Dr. Abdelilah Benarafa, Deputy Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), received Mrs. Maïmouna Cissokho, Director-General of the National Agency for Early Childhood (NAEC) in Senegal, to explore ways for joint cooperation between ICESCO and the Agency in the field of early childhood.

During the meeting, held on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at ICESCO Headquarters in Rabat, Dr. Benarafa stated that ICESCO accords great importance to the protection of children from social violence through its comprehensive educational programs, commending NAEC’s initiative to introduce the Islamic world culture and learning the Arabic language to children.

For her part, Mrs. Cissokho reviewed NAEC’s programs and initiatives to support young children in the fields of education, health, social protection and nutrition, stressing her eagerness to build cooperation with ICESCO to protect children and develop their skills.

The meeting brought together Mr. Najib Rhiati, Cultural Adviser to ICESCO Director-General, and Ms. Ramata Almamy Mbaye, Head of the Human and Social Sciences Sector. Mr. Rhiati stressed the importance of including the values of peace, security and leadership in curricula for young children, while Ms. Ramata stated that ICESCO launches and implements several programs that contribute to the rehabilitation of young children and the development of their cognitive capacities to achieve sustainable development.