The Heart of Iran’: HEGTA’s national social initiative brings hope back to children’s hearts

Editorial Report • HEGTA Social Responsibility Initiative • Tehran, Iran

Following the tragic events of the recent imposed war against Iran and the martyrdom of a number of fellow citizens, including children and adolescents from the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab, Social Security Tourism Holding (HEGTA) has launched the national initiative “The Heart of Iran” to restore hope, creativity, and resilience among affected children and families.

            “Art is the common language of all Iranians, and through creativity, empathy, and resilience, we seek to build a brighter future for the next generation.”
            
— Alireza Tabesh, CEO of HEGTA

The Heart of Iran Program

The initiative has been launched in cooperation with the House of Cinema, the House of Theater, Iran Music House, the Stationary Manufacturers Union Society of Iran, and Peyk-e Tahrir Group. It focuses on strengthening emotional resilience and social solidarity among children through artistic and cultural activities.

Planned programs include children’s drawing activities under the slogan “We Build the Future with Colors,” collaborative completion of a large heritage-themed map of Iran puzzle, artistic performances, and community-based events designed to inspire hope and creativity.

Initiative Highlights

Nationwide children’s art campaign
Map of Iran heritage puzzle project
Puppet theater and cultural performances
Music programs and family engagement activities
National and international exhibitions of children’s artworks

First Event Held in Tehran

The first evening of the initiative took place at Homa Hotel Tehran, where artists, children, and families affected by the recent conflict gathered for a night dedicated to empathy, creativity, and hope.

One of the most symbolic moments of the event was the completion of a giant “Map of Iran” puzzle depicting the country’s natural and historical heritage. Children and artists worked together on the installation as a tribute to the martyred children of the Shajareh Tayyebeh School in Minab.

            The initiative seeks not merely to organize cultural events, but to create collective experiences through which children learn that hope can remain alive through colors, art, empathy, and resilience.
        

Art, Music and Solidarity

The event featured puppet theater, traditional Kheimeh Shab-Bazi performances, stand-up comedy, and musical programs performed by Dey Band and Azerbaijani artist Vahid Asadollahi’s ensemble.

Cultural figures and artists interacted directly with children and families, presenting flowers and sharing memorable moments that culminated in a collective performance of the national anthem “Ey Iran.”

Children’s Artwork on the International Stage

HEGTA announced that the artworks produced through the initiative will be professionally evaluated and showcased in national and international exhibitions. Selected works will also be transformed into cultural products to amplify children’s voices and creativity.

According to organizers, the project will continue throughout the country using HEGTA’s extensive network of hotels, tourism centers, schools, and cultural institutions.

Mobile Cinema Initiative

As part of broader resilience-building efforts, HEGTA also launched a Mobile Cinema project in cooperation with the Iranian Youth Cinema Society. During Nowruz, fifteen feature films were screened for families affected by war conditions at Homa Hotel Tehran, creating moments of relief, entertainment, and community connection.

The Heart of Iran continues as a nationwide social and cultural initiative dedicated to restoring hope, strengthening resilience, and empowering the next generation through the transformative power of art and collective solidarity.