In the wake of the devastating earthquake that shook the region of Al-Haouz on the eighth of September, Dr. Shakib Benmoussa, Morocco’s Minister of National Education, Vocational Training, and Sports, has elucidated that the state is vigorously implementing an extensive program to rehabilitate educational institutions that suffered damage. A budget of 4 billion Dirhams has been allocated for this purpose, as stated in a ministry release.
Promptly after the calamity, King Mohammed VI issued directives to swiftly mitigate the aftermath of the quake. These instructions aimed to ensure a quick resumption of public services, rebuild and rehabilitate affected areas, and maintain the continuity of education. A ministerial committee was established under royal directives to form a comprehensive plan. The committee’s vision centers on the rehabilitation and development of areas affected by the quake, including the education sector.
Minister Benmoussa highlighted the immediate measures taken by the ministry to ensure the continuity of education. Centralized crisis cells were instantly formed, alongside regional cells within the most affected regional academies. These cells led to the establishment of specialized technical committees that assessed the situation of educational institutions. The safety of students and educational institution staff was a paramount concern. Following a preliminary diagnosis, classes were suspended in the 42 most affected areas, spanning the provinces of Al-Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant.
The emergency intervention encompassed two aspects: the physical, concerning the provision of spaces for student reception, and the educational, relating to the continuation of lessons and support for students and faculty.
In terms of the physical aspect of the emergency program, an assessment of the earthquake’s material damages led to categorizing educational institutions based on the extent of damages. Institutions were divided into those requiring complete or partial demolition and reconstruction, and others that needed repair and rehabilitation. Approximately 1,000 educational establishments, in addition to several boarding schools and primary education units, were cataloged.
For areas less impacted by the earthquake, the ministry has implemented swift local solutions to continue the education process. Classes were resumed after ensuring no further risks to students. Some institutions shifted students between classes or even relocated them to neighboring schools. This allowed the continuation of education from the first week following the quake.
In response to the devastating earthquake, the Moroccan Ministry of Education has been ardently working to ensure the resumption of education in the affected institutions. Among the strategic measures, students have been reallocated from one class to another within the same educational institution or directed towards other safe and nearby institutions within the same province. Consequently, around 7,000 secondary level students were relocated and accommodated in equipped tents, serving as temporary educational institutions or classrooms. These facilities are especially prevalent in the rugged areas of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, and Taroudant, with an estimated 1,200 tents set up.
In anticipation of the winter season, the Ministry is proactively working on replacing these tents with more weather-appropriate alternatives. Moreover, pre-fabricated modular study units will be provided over the next two months, summing up to approximately 1,400 rooms. Additionally, necessary amenities such as sanitation facilities and administrative offices will be catered for. There are also plans to repurpose spaces previously used for annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank as educational units for the earthquake-damaged institutions.
Giving special attention to housing for teachers working in the villages, the Ministry is devising suitable solutions for their stable settlement in the affected villages.
As a result of these concerted efforts, students have been gradually returning to their academic schedules. Regarding the educational aspect of the emergency intervention program, a plethora of measures are in place. Among them are opening communication channels with families, in collaboration with local authorities and parents’ associations, aiming to incorporate their children back into educational institutions.
Furthermore, psychological support for the students has been paramount. An intensive training for 250 members of psychological and social support teams was organized, in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection. Additionally, support groups for teachers and students were facilitated by social workers from the Royal Armed Forces and the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Moroccan League for Child Protection, and other Ministry partners. Numerous cultural, artistic, and sports associations have been welcomed to organize joint activities with educational institution staff. In a final touch to alleviate the aftermath of the earthquake, new bags, books, and tools have been distributed to compensate for the losses incurred.
