After 102 days away and weeks of lost contact due to Iran conflict, Iranian first-grader Radin returns to Shaoxing school. Classmates embrace him warmly.
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Source: OT-Team(G), 潮新闻
A quiet campus in eastern China erupted into excitement this Monday morning as students shared long-awaited news: “Radin is back!”
The moment unfolded at a primary school in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, where eight-year-old Radin—an Iranian first grader—walked onto campus with his backpack, marking a return that followed months of disruption, चिंता, and separation caused by conflict in his home region.
A Sudden Departure
According to school officials, Radin’s family, who run a foreign trade business in Keqiao district, made the abrupt decision to leave China earlier this year. On January 15, his mother arrived at the school to complete withdrawal procedures.
“We were reluctant to see him go,” said Li Ning, head of the primary division. “We reassured the family that China is safe and even offered to care for him during the Spring Festival if needed.”
At the time, Radin’s father and older brother had already returned to Iran. The family was eager to reunite, but also expressed concern about the potential impact of regional instability—particularly the risk of banking disruptions that could affect their livelihood abroad. Mother and son departed the same day.
Radin’s early experience in China had not been easy. When he first enrolled, financial constraints—linked to tensions in the Middle East—had delayed tuition payments, prompting the school to grant special accommodations. Despite this, he quickly adapted, becoming an outgoing and cheerful presence who developed a strong fondness for life in China.
Communication Lost—and Found
After returning to Iran, Radin remained in touch with his homeroom teacher, Song Jiaqing, through video calls and messaging. Initially, communication was smooth. He received assignments and report cards, responding promptly.
On February 25, Radin sent a message: “I’m in Iran. I’ll come back in 20 days.”
His planned return date was March 16. But events took a turn when conflict escalated.
Concerned, Song reached out repeatedly. “I saw the news and immediately asked if he was safe,” she said. Messages soon went unread. For nearly a month, there was no contact.
During that period, Song closely followed developments in Iran through Chinese social media platforms, increasingly worried as reports of civilian impact emerged. Back at school, classmates frequently asked when Radin would return. Some parents even offered to help locate the family.
On March 29, after 29 days of silence, a message finally arrived just before 1 a.m.: “We are safe.”
“It was a huge relief,” Song recalled. “I couldn’t sleep that night.”
Remote Learning Efforts
During the disruption, the school attempted to support Radin’s education remotely. A dedicated online group was created, bringing together the principal, homeroom teacher, and subject teachers, who shared coursework and materials.
However, intermittent internet access in Iran soon cut off communication again.
Six days later came another update: the family had secured flights to Shanghai for April 22, with Radin expected to return to school on April 27.
A Quiet Return, A Warm Welcome
School staff deliberately chose not to organize a formal welcome ceremony. Instead, they observed quietly from a distance as Radin reentered campus life.
It appeared to be an ordinary Monday. Wearing his school uniform, Radin was led into a classroom mid-math lesson. When his classmates realized he had returned, they rushed to embrace him.
“I thought about coming back every day while I was in Iran,” Radin said. “I love everyone here. I missed every single person.”
His mother, watching from outside, was visibly moved. “Thank you for waiting for us,” she told the principal. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”
To mark his return, classmates prepared a special gift: drawings depicting important moments from the past two months, collected in a glass jar as a keepsake.
Back to Normal Life
Radin quickly resumed his routine. A passionate football enthusiast, he had previously chosen football as his only elective—a decision fully supported by his parents.
On his first day back, he headed straight to the field.
Reuniting with his friend Eric—who shares both his love of football and admiration for Cristiano Ronaldo—the two immediately slipped back into playful rivalry.
“I thought I wouldn’t see you until next semester,” Eric joked. “Today I’m going to beat you on the field!”
“Let’s see about that,” Radin replied.
Moving Forward
Following the widespread attention the story received online, the school has decided to limit further media exposure to allow Radin to return to a normal life.
In a statement, Principal Li expressed gratitude for public concern while emphasizing the importance of privacy and stability:
“Radin is doing very well. He’s engaging in class and playing on the মাঠ just like before, with a bright smile. His classmates are overjoyed to have him back. This pure friendship is the most beautiful scene on campus.”
The school also noted it will continue monitoring Radin’s emotional well-being and maintain close communication with his family.
A recent video shared by Radin’s mother shows him skateboarding freely in a public square in Keqiao—relaxed, at ease, and back where he feels safe.
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