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Education

Morocco's Lifeline to Gaza: Cloud Technology and Distance Learning at Al-Azhar University

Tuesday 06 August 2024 - 15:30

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In the midst of relentless Israeli bombardments, which have left a staggering 280 government schools and 65 UNRWA-run institutions in ruins, Morocco has taken a significant step to support education in Gaza. On Monday, in Cairo, the Bayt Mal Al-Quds Acharif Agency (BMAQ) handed over advanced cloud infrastructures and a comprehensive Learning Management System (LMS) to the administration of Al-Azhar University in Gaza.

BMAQ, a humanitarian organization based in Rabat and affiliated with the Al-Quds Committee, is under the leadership of King Mohammed VI. The IT handover ceremony, attended by university officials and students currently in Egypt, marks a pivotal moment in Morocco's unwavering commitment to Palestinian education.

This aid is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the Palestinian education system as the 2024-2025 academic year approaches. The region’s educational sector has been severely impacted by ongoing Israeli attacks, which have resulted in the destruction or damage of numerous educational institutions, including Al-Azhar University.

Since October 7, the intense Israeli campaign has claimed over 39,300 Palestinian lives and left more than 90,000 injured, with many more missing and presumed dead under the rubble. This humanitarian crisis has necessitated innovative solutions to ensure the continuation of education.

At the event, Moroccan experts and international partners demonstrated the capabilities of the new platform and cloud infrastructure to the university's technical staff. These technologies have been tailored to meet the specific needs of the institution, providing a vital lifeline for students facing immense challenges due to the ongoing conflict.

A training workshop was also conducted, featuring virtual participation from engineers and software specialists in Gaza. The workshop focused on the secure and sustainable use of servers, data protection, and improving educational efficiency for both coursework and examinations.

The university administration anticipates that over 18,000 students across its 12 faculties will benefit from this new platform. Additionally, there is hope that graduates from specialized programs will have the opportunity to pursue further studies abroad through academic exchange agreements.

Earlier this month, BMAQ also launched a summer school program titled "For the Promotion of Unity and Solidarity," benefiting over 4,000 children across 17 sites in Al-Quds (Jerusalem). Supported by the Moroccan Cultural Center Association, the program offers 150 workshops on art, theater, balance games, and intellectual activities.

Under the stewardship of King Mohammed VI, Morocco has been a staunch advocate for the Palestinian cause. The Moroccan monarch, as chairman of the Al-Quds Committee, has consistently condemned the violence and the killing of innocent civilians in Gaza. Morocco has also delivered substantial humanitarian aid, including two 40-ton shipments of medical supplies and essential goods to alleviate the crisis.

In his 25th Throne Day address, King Mohammed VI reiterated his concern for Gaza, emphasizing that the worsening conditions necessitate actions beyond mere crisis management. This latest initiative by Morocco underscores a steadfast dedication to supporting Gaza's educational future amidst an ongoing humanitarian disaster.