The new school year in Morocco's Khouribga province has begun with significant challenges, including overcrowding and inadequate transportation. The Moroccan Association for Student Rights has highlighted these issues, stating that the new school year has not brought significant improvements. Overcrowding remains a major problem, particularly in urban areas, where schools have had to reduce facilities and adjust the school map repeatedly.
In rural areas, the lack of transportation is exacerbating the problem, leading to a significant increase in school dropout rates. The Regional Human Development Committee has distributed 49 school buses to various communities, but the situation remains dire. For example, in the commune of Al-Hawzia, residents have described the situation as chaotic, with dozens of students forced to endure long and arduous journeys to school.
The situation is further complicated by the collapse of urban transportation, with the city of Khouribga now having almost no buses. This has created a social crisis that threatens the stability of families and undermines the right to education. Additionally, many schools in the province are under-equipped and lack sufficient staff, leading to concerns about the quality of education.
Several schools in the province have been described as "ghost institutions," with buildings that exist only on paper. The National Education Union has highlighted the issue, stating that many schools are not yet complete, while others have been delayed or abandoned. This has led to concerns about accountability and the use of public funds.
One example of a "ghost institution" is the Mohammed Tazi secondary school in the commune of Oulad Hamdan. Despite being announced in 2020, the school has yet to be built, with construction delayed due to funding issues. The school is intended to serve students from three nearby communities, but its absence has contributed to high dropout rates, particularly among girls.
The issue of administrative appointments has also been raised, with concerns about the use of temporary contracts and the lack of transparency in the appointment process. The National Education Union has called for greater accountability and transparency, highlighting the need for a thorough review of the education system in the province.
As the new school year continues, concerns about the quality of education and the safety of students remain. The government has been urged to take action to address these issues, including increasing funding for education and improving transportation infrastructure. Ultimately, the goal is to provide students with a safe and supportive learning environment that allows them to succeed.
Key points
- Overcrowding and transportation issues are major challenges facing Morocco's schools, particularly in rural areas.
- Many schools in the province are under-equipped and lack sufficient staff, leading to concerns about the quality of education.
- The issue of "ghost institutions" and administrative appointments has raised concerns about accountability and the use of public funds.
