Aziz Akhannouch: “The Dignity of Educators is a Core Element of Education System Reform”
During the opening of the second National Teachers Forum, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch emphasized that placing teachers at the heart of educational transformation represents a clear political direction aimed at restoring the dignity of the teaching profession and enhancing its status within society. He noted that the dignity and job security of both male and female educators are fundamental to any genuine reform of the education and training system.
The government official explained that this approach has been translated into practical measures since the beginning of the current government term, in implementation of royal directives. The education sector has been prioritized following years of challenges and accumulating issues that have affected its performance.
Akhannouch stated that the government has sought to empower teachers by ensuring their demands are heard and improving their professional conditions, stressing that the dignity of educators is non-negotiable, but rather a fundamental principle in the reform approach.
In this context, Akhannouch highlighted that educational reform relies on a vision that considers teachers as pivotal actors in building future generations and reinforcing trust within the community, rather than merely executing administrative tasks. He affirmed that achieving this goal required making bold decisions, despite their high financial costs.
He pointed out that the government has approved a new framework for employees in the national education sector, encompassing approximately 336,000 employees. This includes across-the-board wage increases of no less than 1,500 dirhams monthly, improved compensation systems, and expanded professional benefits. He emphasized that the annual cost of the social dialogue agreements has reached about 17 billion dirhams.
Akhannouch also discussed the reform programs launched by the government, particularly the “Leadership Schools” initiative aimed at enhancing education quality and reducing disparities. He noted the expansion of the “Second Chance” centers, with the number increasing from 123 centers in 2021 to 222 by 2025, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various regions of the kingdom.
Regarding funding, the Prime Minister confirmed that the state has mobilized significant financial resources to support this initiative, with the education budget rising from approximately 59 billion dirhams in 2021 to nearly 99 billion dirhams in 2026, reflecting the priority of this vital sector within public policies.
Akhannouch concluded by affirming that the challenge of ensuring quality education and achieving equity within public schools hinges on the commitment of educators and the continuous efforts to provide an inclusive public education system that offers equal opportunities for all students.
