A training session focused on educational support for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has started in Ifrane, Morocco. The session, organized by the Mosaic Association in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development, Solidarity, and Family, and the State Secretariat for Social Inclusion, will run until November 8. The event brings together 30 participants from various backgrounds, including students from the National Schools of Commerce and Management (ENCG) in Fez, Kenitra, and Beni Mellal, as well as educational cadres and specialized education professionals.
The training session is part of a partnership project between the Mosaic Association and the concerned departments, signed about a year ago. The project includes organizing inclusive summer camps for autistic children, as well as training sessions for cadres responsible for their support. The Mosaic Association's president, Samir El Ayadi, stated that this session is a crucial component of the project, aiming to develop an integrated approach to supporting children with ASD.
The project goes beyond organizing inclusive summer camps, with plans to establish "Inclusive Residences" (Al-Maqamat Ad-Damija) to host autistic children, adolescents, and young adults during weekends in December. El Ayadi described these residences as a new experience at the national level, aiming to diversify spaces and modalities of support beyond traditional summer camps.
The training session brings together three complementary profiles: students from top schools, educational cadres with diplomas from the Ministry of Youth, and professionals with diplomas in specialized education. This diversity aims to create a new profile of "educational supporter" who can provide adapted support to children with ASD in future inclusive colonies.
The session covers various notions related to ASD, associated behaviors, and the specificities of this category of beneficiaries. The pedagogical framework is ensured by a specialist psychologist, a national cadre specialized in special education, and a national cadre intervening in the field of summer camps. Some participants already have experience in inclusive summer camps organized by the association.
Participants, including Sara El Hayadi, a student at ENCG, and Haytham El Amraoui, a medical student, expressed their enthusiasm for the training session. They highlighted the importance of understanding ASD as a particular condition requiring adapted approaches and the value of acquiring practical skills to support autistic children.
The Mosaic Association aims to contribute to the development of specialized competencies in educational support and promote inclusive practices allowing children, adolescents, and young adults with ASD to benefit from activities adapted to their needs. The association's initiatives seek to provide a more comprehensive and supportive environment for individuals with autism.
Key points
- The training session aims to develop an integrated approach to supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- The Mosaic Association plans to establish "Inclusive Residences" to host autistic children, adolescents, and young adults during weekends.
- The project seeks to create a new profile of "educational supporter" who can provide adapted support to children with ASD.
