Join on WhatsApp
Join on Telegram
Rabat – The Ministry of Education in Morocco has issued a new directive aimed at keeping students inside school grounds during breaks, especially at midday and during free hours between classes.
In a memo sent to regional and provincial education officials, the ministry stressed the need to prevent students from staying outside schools between 12 p.m. and 2 p.m. and during empty class periods. The measure mainly targets students who cannot return home during these hours because of long distances or a lack of transportation.
Moroccan public schools usually run on a split schedule, with classes from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and then again from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. This means students often have a two-hour break in the middle of the day.
While some can go home for lunch and return, many others live far away or lack transportation, which leaves them with no choice but to spend the break outside school grounds. Meanwhile, many private schools follow a continuous schedule, often from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., which keeps students inside the school for the entire day.
According to the ministry, the decision is part of ongoing efforts to fight school dropouts and ensure continuous learning. The directive said that some students are often left outside schools during these times, “which can put them at risk of accidents or involvement in unsafe activities.”
Read also: Morocco Registers Over 8.2 Million Students for 2025–2026 Academic Year
The ministry explained that keeping students inside schools is also a way to improve safety, discipline, and academic performance. “Guaranteeing a safe environment for students during these hours is a priority to support quality education and personal growth,” the memo said.
To make this plan work, the ministry called on school officials to coordinate with local municipalities to provide the necessary logistical support. It also urged cooperation with parents’ associations and civil society groups to help supervise students and support the initiative.
The ministry encouraged schools to prepare suitable spaces such as multi-purpose rooms, libraries, or other facilities where students can stay during breaks. The ministry also suggested organizing cultural, sports, and educational activities to keep students engaged and motivated.
The directive noted the importance of proper supervision to ensure both physical and psychological safety. This initiative should be seen as part of a larger vision to improve school life, make schools more attractive, and guarantee equal opportunities for all students, the ministry concluded.
