He added that the Consulate is also engaged in organizing different courses in computer literacy for students free of cost under the Imam Khomeini Relief Fund (IKRF) project which has been a flagship programme of the Consulate for some years now. “In addition, we are also providing free of cost typewriting classes, sewing among other vocations for youth who are eager to be trained on the above.

Asked about what he has to say to the youth of Sierra Leone for them to stay away from violence and concentrate on increasing their knowledge and learn skills or trades which would make them useful people to their families and the country at large, Ali Reza Faramavzi said: “I want to say to the youths, first of all, they should lean themselves to God and be active; to be educated and to be a good person for their beloved country. They have to be educated in different activities and different fields in their country so as to improve their self and contribute to national development at the same time.”

On how he intends to expand on the already existing cultural ties between Iran and Sierra Leone, Ali Reza Faramavzi stated that the consulate already has a library that is free for use by students with free internet and we also provide lectures on Islam and on ‘Iranology’ which is ongoing at various colleges in Sierra Leone.

He went on to say that the Consulate is planning to send some journalists to Iran to improve their understanding and knowledge on Journalism. He added that the Iran Cultural Consulate also has programmes targeting women’s development improvement in education, knowledge and on religious matters.

“I hope for total peace and the best for all Sierra Leoneans. The best thing is peace and security and then knowledge and to live a happy and friendly life,” Ali Reza Faramavzi said.

Ali Reza Faramavzi is married with one son.