In a gesture that was both supportive, cultural and deeply human, the International Festival of Comics of Algiers (FIBDA) gave special attention to children from the provinces of Jijel, Béjaïa and Tizi Ouzou, whose regions were affected by the recent wildfires. The initiative, launched by the Ministry of Culture and Arts, is part of its efforts to support children and offer them a moment of escape, discovery and sharing, away from the sadness and painful memories left by the fires.

Welcomed at the festival site, the Riadh El Feth Esplanade, the children had the opportunity to discover FIBDA’s various spaces and exhibitions, immerse themselves in the world of comics, and interact with the participants and professionals present. The visit also featured the distribution of gifts, helping to create a warm and festive atmosphere around the gathering, which was marked by solidarity.

The presence of these groups of children is part of a series of initiatives launched or supported by the Ministry of Culture and Arts for children from regions affected by the wildfires. Salima Gaoua, Central Director at the Ministry of Culture and Arts, explained that the participation was intended, in particular, to enable the children to take part in a major cultural event and rediscover an environment conducive to relaxation and self-expression. “The presence of children from Jijel, Béjaïa and Tizi Ouzou is part of the solidarity initiatives overseen by the Ministry of Culture and Arts,” she said, noting that the joy was “visible on the children’s faces” as they discovered the festival’s various pavilions and received their gifts.

For the official, the initiative is also about making culture an accessible space for all children, particularly those who have gone through difficult experiences. “We wanted to involve these children in this cultural event,” she stressed, adding that the organisers hope to welcome more children during the remaining days of the festival.

The initiative also gives children an opportunity to reconnect with collective and recreational activities, in an environment where comics become a means of expression, creativity and interaction. Zakaria Boudiaf, Director of Culture of Jijel Province, welcomed what he described as a “very beautiful” initiative, saying it had enabled children from the province to take part in the festival’s activities alongside their peers from other regions.

“The children from Jijel found in this festival a space conducive to expression and leisure,” he explained, highlighting the atmosphere experienced by the young visitors, which he described as “wonderful” and characterised by “a great deal of interaction” with the other participants. In his view, their participation takes on particular significance given the circumstances experienced by the regions affected by the wildfires. It provides the children, he said, with an opportunity to temporarily distance themselves from the images and heavy atmosphere of recent weeks and return to an environment centred on joy and sharing. He also expressed his thanks to the festival commissioner, as well as to all the officials and organisers, for the facilities provided and the arrangements made to welcome the children.

From Béjaïa, the delegation welcomed in Algiers included children from the districts of Souk El Tenine, Tichy and Darguina, among others. Omar Reghal, Director of Culture of the province, highlighted the warm welcome given to the children and the enthusiasm they showed upon their arrival in the capital. “Happiness was visible on their faces as soon as they arrived in Algiers,” he noted, describing the visit as an opportunity for discovery and relaxation. The children were able to visit the festival venues before receiving gifts at the end of their tour. For Omar Reghal, these moments of sharing provided a particularly welcome break for the children, who were able to enjoy a cultural and recreational programme in a friendly atmosphere. “The children’s joy was obvious,” he added.