The Ministry aims to halve school dropout rates by 2026
On Tuesday, in Rabat, the Minister of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, Mohamed Saad Berrada, announced that the ministry is determined to reduce the phenomenon of school dropout by half, following data indicating that approximately 280,000 students leave school annually, including 160,000 at the middle school level.
In a statement given after a meeting dedicated to boosting employment, chaired by the Prime Minister and attended by relevant sectors, the minister confirmed that efforts are focused on directing at least 80,000 at-risk middle school students to “second chance schools,” which provide vocational training that qualifies them to integrate into the job market or continue their educational or professional paths.
The minister emphasized that the ministry is adopting a multi-faceted strategy to combat dropout, including the widespread implementation of “Leadership Preparatory Schools,” which focus on pedagogical support within classrooms and the organization of artistic and physical activities such as music, theater, and sports to restore students’ self-confidence and motivate them to continue their studies.
He highlighted that the ministry is working to establish psychological and educational support units for at-risk students, relying on data from the “Massar” system, to integrate them into extracurricular activities and provide individualized support to reduce their departure from classrooms.
The minister also pointed out the role of social support programs in mitigating the issue, especially in rural areas, by providing school transportation, meals, and accommodation to ensure students continue their education despite social challenges.
These efforts are part of the seventh initiative of the government measures to implement the employment sector roadmap, which aims to reduce the number of dropouts from 295,000 in 2024 to 200,000 students by 2026.
