Public Preschools to Hold 90% of Moroccan Children by 2026

Rabat – Morocco’s government has implemented a multi-year action plan with the overarching aim of surpassing a 90% preschool enrollment rate by the year 2026, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said on Monday.

During a recent session at the House of Representatives, Akhannouch underscored the pivotal role of preschool education in shaping the developmental trajectory of children and emphasized the government’s commitment to realizing ambitious educational objectives.

Key highlights of the government’s initiative include the establishment of 4,400 dedicated preschool classrooms and the recruitment of 6,000 educators, marking a significant stride towards achieving an impressive 80% enrollment rate in preschool programs.

Beyond expanding physical infrastructure and bolstering educator recruitment efforts, the government has prioritized enhancing the professional competencies of preschool educators. The plan includes the implementation of a comprehensive training program and the adoption of stringent criteria for partner associations.

In addition, the government has launched educational initiatives such as the “Teaching at The Right Level (TaRL)” program, which focuses on improving proficiency in core subjects like reading, writing, and mathematics.

Encouraging results from the program’s pilot phase demonstrate notable progress in student performance across various skill sets, Akhannouch explained.

He further added that the government has also taken proactive measures to promote the teaching of local languages such as Amazigh alongside Arabic and foreign languages.

In its ongoing efforts to combat school dropout rates, particularly in rural areas, the government has expanded the scope of community schools, facilitating access to education for underserved populations.

By consolidating satellite schools in rural locales, the initiative has successfully reduced dropout rates, particularly among girls, Akhnnouch added.

The head of government’s statements come as a number of national and international reports have repeatedly sounded the alarm on the state of preschooling in Morocco.

A 2022 report by the World Bank highlighted a number of irregularities in public preschools in Morocco and pointed out the need for a unified national regulatory framework to manage educators and headmasters within the sector.

Without access to proper preschooling, children are more likely to struggle in primary school and beyond to achieve their potential, undermining their access to future equitable opportunities.

Morocco is already struggling due to the failure of its preschooling as multiple reports show that at least 60% of children aged 10 are unable to read a simple text.