A Moroccan parliamentary committee has questioned the Minister of National Education on the measures taken to guarantee the right to education for children with disabilities. The committee, led by Rajaa Maso, a member of the Socialist Group in the House of Representatives, asked the minister about the suitability of the educational and pedagogical offer for children with disabilities. The committee also inquired about the implementation of the constitutional right to education for these children.
The parliamentary committee highlighted the shortcomings in the current education system for children with disabilities. They pointed out that the system is plagued by deep-seated structural and pedagogical problems that hinder the achievement of equity and equal opportunities. The committee also criticized the Ministerial Decision No. 047.19, which they believe perpetuates discrimination based on the degree of disability. The decision limits the actual benefit to children with mild and moderate disabilities, while excluding those with severe or complex disabilities.
The committee also criticized the lack of adaptation of curricula, study programs, teaching methods, and evaluation tools for children with disabilities. They pointed out that the activation of individual pedagogical projects and the equipment of resource rooms for rehabilitation and support are weak. The committee also expressed concerns about the implementation of the "Leadership Institutions" project, which they believe deepens the problem by focusing on basic learning and cognitive aspects, at the expense of life skills and psychological, motor, and social rehabilitation.
The Moroccan government has faced criticism for its handling of education for children with disabilities. The country's constitution guarantees the right to education for all citizens, including those with disabilities. However, the reality on the ground is that many children with disabilities face significant barriers to accessing education. The parliamentary committee's questions highlight the need for the government to take concrete steps to address these challenges and ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to education.
The Minister of National Education has not yet responded to the parliamentary committee's questions. However, the government has announced plans to improve education for children with disabilities. These plans include the development of new curricula and teaching methods, as well as the construction of new schools and classrooms. The government has also announced plans to increase funding for education for children with disabilities.
The issue of education for children with disabilities is a pressing concern in Morocco. According to official statistics, there are over 1 million children with disabilities in the country, many of whom face significant barriers to accessing education. The government's response to the parliamentary committee's questions will be closely watched by human rights groups and advocates for children with disabilities.
The Moroccan parliament has taken steps to address the issue of education for children with disabilities. In 2020, the parliament passed a law that guarantees the right to education for children with disabilities. The law also provides for the allocation of funds to support education for children with disabilities. However, the implementation of the law has been slow, and many children with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to accessing education.
Key points
- Moroccan lawmakers are pressing the government to take concrete steps to ensure that children with disabilities have equal access to education.
