World's smallest school

The World's Smallest School

[CNN] Oct. 8, 2008 -- Four young students and one very dedicated teacher. This is perhaps the world's smallest school in the southern Iranian town of Kalou on the Persian Gulf, population: 34. In fact, it's so small you can't even find it on Google Maps. It's 70 miles from Bushehr, where Russia is helping Iran build a nuclear power plant. But in this fishing village, no one is talking about Iran's standoff with the West; chances are, no one cares.

It was 21-year-old teacher Abdol Mohammad Sharaani who put this tiny school on the map through his blog. A friend in Australia created an English version for the world to see. The school is now recognized by UNESCO as the world's smallest. Sharaani chose this because he could make a real difference, and he already has. Meet Hamideh, Parisa, Mehdi and Hussein, their faces filled with hope and big dreams for the future. Life in Iran can also be filled with fear and uncertainty. When a package arrived from the U.S., 10-year-old Hussein was terrified. He thought it was a bomb. They were chocolates. The gift gave Sharaani the chance to talk the kids about the world. He told them governments are different from people. Because of worldwide publicity, the classroom now has all the basics. The broken desks have been replaced by four new ones. There's even a computer, donated by the local ministry of education. When he was asked about his dreams for the future a few years ago, Sharaani said he wanted "to be a teacher in a far-flung village." Looks like he's living the dream. Asieh Namdar, CNN, Atlanta.
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