Soumya Benghettou, Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, led a full coordination meeting on Sunday, July 26. The meeting, which included central administration officials from her ministry, reviewed preparations for the upcoming school year, with a specific focus on students with special needs. The discussions centered on ensuring complete readiness for their educational integration into the school system. This initiative shows the ministry's commitment to providing equitable educational opportunities for all children.
Support for Students with Special Needs
The meeting served as a follow-up on the acquisition of adapted pedagogical and educational means and equipment, according to ministry officials. Detailed discussions also covered the organizational and logistical arrangements for acquiring school bags, an essential provision for many students. These efforts are specifically designed to support low-income families and alleviate their social burdens, a key aspect noted by a ministry spokesperson. Minister Soumya Benghettou further stressed the imperative need to complete all organizational, pedagogical, and administrative procedures for children with autism spectrum disorder without delay. The minister emphasized the importance of providing quality services that are meticulously tailored to the specific needs of these children, ensuring their optimal development and learning environment. "The minister emphasized providing all conditions for pedagogical and educational care and supervision, mobilizing specialized human resources, and providing quality services that meet the needs of this category," the minister stated, reiterating the ministry's dedication to this vulnerable group.
Autism Awareness Campaign Launch
In a significant move, the Minister of National Solidarity, Family and Women's Affairs, Soumya Benghettou, issued direct instructions to officials for the immediate launch of a national awareness campaign on autism spectrum disorder. This vital campaign is scheduled to begin next week, according to the ministry's announcement. Its primary objectives are multifaceted: enhancing societal awareness regarding autism, promoting a culture of early diagnosis and detection among parents and healthcare professionals, and establishing clear principles for the integration of children with autism into society and educational settings. The campaign will also prominently highlight state achievements in supporting children with autism spectrum disorder, specifically mentioning the foundational role of the National Autism Center and other newly established specialized centers across the country. Ms. Benghettou reiterated the critical importance of full support for this group, stressing that every effort must be made to facilitate their inclusion and well-being. "The minister emphasized providing all conditions for pedagogical and educational care and supervision, mobilizing specialized human resources, and providing quality services that meet the needs of this category," the minister stated, showing the holistic approach required.
Context and Ministry Objectives
The coordination meeting on Sunday was convened with the express aim of evaluating the progress of various sectoral programs currently underway and to discuss priority files for the ministry, according to ministry officials. Preparations for the upcoming social and school year were identified as a key focus of the discussions, reflecting the seasonal urgency of these arrangements. The meeting specifically assessed the readiness of sector institutions and structures to receive students with special needs, ensuring that all logistical and educational frameworks are in place. This thorough assessment was intended to ensure the school year begins under optimal conditions for these students, particularly at the four specialized centers recently inaugurated in Tebessa, Bechar, Oran, and Tipaza. These new centers represent a significant expansion of specialized care and education. Minister Soumya Benghettou consistently stressed the critical importance of mobilizing specialized human resources for these efforts, recognizing that qualified personnel are key for effective support. "The minister emphasized providing all conditions for pedagogical and educational care and supervision, mobilizing specialized human resources, and providing quality services that meet the needs of this category," the minister stated, noting the integrated approach to supporting students with special needs.