IRAN | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [724] | View Larger Image
Whenever I pass a group of schoolchildren, I greet them with a wave and say, ‘Salam’ (Persian for hello), which encourages them to return the greeting. Generally, I do not linger unless the occasion requires it.
Such an occasion arose when I met a large class of schoolgirls inside the Shaikh Safi Mausoleum in Ardabil. They had separated into smaller groups of friends who peeked at me with excited curiosity. I greeted the group nearest to me then paused. Their eyes full of anticipation.
‘My name is Fiona. I am from Australia.’ I held out my hand. After a few handshakes, the rest of the children approached, individually announced their names. We shook hands, gave each other high-fives.
I took this photo before the entire class of 30 children or more, gathered in front of me. It was a special moment not interrupted by an attempt to capture it. This was the future of Iran.
Tags: ardabil, iran, schoolchildren
