OAPAM concludes first summer camp phase for visually impaired youth

The Alaouite Organization for the Promotion of the Blind in Morocco (OAPAM) has concluded the first phase of its national summer camp for blind and visually impaired children and adolescents, marking the end of a program that brought together 170 participants from across the Kingdom.

The closing ceremony took place at the Mohammed VI Institute for the Education and Training of the Blind in Témara. The initiative, organized under the presidency of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Lamia Essolh, formed part of OAPAM’s summer 2026 activities and included children, teenagers, and educational and administrative staff from the organization’s institutes and branches nationwide.

Participants celebrated the conclusion of the program through artistic and cultural performances showcasing the talents and creativity developed during the camp’s workshops and activities.

Salaheddine Semmar, Secretary General of OAPAM, said summer camps provide an important educational environment where children can meet peers, develop skills, and express their educational and artistic abilities. He noted that the organization holds the camp annually and described the closing event as a celebration of the successful completion of the first stage of the program.

According to Semmar, participants demonstrated significant creative abilities and gained greater autonomy in mobility, communication, interaction, and adaptation. He emphasized that these skills are essential to achieving full social inclusion for blind and visually impaired children and adolescents.

Janat Amchichou, a participant from Tangier, expressed her satisfaction with the experience, saying the camp allowed her to make new friends and take part in a wide range of activities.

Another participant, Khalid Hadik from Béni Mellal, highlighted his involvement in various events designed to showcase individual talents, including sports, cultural activities, and evening programs. He also praised the commitment of supervisors who supported participants throughout the camp.

The first phase of the national summer camp ran from July 1 to July 12 under the theme “For a creative child and a responsible citizen.” The program adopted a comprehensive approach combining educational, cultural, sporting, artistic, and recreational activities aimed at promoting autonomy, citizenship, creativity, inclusion, and skills development among blind and visually impaired children.