Over 137,000 Moroccans Experience Literacy Gains in 2022-2023

Wednesday 29 November 2023 - 16:00

By: Dakir Madiha

Over 137,000 Moroccans Experience Literacy Gains in 2022-2023

In a significant development for rural education, literacy classes in remote Moroccan areas have positively impacted 137,592 individuals during the 2022-2023 academic year, as announced on Tuesday in Rabat by Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.

During the House of Advisors' question period, Toufiq highlighted that this impressive figure comprises 17,462 men and 120,130 women, all benefiting from the dedicated efforts of 3,761 instructors. He emphasized the ministry's ongoing commitment to expanding the reach of this essential initiative in rural regions.

The ministry is dedicated to ensuring the effectiveness of the literacy program initiated in mosques, a project inaugurated by HM King Mohammed VI, Commander of the Faithful, in commemoration of the 47th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People. Toufiq underscored the ministry's financial commitment, allocating 180 million dirhams for the program in 2023, with a significant portion, 84.5 million dirhams, earmarked for rural areas.

Highlighting collaborative efforts, Toufiq mentioned that the ministry, in conjunction with the National Radio and Television Company, the Maghreb Arab Press Agency, and various media outlets, initiates an extensive media campaign at the start of each academic year to underscore the importance of education.

Since its inception in 2000, the program has positively impacted over 4.5 million individuals, with 42% (1,875,000) residing in rural areas, according to the minister. Notably, 3,391 mosques actively participate in providing literacy classes, showcasing the program's widespread reach and impact.