Marrakesh – Over an exciting five-day journey of discovery, conferencing, and excursions, the Social Science Education Consortium (SSEC), in partnership with Cadi Ayyad University (UCA) and the Moroccan Center for Civic Education (MCCE), is making waves in promoting social sciences and sustainability.
This initiative aligns with MCCE’s mission to promote political participation among youth in Morocco and the Maghreb region.
It aims to ignite momentum and foster awareness, uniting experts and enthusiasts from over 20 universities, including leading institutions from the US.
Together, they emphasize the pivotal role of social sciences in forging a sustainable society.
Themed “Social Science Education for Just and Sustainable Societies,” this landmark event marks SSEC’s inaugural annual gathering in Africa and Morocco.
Adil Bentahar, Co-Chair of the conference and Associate Professor at the University of Delaware, emphasizes that hosting this event in Morocco is a notable benefit for the country.
It provides an opportunity to demonstrate Morocco’s capability to organize top-quality, high-profile events and highlights the nation’s dedication to advancing education and social science.
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Beyond enhancing the teaching of history, geography, and civic and economic education, the organizers are empowering PhD students in Morocco by inviting them to actively participate and share the stage with distinguished speakers.
Ikram Douaou, a doctoral student in English Studies, volunteered as part of the organizing committee for the conference.
“This experience has enhanced my organizational and communication skills, which are crucial for my professional development,” Douaou told MWN.
She highlighted how the conference offered a unique platform to engage with education specialists—professors, teachers, and researchers worldwide—providing diverse perspectives that enriched her own research pursuits.
Involving doctoral students in this conference is crucial for the organizers. These students gain the opportunity to co-present with their professors, providing a unique learning experience and a platform for collaboration on both current and future research projects.
“This event is an opportunity for foreign-based academics to learn about the research findings, best practices, and success stories of Moroccan academics, including doctoral students,” Bentahar told MWNs.
By participating as volunteers, they enhance their professional experiences, acquiring practical skills and insights they can apply after graduation. This deliberate engagement not only enriches their academic journey but also prepares them to become future leaders in academia.
Partnering with the Ministry of Education, Bentahar highlighted MCCE’s support for civil society initiatives to promote civic education and drive curricular innovation in global citizenship education.
Amy Allen, President of the Social Science Education Consortium, said that Morocco is spearheading the movement towards Sustainable Development Goals, making it the perfect host for a conference centered on the global impact of social sciences.
“The theme of the conference really focused on what the social sciences can offer globally toward just and sustainable societies, having this conference in Morocco felt like a logical and strategic choice,” she told MWN.
She added that, “Further, the partnerships we have been able to forge, as a result of working together in an academic and scientific space with the scholars based and from Morocco, will help further social science research in a meaningful way.”
