The Ministry of Education integrates educational initiatives to enhance commitment to prayer in educational institutions
Mohamed Saad Barada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, announced that his ministry has adopted several educational and organizational initiatives aimed at instilling religious values in students, with a focus on ensuring the performance of the five daily prayers on time. This will be achieved through the preparation of school environments, adjustment of school hours, and activation of educational clubs.
In response to a parliamentary question raised by Khalid Al-Satti, a member of the National Union of Labor in Morocco, about “educating youth on prayer,” the minister emphasized that the ministry is working to implement the objectives of the strategic vision 2015-2030, particularly lever 17, which advocates for the integration of values into curricula and educational behavior, to reinforce principles of moderation, tolerance, discipline, and citizenship.
Barada pointed out that the second article of framework law 51.17 considers the school a space for building a good citizen who embodies values, reflecting the state’s awareness of the importance of reinforcing value-building to face contemporary challenges.
Regarding curricula, the minister affirmed that the Islamic education subject contributes to reinforcing Islamic beliefs and teachings, particularly focusing on conditions, pillars, and sunnahs of prayer, alongside providing practical lessons on purifying before prayers. The Islamic education curriculum was updated in 2016 to include the stories of the prophets and the life of the Prophet Muhammad to engage students with religious values.
Concerning extracurricular activities, the government official clarified that educational clubs play a central role in promoting religious and national values by organizing performances, plays, songs, religious competitions, and awareness meetings. Special prayer spaces have also been provided in some educational institutions due to their positive impact on refining students’ behavior and enhancing their mental balance.
The minister mentioned the ministry’s cooperation with civil society organizations and local scientific councils to provide religious guidance within schools, highlighting the importance of the school’s integration with its familial, social, and religious environment, as educating on prayer is a collective responsibility shared by all parties.
