Rabat – While addressing MPs in the parliament on January 3, Morocco’s Primary Schooling, and Sports Minister, Chakib Benmoussa, reassured them that the government’s COVID-19 policies and protocols prioritize in-person learning.
But Benmoussa added that all options remain on the table as his ministry is not excluding the possibility of switching to remote learning in case of widespread infections of Omicron, the latest COVID-19 latest variant.
Addressing concerns raised by MPs, the Moroccan minister underscored that his department is adopting a region-focused approach in dealing with COVID-19. Policies in each region will be contingent on the COVID situation in that specific region, he pledged.
The government has put into motion a series of protocols and early response mechanisms to deal with and contain possible outbreaks in Moroccan schools without compromising the educational process, Benmoussa explained.
In line with the ministry’s early-response mechanism, there is a strict COVID containment protocol that includes random testing, social distancing, and other measures, Benmoussa explained.
To avoid widespread infections, the ministry enacted a policy whereby individual classrooms will switch to remote learning for seven days if three or more cases are detected in the class.
Benmoussa emphasized that in-person learning is the default option for his ministry whenever the COVID situation is stable. A hybrid model is also possible to maintain social distancing.
Responding to the minister’s report, MPs raised the issue of lack of internet access being a disadvantage for many students.
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Some MPs expressed skepticism at the notion that remote learning is the solution to contain the spread of COVID given some persisting logistical constraints.
At this point, Benmoussa reiterated his ministry’s commitment to assuring safe in-person education unless the COVID situation forces otherwise.
The minister’s speech echoed MPs’ concerns, emphasizing that the government is aware of the importance of in-person education that guarantees equal opportunities for learners regardless of social background.
