More Moroccans Going to College
More students are enrolling in colleges and universities in Morocco. Nearly 22,000 more students are in higher education or technical classes this year over last. The Minister of Higher Education, Training and Scientific Research said that higher education is being boosted by new initiatives. New institutions are being built, such as the university in Beni Mellal, a school of engineering in Khouribga, a college of technology in Berrechid, plus business and management schools in Fez and Mohammedia.
Along with new buildings, there’s an increase in the number of vocational classes being offered. Up by almost 50%, the number of slots in medical schools has increased by 2/3rds across the board. Morocco has set a target of increasing the number of doctors to more than 3000 by the year 2020. Morocco’s government plans to raise the standards of higher education and is working to meet the needs of the labor market. Universities now offer courses in management, marketing and other special administration areas that were formally only offered by private institutions. Housing and social accommodations, additionally, are being constructed. Building university residence halls is underway to help increase student capacity.
Financial aid is being given to students who can not afford higher education. Five percent more students will receive grants to help offset the cost of going to college. “Education Plus,” a new financial service, underwrites loans to underpriveledged students going to private institutions for Morocco’s higher education. Loans cannot be more than 100,000 dirhams and can only be used in paying tuition or enrollment fees. Before the May 8th agreement was signed, it was nearly impossible for students to get loans to help pay for their education. Nearly all of Morocco’s banks are taking part in the program, increasing the number of students and thus future intellectuals the country over.
by Carole Morris
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January 8th, 2008 at 3:29 pm
[…] Women in the rural area of Tizegzaouine will have a training center. Built on a site of 1600 square meters, it will have three professional workshops, a classroom and a day nursery. A second project in the rural commune of Ait Zineb will be a girl’s residence hall. It is aimed at helping to keep the girls in school and encourage Moroccan education. […]