TEHRAN - In an innovative move to intertwine cultural preservation with military training, border guards in Sistan-Baluchestan will soon be trained in handicraft skills

Some handicraft workshops have been arranged for border guards in Sistan-Baluchestan based on an initiative to preserve the cultural heritage of the nation, a local official said on Monday.

“This educational program is part of a broader effort to promote handicraft traditions,” Vahideh Derakhshani said.

This initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts in partnership with the Central Skills Training Headquarters of the Armed Forces, seeks to enrich the guards' skills while honoring and sustaining traditional crafts, she brought to light.

During a coordination meeting held on Monday, Rakhshani emphasized that expanding handicraft education across different fields remains a key priority for the Deputy of Handicrafts.

“We are ready to collaborate and participate with all executive, military and private sectors,” she stated.

The official also outlined that the initiative stems from high-level discussions resulting in a memorandum of understanding with the Central Skills Training Headquarters of the Armed Forces.

“It is decided that an initial group, consisting of 100 soldiers from the Sistan-Baluchestan border guards,” she stated. “Would benefit from this skill training during their service.”

Regarding the timeline, the official revealed that the training sessions are set to begin in August and will last for three months.

Rakhshani further explained that the training would cover various specialties based on needs assessment, featuring gemology and stone carving, leatherwork and marquetry.

“At the end of the training period, participants who excel,” she winded up. “Will be awarded certificates of completion, which they can use to start their own businesses or enhance their existing skills.”

The related officials expressed hope that this program will not only equip the soldiers with valuable skills but also help in the preservation and enhancement of the rich cultural heritage of Sistan-Baluchestan through the promotion of its traditional crafts.

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