Libya Launches National Training Program for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Care

Tripoli hosts landmark national program to equip educators with specialized skills for autism care

The Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science launched a specialized national training program in Tripoli on Monday, focused on comprehensive care for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The initiative aims to develop the skills of educational staff and enhance the quality of educational services provided to children with ASD across Libya.

Held at the Teachers' Union Hall in Tripoli, the program brings together Ministry of Education officials alongside special needs teachers from Greater Tripoli municipalities. The training reflects Libya's growing commitment to inclusive education and specialized care for children with developmental disorders.

Official Launch and High-Level Participation

The opening session was attended by Dr. Khairi Shou, Director of the Department of Support and Psychological Counseling at the Ministry of Education, and Dr. Muftah Al-Daraji, Director of the Department of Education and Integration of Special Categories. Both officials emphasized the importance of strengthening local and Arab cooperation in supporting persons with special needs.

Also present was Dr. Hussein Al-Mashraki, Secretary-General of the Libyan National Commission for Education, Culture and Science, alongside Ms. Jalila Al-Obaidi, Program and Projects Coordinator at ALECSO. Dr. Najwa Jebali, a professor at the Higher Institute of Specialized Education at the University of Manouba in Tunisia and a school inclusion consultant in Saudi Arabia, also participated as a key expert.

Training Curriculum: From Diagnosis to Inclusive Education

The first day featured two intensive training units. The first unit focused on the conceptual framework of ASD, highlighting diagnostic differences between the fourth and fifth editions of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Participants received comprehensive instruction on holistic care and its educational, psychological, and social dimensions.

A central theme was the role of educational institutions in creating supportive classroom environments that help children with ASD learn, integrate, and participate within the school community. This emphasis on inclusive education aligns with international best practices for special needs education.

The second training unit addressed ASD and related sensory disorders, covering:

  • Identification of different types of sensory disorders associated with autism
  • Recognition of stereotypical behaviors and their underlying causes
  • Strategies for managing sensory challenges in educational settings
  • Methods to reduce the impact of sensory issues within the learning environment

Libya's Growing Commitment to Inclusive Education

The Libyan National Commission confirmed that this program represents a practical step toward enhancing inclusive education and raising the efficiency of teachers working with special needs children. Training activities will continue on the second day to complete specialized topics related to ASD care.

This initiative comes within broader efforts to develop Libya's educational system to be more inclusive. According to recent estimates, ASD affects approximately 1 in 100 children globally, making programs like this essential for building local capacity to provide appropriate care and education.

Regional and International Collaboration

The participation of ALECSO and international experts from Tunisia and Saudi Arabia underscores the collaborative nature of this initiative. Such partnerships enable Libya to benefit from regional expertise in special education while adapting best practices to the local context. Dr. Najwa Jebali brings experience from both Tunisian and Saudi educational systems, providing valuable cross-cultural perspectives on inclusive education strategies.

The program also featured an interactive discussion session led by Mr. Rafa Omar Shariha, Secretary of the ALECSO Division, alongside Ms. Jalila Al-Obaidi and Dr. Najwa Jebali. The session aimed to enhance communication among participants and prepare a conducive environment for the training program.

Looking Ahead: Building Sustainable Capacity

As Libya continues to rebuild and develop its educational infrastructure, targeted programs like this national training initiative represent critical investments in human capital. By equipping teachers with specialized skills in autism care and inclusive education, Libya is laying the groundwork for a more equitable educational system that serves all children regardless of their developmental needs.

The success of this program could serve as a model for similar initiatives across other Libyan municipalities, potentially expanding to include more specialized training modules and reaching a wider network of educators nationwide.

— Libya Press / News Desk