Moroccan Education Minister Inspects School Recovery Progress in Earthquake-Affected Areas
Rebuilding Hope: Moroccan Minister Inspects Progress of School Rehabilitation After Devastating Earthquake
In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco, the nation has rallied to rebuild not just homes and infrastructure, but also the foundation for a brighter future: education. Moroccan Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Chakib Benmoussa, recently conducted a series of visits to schools in the earthquake-affected regions, offering a beacon of hope and a testament to the nation’s commitment to its children.
Benmoussa, accompanied by Wafaa Chakir, Director of the Regional Academy of Education and Training for the Souss-Massa Region, and Sidi Sili, Regional Director of the Ministry in Taroudant, toured a number of educational institutions in the Taroudant region that have undergone significant rehabilitation. Their itinerary included the Idaoukmmad Secondary School, the Ait Alla group of schools, the Taloujount Secondary School, and the Taloujount Community School.
These visits highlight the Moroccan government’s dedication to restoring normalcy and opportunity for students whose lives were upended by the disaster. The Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports has been actively engaged in a comprehensive program to rehabilitate and rebuild educational facilities damaged by the earthquake.
The Ministry reported that a staggering 1,730 educational institutions, including school branches, were impacted by the earthquake. Of these, 258 require complete reconstruction, 688 necessitate rehabilitation and partial reconstruction, and 784 require rehabilitation.
The scale of the damage underscores the immense challenge facing the Moroccan education system. However, amidst the rubble, stories of resilience and progress are emerging. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of the Ministry, the Public Real Estate Company, and organizations like the OCP Group, significant strides have been made in a short period.
The Ministry proudly announced that over 19,000 students will be welcomed back to 169 refurbished educational institutions for the 2024/2025 academic year. This achievement signifies a substantial reduction in the reliance on temporary classrooms, which were initially erected to ensure continuity of learning in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake.
Furthermore, the regions of Al Haouz and Taroudant, which were heavily impacted by the disaster, are now completely free of temporary classrooms. Students in these areas will now have the opportunity to learn within the safe and supportive environment of permanent school buildings.
Efforts are also underway to expedite the rehabilitation process in the Chichaoua region, where 90 temporary classrooms are still in use. The Ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to eliminate the need for temporary learning spaces and provide all students with access to quality education in resilient and well-equipped facilities.
The Minister’s visits serve as a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, the spirit of hope and determination can pave the way for a brighter future. The rebuilding of schools is not just about bricks and mortar; it’s about rebuilding lives, restoring dreams, and investing in the next generation of Moroccans.
