The Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, announced on Monday that his ministry is undertaking a comprehensive effort to combat the dropout rate in the country’s schools. The ambitious plan aims to reduce the rate by nearly a third by 2026.
Addressing an oral question in the House of Representatives, Minister Benmoussa emphasized the crucial role of preschool education in enhancing student achievement and lowering dropout rates. He also revealed various measures to expand the school’s offerings and support services to tackle this critical issue.
One of the key pillars of the ministry’s plan is the generalization of preschool education across the country. Minister Benmoussa revealed that the number of preschool classes in Morocco has significantly increased, reaching nearly 30,000, compared to a mere 7,000 in 2019.
This significant expansion of early education is expected to lay a strong foundation for students and foster a positive learning environment, ultimately contributing to reducing school dropout rates.
To ensure that education is accessible to all, the ministry said it will be focusing on the establishment of communal schools and the provision of essential social support services like school transport. These measures are designed to create a more inclusive and supportive educational environment, particularly for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To fund these initiatives, the Moroccan government has allocated a budget of one and a half billion dirhams, signaling a strong commitment to improving the country’s education system. The financial support will play a crucial role in enhancing the infrastructure, resources, and facilities necessary to implement the ministry’s comprehensive plan effectively.
Additionally, the ministry aims to increase the number of second chance centers, which provide an opportunity for students who have dropped out to re-enter the education system. This step is expected to act as a safety net for those who faced obstacles in their academic journey and facilitate their reintegration into formal education.
Minister Benmoussa also highlighted the importance of promoting education in rural areas. He announced that out of the 203 schools scheduled to open their doors during the coming school year, an impressive 130 schools will be inaugurated in rural regions. The minister firmly believes that providing quality education in rural areas is essential for fostering equal opportunities for students across the country.
To achieve this goal, the ministry has set a target to increase the number of communal schools, with plans to raise the current figure of 271 schools in rural areas in the coming years. The government further committed to ensuring that the quality of education in rural regions matches that of urban areas, with Minister Benmoussa assuring that the equipment and standards of educational units in these areas will be on par with those in urban centers.
The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) will also play a significant role in this endeavor, with approximately 2,000 teaching units carried out annually by the initiative, primarily in rural areas. For Minister Benmoussa, this shows the government’s commitment to providing equal opportunities for students in all regions across Morocco.
