Algeria's Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women's Affairs, Soraya Mouloudji, marked the start of the 2026-2027 school year by announcing the opening of the country's first specialized centers for children with autism. The centers are part of a broader effort to improve support services for children with specific needs. Mouloudji stated that over 25 training sessions have been organized since February 2026 to enhance the skills of professionals working with autistic children.

The new centers are a direct result of instructions from the President of the Republic to improve care for children with autism. Mouloudji emphasized that the centers will provide essential services to support the development and education of children on the autism spectrum. The minister highlighted the importance of these centers in addressing the needs of children with autism and their families.

In addition to the autism centers, Mouloudji reported that 2.7 million students are benefiting from a special school allowance for the current academic year. The government has also distributed over 186,000 school bags equipped with necessary supplies to students in need. A supplementary allocation has been set aside for students in the Jijel province.

The minister addressed the needs of children affected by recent fires in Jijel province. Mouloudji assured that these children will receive specialized psychological and social support to help them prepare for the new school year. The support aims to ensure a smooth transition back to school for those affected by the fires.

The National Solidarity sector is launching digital services through the "Morafiqokom" platform, specifically designed for specialized education institutions. This platform is expected to enhance the delivery of services and support to students with specific needs. The introduction of digital services marks a significant step in modernizing support systems for vulnerable groups.

Mouloudji's announcement underscores the government's commitment to improving education and support services for children with specific needs. The opening of autism centers and the expansion of special education services reflect a broader effort to promote inclusivity and equity in education. The initiatives aim to provide more comprehensive support to children and their families.

The developments in Algeria's education sector highlight the country's efforts to address the needs of children with autism and other specific needs. With the launch of new autism centers and expanded support services, the government is working to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all students. The impact of these initiatives will be closely watched as they unfold.

Key points

  • Algeria opens its first specialized centers for children with autism
  • The government expands special education services and support for children with specific needs
  • Digital services are launched to enhance support for students with specific needs through the "Morafiqokom" platform

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.