This meeting is part of the ongoing efforts made by Lions Club Morocco to further promote the values of mutual aid, commitment and sharing among its members, with a view to promote humanitarian action in favor of the underprivileged.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of this event, Karim Essakalli, governor of District 416 of Lions Club Morocco, highlighted the several actions undertaken during his mandate, in particular the signing of a partnership agreement with the ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research which has enabled the Club to use public schools for its social actions.

In this regard, 26 preschool classes were redeveloped by Lions Club, said Essakalli, who also mentioned the launch by the Club Rabat Doyen, the Lalla Asmae Foundation, the ministry of solidarity, social development, equality and the family, as well as other partners, of a national program of cochlear implants targeting more than 800 deaf children from disadvantaged families, in addition to the opening of school spaces for the reception of children.

District 416 Morocco received a grant of 432,000 US dollars from the Lions Clubs International Foundation and 2 million DH from the region and the Oriental Agency for the equipment of all the provinces of the region in materials for the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, he added.

He also recalled that the wilaya of Marrakech awarded a grant as part of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) of 350,000 DH intended for the acquisition of a school minibus for the transfer to school of children with special needs.

For his part, Mr. Khalil Hachimi Idrissi, Global Leadership Team (GLT) – former governor of Lions Club International, noted that "the action of the Club is developing currently in a country which reflects, and which debates on a new development model," noting that the Lions are part of this vital national debate.

Sixteen years ago, the Lions of Morocco have appropriated the Human Development National Initiative and collectively carried its objectives and actions in all the regions of Morocco, he said, noting that "the results of this initiative is satisfying in several areas, including health, employability, childhood, youth and preschool.

"Today we are in fact engaged, like the rest of the country, in the debate on the New Development Model. We will take our part. And we will assume our responsibilities", said Mr. Hachimi Idrissi.

He also expressed his thanks to the governor of District 416 Morocco for all the work accomplished during his term.

In an address on behalf of the ministry of National Education, Vocational Training, Higher Education and Scientific Research, a tribute was paid to HRH Princess Lalla Asmae for her permanent involvement in social action and charity and support for social categories that are in precarious situations, in particular deaf and dumb children.

Emphasis was also placed on the signing of two framework partnership agreements between the ministry of National Education, the Lalla Asmaa Foundation for deaf children and young people and Lions Club Morocco, for the promotion of inclusive education, recalling that Morocco has a legislative and legal framework reflecting the political will of the State and of society to guarantee the fundamental rights of this category and ensure its social inclusion.

"The Constitution includes articles prohibiting all forms of discrimination on the basis of disability and aiming at integrating people with special needs into social and civil life and thus enable them to enjoy their rights and freedoms, including access to a quality education", it is emphasized.

It was also a question of calling all the stakeholders to a collective mobilization to ensure the success of the project relating to the implementation of inclusive education, which is likely to guarantee the right to education for this social category.

The 26th National Convention of Lions Club International, District 416 Morocco, was preceded by a training session on several themes related in particular to leadership and ethics.

One of the highlights of this Convention is the holding of the General Assembly of Lions Club Morocco, which is expected to examine the moral and financial reports, as well as reports of activities by region.