when she turned 18 and after finishing high school. Want to become human rights lawyer. Plans to start university Autumn 2017. Educational institution: Imam Sadiq University -Tehran Field of study: Law Length of study: 4 years (8 terms, 2 terms/year) Cost/term: 8 mill Rials tuition, 4 mill Rials educational supplies = 12 mill Rials Total cost: 96 mill Rials = $2,400
Maryam Mehdizadeh
Background: Was raped by brother and abandoned by her family after she filed a complaint with the police. OMID obtained consent of her family to move into OMID shelter and enroll in OMID Program. Very gifted in science subjects. Wants to continue studies at PhD level after finishing undergraduate degree. Plans to start university Autumn 2017. Educational institution: Allameh Mohaddes Nouri University – Noor Field of study: Biomedical engineering Length of study: 4 years (8 terms, 2 terms/year) Cost/term: 11 mill Rials tuition, 21 mill Rials shared dormitory room, 4 mill Rials educational supplies = 36 mill Rials Total cost: 288 mill Rials = $7,200
Sombol Malekzadeh
Background: Was raped by her uncle at the age of 16. Filed a complaint but the judge ruled that it was consensual sex. Was forced to leave the family home. A neighbor suggested to her to seek help from OMID. OMID obtained the father’s consent for her to enroll in the OMID Program and move into the OMID shelter. Will enroll in September 2017 in the OMID Program and the evening secondary school program of one of OMID’s partner schools in order to obtain her high school diploma prior to graduation from OMID. For the high school diploma 12 program, she will also benefit from private tutoring by a pro bono volunteers in subjects for which she needs additional help. Educational institution: Noor School Field of study: Secondary school Degree: High school diploma Length of study: 3 years Cost/year: 3.5 mill Rials tuition, 1.75 mill Rials books and supplies = 5.25 mill Rials Total cost: 15.75 mill Rials = $400
I have always been a fan of women's empowerment and development and its importance in the development as a whole. These issues are taboo in many cultures and I firmly believe in the exposing of these issues is an important issue that is frequently ignored equally by the government and expatriates. I am in direct contact with both theDr. Marjaneh Halati, the director and lead psychologist, as well as her American representative! Please feel free to email me with any questions.
bijan.parandeh@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Bijan Michael Parandeh
