Algiers – In a move to combat drug use within educational institutions, the Algerian Ministry of National Education has launched a dedicated hotline. This initiative aligns with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s national strategy to fight drug and psychotropic substance abuse, particularly within the education sector.
The implementation follows directives announced by the Minister of National Education, Dr. Mohamed Sghir Saadaoui, during the launch of a national awareness campaign earlier this month. The hotline serves as a crucial mechanism for fostering a culture of prevention within schools.
Minister Saadaoui, in collaboration with the National Commissioner for Child Protection, recently convened a working meeting to explore the adoption of the toll-free number (1111) within the school environment. Given that the majority of individuals under 18 years of age – legally defined as ‘children’ – are enrolled in educational institutions, this collaboration is deemed essential for ensuring early prevention and safeguarding students from potential risks.
A specialized technical team from the Ministry has been tasked with visiting the headquarters of the National Authority for the Protection and Promotion of Childhood. Their mission is to assess the existing mechanisms for receiving and processing reports, and to evaluate their adaptability to the specific needs of the education sector. Key considerations include:
- The size of educational institutions and the number of students nationwide.
- Methods for processing reports and their referral to regional education directorates.
- Ensuring confidentiality and protecting whistleblowers.
- Establishing a joint protocol for managing cases and intervening when necessary.
The initial assessment has confirmed the feasibility of utilizing the 1111 hotline within the educational setting. Joint technical teams from both the Ministry and the Authority will be responsible for establishing operational procedures and monitoring cases related to the school environment. This will involve close coordination between central departments and specialized bodies at both the national and regional levels.
The Ministry of National Education has officially announced the adoption of the toll-free number 1111, marking a significant step in protecting students from drug abuse.
