Solidarity Ministry Focuses on Wildfire Response, School Year Readiness
Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women's Issues, Souria Mouloudji, chaired a coordinated meeting with directors of social action and solidarity via remote conferencing. The meeting's primary focus was to monitor the implementation of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune's directives concerning the aftermath of recent wildfires that affected several central and eastern provinces. Central officials from the Ministry were also present to assess the ongoing victim care process since its inception and evaluate the mobilization of the sector's human and logistical capabilities to meet the identified needs in the affected regions.
During the session, Minister Mouloudji issued instructions for active contributions to the field inventory and assessment of damages, as well as the social situations arising from the fires. She emphasized intensifying the field presence of neighborhood cells, particularly in remote, mountainous areas and challenging population centers. As an example of these efforts, 119 neighborhood cells have been mobilized in Jijel province, with a focus on implementing a well-planned distribution strategy to ensure outreach to all affected families. The Minister also stressed the continuation of psychological and social support for affected families and individuals, both in reception and shelter centers and within their homes, with specific attention directed towards children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and those injured by the fires.
Further directives included enhancing coordination with local authorities and various intervening bodies. This unified approach aims to streamline efforts in inventorying needs, organizing the distribution of in-kind assistance, and ensuring it reaches the rightful beneficiaries. The Ministry is also tasked with continually mobilizing human and logistical resources in response to the evolving situation on the ground. Concurrently with the wildfire aftermath, the meeting addressed preparations for the 2026-2027 social and school year. Minister Mouloudji underscored the necessity of completing all organizational, pedagogical, and logistical arrangements to ensure a suitable environment for children.
To ensure preparedness for the new academic period, the Minister ordered intensified field visits and unannounced inspections to social care institutions. This includes verifying the readiness of specialized educational institutions and confirming their compliance with the requirements for quality schooling. She emphasized the strict application of ministerial memoranda, instructions, and preventive measures within all institutions affiliated with the sector. Concluding the meeting, Mouloudji reaffirmed the importance of sustained mobilization of the sector's services and reinforced efforts to manage the wildfire consequences and support affected families, while simultaneously finalizing preparations for the social and school year, maintaining the highest levels of readiness and vigilance.
