The Moroccan Bookstore Owners Association has submitted a formal complaint to the Minister of National Education, expressing concerns over persistent shortages of school textbooks. The association, in a letter dated October 28, 2026, highlighted the difficulties faced by bookstores in meeting the demands of families and students. This shortage has caused disruptions to the start of the academic year and deprived students of their right to receive textbooks in a timely manner.
The association emphasized that the shortage is not a new issue, but rather a recurring problem that has been reported multiple times. Despite previous warnings, the situation remains unresolved, causing frustration among bookstore owners, families, and students. The association is calling for urgent action to address the shortage and ensure that all necessary textbooks are made available to students.
The association's president, Hassan Maatouk, has urged the Ministry of National Education to intervene and investigate the causes of the shortage. He stressed that providing textbooks is a shared responsibility among stakeholders and that bookstore owners should not bear the brunt of the shortage. Maatouk emphasized that textbooks are a fundamental right of students and that their availability is essential for a successful academic year.
The shortage of textbooks has been particularly severe in certain schools, including those in the "Schools of Excellence" program. Many families and students have reported difficulties in obtaining the required textbooks, which has caused anxiety and disruption to the academic year. The association is demanding that the Ministry take immediate action to address the shortage and ensure that all students have access to the necessary textbooks.
The association has also raised concerns over the distribution channels for textbooks, suggesting that some books may be being sold outside of authorized channels. This has led to questions about the transparency and efficiency of the distribution process. The association is calling for greater oversight and regulation of the textbook distribution process to prevent such irregularities.
The Ministry of National Education has yet to respond to the association's complaint, but Maatouk has expressed hope that the government will take the issue seriously and take prompt action to address the shortage. He emphasized that the association is not seeking to apportion blame, but rather to find a solution to the problem and ensure that students have access to the textbooks they need.
The shortage of textbooks has highlighted the challenges faced by Morocco's education system, including issues related to infrastructure, resources, and logistics. The association's complaint has drawn attention to the need for greater investment in the education sector and for more effective management of resources. As the academic year continues, the association will continue to press for a resolution to the textbook shortage and for improvements to the education system as a whole.
Key points
- The Moroccan Bookstore Owners Association has submitted a formal complaint to the Minister of National Education over persistent shortages of school textbooks.
- The association is calling for urgent action to address the shortage and ensure that all necessary textbooks are made available to students.
- The shortage has caused disruptions to the start of the academic year and deprived students of their right to receive textbooks in a timely manner.
