Souk Ahras, Algeria – Local authorities in the wilaya (province) of Souk Ahras have issued a statement clarifying the circumstances surrounding a widely circulated video featuring a young boy nicknamed “Houba.” The video, which captured heartfelt statements from the minor, sparked significant concern and discussion across social media platforms.
According to a statement released by the wilaya, the Directorate of Social Action, specifically the Al Om El Adhaim neighborhood cell, launched an investigation into the matter. The investigation revealed that the boy, identified as a 15-year-old known locally as “Houba,” comes from a family of five children. With the exception of one child, the siblings have all dropped out of school at an early age. Furthermore, it was found that a majority of the children suffer from psychological and mental health challenges.
The family, according to the same source, engages in begging at various workshops and along roadways, appealing to passersby and truck drivers for assistance. The father resides in a rural dwelling and is employed as a manual laborer within the same municipality.
The wilaya authorities emphasized that the “family is under the care of the Social Action services and receives continuous in-kind assistance and psychological support.” This statement aims to reassure the public that the situation is being addressed and that the family is receiving necessary aid. The authorities hope this clarification will provide context to the viral video and alleviate concerns regarding the well-being of the child and his family.
DZWatch will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as they become available. We remain committed to reporting on issues affecting the well-being of children and families across Algeria.
