Morocco’s annual debate over returning to legal time, GMT, resurfaces each winter as families and teachers describe dark mornings under the country’s year round GMT plus one policy adopted in 2018, with Ramadan as the main exception.
Authorities cite economic alignment with international partners, while critics point to daily strain on children and workers.
Psychologist Bouchra El Mrabti said winter GMT helps pupils’ biological rhythm because waking up aligns more closely with daylight, which supports alertness hormones and reduces sleep disruption. She said regular sleep can lower stress and improve classroom behaviour, and that families in rural and peri urban areas gain time for breakfast and safer commutes without leaving home in the dark.
Education expert Jamal Chafik said teachers observe weaker readiness and concentration in early lessons during winter GMT plus one, pushing repetition and slowing class pace. He urged flexible fixes such as later winter start times and schedules adapted to regional conditions.
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