Saadi Foundation, Tajik University to Expand Cooperation on Persian Language and Script Education

According to the Saadi Foundation's Public Relations Office, Ghahraman Soleimani, Secretary of the Saadi Foundation, accompanied by Hosseinali Rahimi, President of the Persian–Tajik Culture Research Institute and the Foundation’s representative in Tajikistan, met with Zhila Golnazarzoda, President of the Sattam Ulughzoda International University of Foreign Languages.

The meeting was attended by the university’s vice presidents, deans, and senior administrators. Introducing the institution’s academic and educational capacities, Golnazarzoda said the university has been granted international status by the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan and offers language programs in a variety of fields, with Persian among its key areas of instruction.

Highlighting the university’s long-standing experience in Persian studies, she noted that Persian language and script courses have been offered since 2004 and are now available across different academic levels. In addition to admitting international students to its Persian language program, the university also provides Persian script instruction in several disciplines, including journalism.

During the meeting, Hosseinali Rahimi presented a report on the nationwide Language Knowledge, World Knowledge competition, stating that the event has been hosted by the university over the past two editions as a national competition, bringing together students from various disciplines and universities across Tajikistan. Outstanding participants in each field are recognized at the conclusion of the competition.

Soleimani also introduced the Saadi Foundation’s series of Persian language teaching materials, explaining their educational features and practical applications. He donated a number of the Foundation’s textbooks to the university for evaluation and possible inclusion in its academic programs.

He further introduced the AMFA (Assessment of Persian Language Proficiency), describing it as a standardized examination comparable to internationally recognized language proficiency tests. The exam evaluates learners’ proficiency in the four core language skills and determines their overall level of Persian language competence.

Soleimani proposed that the Sattam Ulughzoda International University of Foreign Languages, in cooperation with the Persian–Tajik Culture Research Institute as the Saadi Foundation’s representative in Tajikistan, become the Foundation’s official AMFA testing center in Central Asia. The proposal was welcomed by university officials, who agreed to discuss the practical steps for its implementation in future meetings.

The Secretary of the Saadi Foundation also announced the Foundation’s readiness to host, on an annual basis, outstanding Persian language students, winners of the Language Knowledge, World Knowledge competition, and faculty members from the university in two-week professional development and advanced training programs in Iran.

The two sides also explored ways to strengthen cooperation in Persian language and script education, Persian orthography instruction, seasonal schools, faculty and student exchanges, the development and provision of educational resources, and the implementation of joint academic and cultural initiatives.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to continued consultations and the expansion of academic, educational, and cultural cooperation in the field of Persian language education.