9 October 2026

Aziz Kaichouh/ Morocco: Co-founder of ANECD, Advisory Board Member, and Vice President of the Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of Pre-School Education 

Words fail to express the depth of pain we feel as we bid farewell to the late Youssef Hajjar, may God bless him. He was a dear brother, a virtuous educator, and an exceptional human being.

His passing is a great loss to all who knew him, to all who had the honor of working with him, and to all who believed in his noble mission of serving early childhood and humanity. What makes this loss even more painful is that we are not merely mourning a colleague or a founder, but rather a majestic figure of humanity and intellect who left an indelible mark on the journey of ANECD, contributing with sincerity and dedication to its establishment, development, and the strengthening of its presence and influence throughout the Arab region.

The late Youssef Hajjar was a model of genuine generosity, never withholding his knowledge or hesitating to offer advice and guidance to anyone who sought him out. He was a support for all his colleagues, opening his heart before his door, and instilling hope and confidence in those around him with his kind words, genuine smile, cheerful spirit, and humility, which only increased people’s love and respect for him.

He firmly believed that the true investment lies in human beings, and he was a genuine advocate for children’s rights and the causes of education, justice, and human dignity. Throughout his journey, he embodied the highest ideals of commitment and responsibility, serving as a role model of morality, a symbol of refinement and loyalty, and a wise voice that united rather than divided and built rather than destroyed. His absence will leave a void that will be difficult to fill, but we take solace in the fact that his scientific, professional, and humanitarian legacy will remain with us, inspiring and guiding our steps, and that the values ​​he lived for will remain a light that guides us in serving children and future generations.

May God bless our dear brother Youssef Hajjar, grant him a place in Paradise, reward him abundantly for all he offered, and grant his family, loved ones, and colleagues patience and solace.