Project Name
ANAA (Association Nationale Autisme Algérie)
Cause
Education
Mission & History
The Association Nationale Autisme Algérie (ANAA) was founded in 2013. Since its inception, ANAA has been actively working to support individuals with autism and their families through various initiatives and programs.
ANAA aims to:
- Raise Awareness: Increase public understanding and acceptance of autism.
- Support Families: Provide resources and support to families affected by autism.
- Advocate for Rights: Promote the rights and inclusion of individuals with autism in all aspects of society.
- Education and Training: Offer training programs for professionals and caregivers to improve the quality of care and education for individuals with autism.
- Research and Development: Support and conduct research to better understand autism and develop effective interventions.
Country Information
In Algeria, there are over 500,000 children with autism spectrum disorders, a number that is continually rising. The care available is inadequate due to insufficient infrastructure, professional staff, and specialized facilities, leading to the isolation of these children and their families. Additionally, urbanization is drastically reducing essential green spaces needed for children’s well-being and socialization.
This is particularly crucial for children on the autism spectrum, who benefit greatly from connecting with nature to stimulate and develop their skills. Therefore, preserving green spaces is a vital and urgent priority.
The need
The key social issues being addressed are:
- the disconnection of children and families from nature in urban settings
- the lack of autonomy and isolation experienced by children with autism spectrum disorder
- the professional integration of adolescents
- the degradation of green spaces in cities. Neuroscience demonstrates that connecting with nature is as essential for children and humans as breathing, drinking, and eating.
The project we fund
Design and create an Educational Ecological Center in an urban forest for children, families, and children with autism.
Objectives:
- Raise awareness and integrate participants into their environment.
- Foster eco-citizenship and preserve urban natural spaces through permaculture and sustainability.
- Develop an “Inclusion and Nature” center with living and reception spaces.
- Provide training and support for parents and professionals.
- Offer job programs for young autistic adults in green careers.
- Conduct workshops on environmental education, sustainable development, and permaculture.
- Host gardening and green space planning workshops.
- Organize awareness events and community exchanges.
The result: figures, news, testimonies
By tracking the progress of children and their families, we rely primarily on parent feedback and input from professionals. We use both quantitative and qualitative indicators to assess our initiatives.
This center project serves as a pilot phase for creating and expanding a model to other cities (wilayas) across Algeria.
