Morocco has launched an ambitious strategy to curb school dropout rates, aiming to reduce the number of students leaving the education system each year by nearly one-third by 2026.
According to government figures, around 280,000 students drop out annually, with middle school accounting for more than half of the total. The new initiative, led by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool, and Sports, seeks to cut that number to 200,000 within two years.
Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday, Minister Mohamed Saad Berrada said the plan is centered on early intervention and targeted support. “The goal is not only to bring students back but to prevent them from leaving in the first place,” he said.
The strategy includes an expansion of second-chance schools, which combine academic and vocational training for students who have dropped out or are at risk. Officials say the program aims to redirect at least 80,000 middle school students into these tracks.
Technology is also playing a role. The government is using the Massar digital platform to identify students who may be at risk of dropping out. Once flagged, they are automatically enrolled in support initiatives that include tutoring, sports, music, and theater.
Leadership colleges are contributing by offering academic and extracurricular programs to keep students engaged. In rural areas, authorities are scaling up access to transportation, school meals, and boarding facilities to eliminate logistical barriers to attendance.
The anti-dropout campaign is part of Morocco’s broader National Employment Roadmap, launched by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch. Education is seen as a cornerstone of the strategy, which aims to improve long-term employability for young Moroccans.
Officials say the message is clear: dropping out of school should not be a dead end. With reinforced infrastructure and support systems, the government hopes to offer students a second chance—and a better future.
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