Imam Ali's Popular Students Relief Society, in Special Consultative Status with UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), is the first social-student NGO established in1999 in Iran; with the main objectives of relieving people who are suffering from unemployment, hunger and lack of education, particularly women and children.The primary Founder of theories and plans of Imam Ali's Popular Students Society is Sharmin Meymandinejad, who also is teacher of social and humanistic affaires courses in Sharif Extraordinary Activities Department. Around ten years ago, Founders and first members of this NGO were only students of Sharif University, who started their activities by obtaining their first official office in that university. From that time, those students registered the NGO in Ministry of Interior of Iran as a Non Governmental Organization and expanded their activities by establishing several other offices in slum areas around Iran which named "Iranian Houses".

At the moment, there are three of those Iranian houses operating in Tehran (Capital of Iran) and Varamin. In addition, Imam Ali's Popular Students Society has introduced several other programs such as Koche Gardane Ashegh (Wandering Lovers), Tadrise Eshgh (Teaching Love), Teflan Moslem, Farzandane Mehr and etc. which all are in accordance to the social development and poverty reduction goals of the NGO.      

This society has the following aims:

1- To encourage students to use their strength and energy to give aid to those who need it.

2- Expanding the society into a large scale student movement to fight social problems

3- To draw on practical knowledge and scientific research to find new approaches to aid-giving.

4- To exchange knowledge and academic research with universities in Iran and around the world about in order to enhance the methods of aid-giving which derive from the lifestyle and customs of Imam Ali; to develop his humanitarian ideas and help to release his goal of global peace and justice.

5- To encourage students to promote good by advising and aiding others and by spreading knowledge to help other students understand the sources of human suffering.

6- To work towards a consensus among students to focus their intent on creating a better future for mankind.

7- To encourage students to unite in their efforts towards a better future and to avoid political groups with vague and unhelpful political intentions.

8- To offer planning and programs which use students' free time to the best effect - so that this provides a framework for these goals to remain with our members throughout their lives.

Official Website:
www.sosapoverty.org