Education in Morocco

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:48 pm Post subject: Education in Morocco

Among many problems that Morocco faces, education seems to be one of the major concerns. ( at least for me )
It's as obvious as daylight that progress cannot be brought about without harnessing as many resources as possible to make the educational system efficient and able to face challenges.
Last but not least i want to lay emphasis on the need to eradicate illiteracy from the country whatever the cost... personally it hurts me a lot to see children not having the opportunity to go to school or forced to leave it early.

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 11:52 pm Post subject: Re: Education in Morocco

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 11:50 am Post subject: Re: Education in Morocco

Absoulutely agree Antatres. As far as I understand there are no penalties for parents who choose not to send their children to school, it seems up to them. If they themselves are uneducated the fail to see the value in education for their children....and why indeed should they if no one takes the time to explain it to them. Another point that suprised me that teaching as a career was not valued very highly and also not paid very well. I am just repeating what i have been told by my friend who is in good position to know what he's talking about. It would seem government jobs are highly sought as thats where the money is. Police cause it's esay to make up your salary with "fines" (bribes) Shocked

But teaching although offering a secure job is not well paid.

This I find rediculous as what can be more important than training the young people and moulding them into responsible well educated adults of tomorrow. My friend and his brothers were lucky for although they lived in the country they all had the oportunity to attend school and all went on to university. But this was because they themselves were determined and could see the value in an education and what their lives would be like without one. So the oportunity is there for all, but it seems the effort is all down to the individual.

Regarding resources, it does seem that country schools are lacking. When my friend visited us last year he bought loads of materials for his classroom and lessons. I thought that sort of thing would have been readily provided but it appears not so. Our last visit I took him some books he asked for and a few other bits and bobs.

Another thing while we were there elections were looming and in the village the school children had been given for the first time school uniforms, I was told in an effort to get their parents vote.... Wink

But that aside, it was obvious that the children were very proud to have them and were strutting around showing them off. I thought to compare to the UK where school uniform is compulsory in many schools, and the efforts the children go to here to avoid wearing it or adapting it to look more fashionable... Laughing

We can but hope that those who hold the power will recognise the value of a fair and sound education for all Moroccans not just those who live in the larger towns and cities.

Agree with the reading...my job is books and it you can tell the child who reads for pleasure at home to one who just reads when they are told to. We run many schemes to encourage children to read in their own time. It makes a huge difference to their ability to grasp a wide range of subjects not just language.