Back to School in Morocco: A Call for Affordability
As the back-to-school season approaches in Morocco, a familiar anxiety settles over millions of families: the financial strain of educational expenses. The Moroccan political party, the Party of Progress and Socialism, has issued a timely reminder to the government, urging them to address this pressing issue. They are calling for decisive and effective measures to ensure education remains affordable for all.
This call to action highlights a global challenge. Around the world, families struggle with the rising costs of school supplies, uniforms, textbooks, and extracurricular activities. In the United States, for example, families are expected to spend an average of $890 per child on back-to-school supplies in 2023, a significant increase from previous years.
The situation in Morocco is further compounded by the rising cost of living. Inflation, which reached a 30-year high in 2022, has eroded the purchasing power of Moroccan families. Basic necessities like food and housing have become more expensive, leaving less disposable income for educational needs.
The Party of Progress and Socialism argues that access to quality education is a fundamental right for all children, regardless of their socioeconomic background. They emphasize that the government has a responsibility to create an environment where all children have an equal opportunity to learn and thrive.
This call for action resonates with similar demands made by parent-teacher associations and civil society organizations across Morocco. They argue that the financial burden of education disproportionately affects low-income families, potentially leading to school dropout and perpetuating cycles of poverty.
The Moroccan government has taken some steps to address the affordability of education, such as providing free textbooks and school meals for underprivileged students. However, the Party of Progress and Socialism and other advocates argue that more needs to be done.
They propose a range of potential solutions, including:
Expanding financial assistance programs: This could include increasing the amount of financial aid available to low-income families and expanding eligibility criteria.
Regulating the price of school supplies: The government could consider setting price caps on essential school supplies or offering subsidies to manufacturers.
* Promoting public education: Investing in public schools and ensuring their quality can make education more accessible and affordable for a wider range of families.
As the school year begins, the call for affordable education in Morocco serves as a reminder that investing in children’s education is an investment in the country’s future. By taking concrete steps to alleviate the financial burden on families, the Moroccan government can help ensure that all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.
