UNICEF and Ministry of Sport and Youth Launch TORANJ Programme to Empower Adolescents and Youth in Iran

As part of ongoing efforts to support adolescent and youth development in Iran, UNICEF and the Ministry of Sport and Youth have officially launched the TORANJ Adolescent and Youth Empowerment Programme. This initiative, co-funded by the European Union, aims to address the challenges faced by adolescents and young people in the areas of employment, skills development, and education. The programme was introduced at a high-level event attended by key representatives from the government, civil society, and partner organizations. 

The TORANJ programme, grounded in evidence-based practices and international expertise, currently operates in Kermanshah, Isfahan, Shahrood, Qom, and Qeshm. It provides targeted support to adolescents and youth, focusing on skills development, education, and life readiness. The programme aims to empower 15 to 24 year-old adolescents and youth and harness the potential of Iran’s young population. 

The launch ceremony featured powerful testimonials from young participants whose lives have been positively transformed through the TORANJ programme. They shared experiences of increased confidence, self-esteem, skill development, empowerment, stronger engagement in education, and clearer pathways to future employment. Their stories vividly reflected the programme’s vision of supporting every young person to reach their full potential. 

Dr. Alireza Rahimi, Deputy of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Sport and Youth stated “The main goal of TORANJ initiative is to create sustainable employment for young people whose voices are less heard and who are in greatest need of support. Gender equality, equal access to education, and leveraging local capacities through the collaboration of various institutions are central pillars of this programme.” 

“Iran is home to a vibrant and youthful population, with over 11 million adolescents and nearly half of the population under the age of 30,” said Monika Nielsen, UNICEF Representative a.i. in Iran. “This demographic represents extraordinary potential for innovation, growth, and transformation. But potential alone is not enough. It must be actively nurtured through inclusive policies, responsive services, and meaningful opportunities that empower young people to shape their future – and the future of their country. This is precisely what the TORANJ programme seeks to achieve.” 

The event concluded with a call to action urging all sectors to collaborate in expanding TORANJ’s reach. This cross-sectoral commitment is essential to ensure the programme’s sustainability and to create real, long-term opportunities for Iran’s next generation. 

The TORANJ initiative reflects UNICEF Iran’s broader commitment to adolescent and youth well-being, ensuring that young people across the country are equipped with the tools they need to thrive in an evolving world.