The History and Mission of the Behnam Daheshpour Charity Organization Children’s Library Unit

In 1996 (1375 in the Persian calendar), children with cancer, just like adults, were undergoing treatment in the radiotherapy section of Shohada-ye Tajrish Hospital. Recognizing that the waiting hall was an unsuitable environment for these young patients, Ms. Ziba Jahan spearheaded the establishment of the first unit of the Behnam Daheshpour Charity Organization: the Children’s Library Unit, located on the second floor of the hospital’s radiotherapy section.

The primary goal was to provide a safe haven for entertainment, reading, play, and cultural activities run by volunteers, thereby creating a peaceful and comforting atmosphere for children during their long treatment waiting times.

Gradually, as the needs of the children became clearer and their families’ positive feedback increased, the unit’s activities expanded. This included broader support through projects like the “Wish Tree,” holding special celebrations, and allocating financial aid, which extended to the oncology wards.

In 2020 (1399), due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity of adhering to health protocols, the physical space of the library in the radiotherapy section was removed. However, its mission was not halted; instead, its activities continued in more diverse and expansive formats.

Following the containment of the pandemic, the Children’s Library Unit resumed its full-scale, in-person activities at the Organization’s Companion Home (Hamrah Sara) building. Direct engagement with the children and their families, organizing celebrations, and running campaigns such as tree planting, educational aid, and clothing drives were all restarted.

The “Wish Tree”: The Psychology of Hope and Resilience

One of the most profound and impactful activities of this unit is the “Wish Tree” program. This is not merely a supportive initiative; it is an embodiment of the “power of hope” in the world of a sick child.

The philosophy behind the “Wish Tree” is rooted in the belief that during the challenging phases of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, when a child often feels helpless and loses control over their life, the fulfillment of a small wish restores a sense of worth and ownership over their world.

Children write down their wishes, and these wishes are funded and fulfilled by benevolent donors and philanthropists. This action serves a dual function:

Positive Reinforcement: The gift or fulfillment of a wish (such as a specific toy or book) acts as a positive reinforcement, showing the child that their suffering is recognized and that the world still holds places for joy and reward.

Emotional Bond: The process creates a vital three-way emotional bond between the child, the volunteer, and the donor, which is essential for strengthening the child’s psychological resilience in the face of illness.

The Wish Tree reminds these children that they still have the right to dream, and that there is still someone listening to the smallest desires of their hearts.

A Goal Beyond Play: The Empathic Connection

Our goal at the Children’s Library Unit goes beyond simply providing games and entertainment for children with cancer. It is about fostering two-way awareness and creating deeper psychological support.

These children are often isolated from the natural environments of school and community due to their illness, making it vital for them to receive special emotional and spiritual attention. Given their low resilience in the face of long, exhausting chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, establishing an empathic and close bond through the support of donors and volunteers is crucial for boosting their morale and hope for life.

This attention and awareness help them navigate their treatment with greater strength, diminish the sense of isolation and loneliness caused by the disease, and forge a deeper, more empathic connection with society.

Your Support, Their Smile Today:

Become a Volunteer: If you are passionate about cultural activities, reading, playing, and accompanying children, join our team of volunteers and directly contribute to boosting the spirits of these little heroes.

Volunteer Form Page

Fulfill a Wish: By participating in the “Wish Tree” project, you can bring a child’s wish to life and gift the light of hope to their world.

Donation Page