DUSHANBE, March 1, Asia-Plus  -- The Branch of Iran’s Imam Khomeini Imdad Committee (Imam Khomeini Relief Committee or IKRC) in Tajikistan turns 14 on March 4.  

Said Hamid Azimi, the head of IKRC’ Branch in Tajikistan, noted that over the past two years, the charity has rendered humanitarian assistance to 52,963 people in Tajikistan, providing them with foodstuffs, heaters and other essential items as well as money.  

Besides, 3,240 Tajik pensioners receive monthly financial assistance from IKRC, according to him.. 

Dwelling on the health assistance, Azimi said that 8,785 people in Tajikistan have received free medical aid from the charity for already two years.  “In case of necessity, by agreement with the Tajik Ministry of Health (MoH) people suffering from serious diseases are sent for treatment to Iran,” Mr. Azimi said.  

He reminded that over the past two years, wedding ceremonies for 530 couples from vulnerable families have been arranged in Tajikistan under support of IKRC.  In addition to assistance in arranging the wedding ceremonies, IKRC has also provided the couples with fridges, sowing and washing machines, as well as kitchen supplies, according to him.     

 Mr. Azimi noted that in cooperation with the Tajik Ministry of Labor and Social Protection IKRC also provides interest-free loans to local population.  Over the past two years, IKRC has provided such loans to 558 people that allowed them to start small business.  

The committee has also organized 10 short-term training courses over the report period.  In all, the courses have covered 1,400 people.  Besides, IKRC has also provided financial assistance to 12,355 school students and 335 students from higher educational institutions. 

With support of IKRC residential buildings of 183 disaster-affected families in Panjakent, Qumsangir, Vahdat, Asht and Rasht have been renovated.

In the meantime, IKRC Tajikistan has announced the competition among Tajik journalists on the best article about IKRC’s activity in Tajikistan.  Two winners of the competition will be given tourist vouchers for visiting Iran.