TEHRAN -- Head of the Expediency Council (EC) Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani on Saturday called for active participation of the people and private sector in domestic educational affairs.

Addressing a conference on evaluating the performance of Islamic Azad Schools Organization (SAMA), he said that whenever the people and private sector contribute to the educational affairs, the country enjoys great scientific achievements, IRNA reported.

Terming the SAMA's performance as "positive", he said the Islamic Azad University should continue its investment in establishing and developing these schools.

The official further referred to the professional and efficient work force as the main asset for the organization.

He said the organization focuses on, among other objectives, helping the development of the deprived areas and increasing the knowledge and skill of the youth.

Rafsanjani also visited the artistic, cultural and research works of the students of these schools put on display on the sideline of the conference.

The three-day conference marking the 10th anniversary of establishment of the organization opened on Saturday in Shahid Bahonar recreational camp.