Moroccan Observatory Warns Against Exploitation of Families by Private Schools Ahead of the School Year
The Moroccan Consumer Protection Observatory has expressed its firm rejection of increasing practices in some private schools that compel families to purchase books and supplies exclusively from within the institution or a designated supplier. Additionally, these schools impose high insurance fees without any transparency.
In a statement, the observatory indicated that these practices are illegal and infringe upon family rights, warning against the transformation of schools into commercial outlets rather than keeping them as educational spaces. It emphasized that insurance should be a protective measure, not a means of exploitation.
The observatory called upon parents’ associations to reject compulsory purchasing and demand invoices and insurance contracts. It also urged authorities to issue a ministerial memorandum imposing strict penalties, conduct inspection campaigns, and establish a hotline for complaints. Furthermore, it highlighted the necessity of liberalizing the book market and ensuring freedom to procure from any bookstore while obligating schools to maintain transparency regarding insurance and costs.
