Moroccan Educators Reignite National Strike for Education Reform
Moroccan educators are once again raising their voices for change. On October 5th, teachers across the nation will participate in a general strike, culminating in a centralized protest at the Ministry of Education headquarters in Rabat. This action, organized by the National Coordination of Education, comes as a response to what they perceive as unfulfilled promises and a lack of progress on critical issues plaguing the education-with-cloud-infrastructure-and-e-learning-platform/” title=”Morocco Funds Cloud-Based Learning Platform for Gaza University”>education system.
The educators, often referred to as the “Cell 10 Teachers” in reference to their previous protests, cite the government’s failure to implement agreements signed with education unions on December 10th and 26th, 2023, as a primary reason for the strike. These agreements, crucial for addressing long-standing concerns within the education sector, have yet to be translated into tangible action.
Adding fuel to the fire is the government’s perceived inaction on disciplinary measures against educators. The Coordination criticizes the lack of progress in withdrawing what they deem “retaliatory disciplinary decisions” against teachers and specialized staff who participated in previous demonstrations. This lack of amnesty, they argue, creates a climate of fear and stifles open dialogue within the education sector.
The educators’ demands extend beyond their own ranks. They are also advocating for the rights of retired education professionals, demanding the implementation of a 2011 agreement that promised promotions and pension increases. This commitment to solidarity underscores the depth and breadth of the challenges facing Morocco’s education system.
This renewed wave of protests highlights the urgent need for comprehensive education reform in Morocco. As educators take a stand, the world will be watching to see how the Moroccan government responds to their call for a more just and equitable education system.
