Reshaping Preschool Education: Chakib Benmoussa Forges Strategic Partnerships with National Associations
In a bold move to establish and universalize modern, high-quality preschool education in Morocco, Chakib Benmoussa, the Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, has unveiled an innovative strategy that actively involves national associations. This audacious approach aims to open between 4,000 and 5,000 new preschool education units each year until 2028, offering every child an educational environment tailored to their needs and developmental stage.
During a response to oral questions from members of parliament at the House of Representatives on Monday, June 4, 2024, Benmoussa emphasized the importance of delegated supervision to ensure the success of this ambitious initiative. "The ministry will adopt a delegated supervision approach, relying on experienced national associations. These associations will be responsible for selecting educators, in order to establish an effective and targeted proximity policy," he stated.
The minister underscored the unique nature of preschool education, stressing that its quality relies on specific competencies distinct from those required for primary education. Thus, essential initial and ongoing training to enhance the skills of educators is crucial.
Benmoussa expressed his firm commitment to terminating any collaboration that fails to adhere to established work standards. "The ministry ensures that partner associations strictly comply with the laws and regulations in force. In this regard, we have not hesitated to terminate partnership contracts in cases of non-compliance with established standards," he reiterated, noting that his department collaborates exclusively with 500 associations.
Regarding tuition fee increases in private schools, Chakib Benmoussa clarified that private education is subject to Law 06.00, which governs and regulates the fees and rights applicable in these institutions. He reminded that these fees are determined based on the quality and cost of services requested by parents. Furthermore, the minister mentioned the standardized contract designed to govern the relationship between parents and private educational institutions, stating that this contract includes clauses related to enrollment fees to ensure transparency and fairness in all financial transactions between the concerned parties.
This bold initiative demonstrates the ministry's commitment to providing high-quality preschool education to all Moroccan children by forging strategic partnerships with civil society actors.