- With funding of €125.8 million (around MAD 1.3 million), the EIB and the European Union are continuing their commitment to a programme to build more than 150 community schools in rural areas.
- This technical assistance aims to support the "Rural Education in Morocco" programme at local level.
- The five-year programme is based on a collaborative approach, focusing mainly on knowledge transfer.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Union in Morocco and the Ministry of National Education, Pre-School and Sport (MENPS) officially launched in Rabat on Tuesday 15 October 2024 a technical assistance initiative to support implementation of a national programme to build and transform more than 150 community schools in rural areas of the Kingdom of Morocco. The kick-off meeting was chaired by Minister of National Education, Pre-School and Sport Chakib Benmoussa and was attended by the Head of the EIB Representation in Morocco Adrien de Bassompierre and the Head of EU Cooperation in Morocco Jean-Christophe Filori.
This ambitious project is designed to support the MENPS and the Regional Academies of Education and Training (AREFs) in all phases of this programme’s implementation.
Over a five-year period, this technical assistance will take a collaborative approach based on knowledge transfer, particularly with respect to bioclimatic design and execution of works. A team of experts will be assembled to support the AREFs, helping to select projects, apply the most advanced environmental and social standards and build sustainable infrastructure. This mission will be led by GIZ's International Services Department.
This project is part of a total financing package of €125.8 million, of which €6.5 million (MAD 70 million) will be dedicated to technical assistance under the programme being launched. Additional technical assistance of around €2.5 million (MAD 27 million) will be allocated to support the quality of education in these schools.
Schools designed to meet the needs of rural areas
The community schools have been designed to meet the specific needs of rural areas in Morocco, taking into account the territorial, demographic, economic and cultural realities of each region. By involving local municipalities and the authorities, they aim to improve the learning environment for pupils and the working conditions of teachers. The programme aims to increase school success rates in rural areas, relieve overcrowded satellite schools, and promote access to education for young girls and children with disabilities.
These inclusive, modern schools will have customised infrastructure and benefit from sustainable energy solutions while being harmoniously integrated into their local environment. Each project will adapt to the specific features of its location, with the aim of strengthening social cohesion and providing equal opportunities for all children regardless of their place of residence. In addition, this programme will help reduce the number of pupils dropping out of school early by providing optimal learning conditions in rural areas of Morocco.
This programme is fully in line with the strategic goals of the MENPS Roadmap 2022-2026 aimed at promoting equity and equal opportunities across the Kingdom. In addition to building modern infrastructure, the project also includes a training component for teachers and school principals to improve the quality of teaching and school governance.
Head of EU Cooperation in Morocco Jean-Christophe Filori said: “Morocco and the European Union have been working together for more than 15 years to ensure that children and young people have equal access to education and training opportunities. In rural areas, the need for quality education is even greater than elsewhere and must take account of the challenges specific to this environment. The construction of these schools must meet pedagogical objectives, in particular social inclusion for all.”
Head of the EIB Representation in Morocco Adrien de Bassompierre said: “This project goes far beyond simply building school infrastructure. It will transform access to education in rural areas of Morocco, providing sustainable and inclusive solutions to the educational challenges of the Kingdom. In partnership with the Moroccan authorities and the European Union, we are doing everything we can to provide young people, especially young girls, with equal education opportunities. Together, we are helping to build not only schools, but also a more promising and inclusive future for thousands of people in Morocco. ”
Background information
European Investment Bank
The EIB has been a key partner for Morocco for more than 40 years. It finances the development and implementation of important projects in vital sectors of the Moroccan economy such as business support, agriculture, water and sanitation, education, health, transport and renewable energy.
EIB Global is the EIB Group’s specialised arm devoted to increasing the impact of international partnerships and development finance. It is designed to foster strong, focused partnership within Team Europe alongside fellow development finance institutions and civil society. EIB Global brings the Group closer to local people, companies and institutions through our offices around the world.