Moroccan schools face persistent challenges as education reform stalls, Human Rights Council says

Morocco’s schools continue to struggle with overcrowding, outdated curricula and unequal access, leaving many students without the quality education they need, according to a new report by the National Human Rights Council.

The 2024 report found that one in five children ages 4 to 5 remains out of school, with early education enrollment at 80.1% for 2022–2023. Dropouts, late school entry and high repetition rates are widespread, with more than 33,000 students leaving school each year before completing their studies.

Classrooms are often overcrowded, and low teacher-student ratios continue to affect learning quality. Rural schools face the greatest challenges, with poor infrastructure and limited transportation contributing to a two-tiered system that favors urban students.

The council cited repeated ministerial changes and conflicting approaches as major obstacles slowing the pace of reform. Strategic Vision 2030, launched in 2015 to improve fairness and quality in schools, has made only partial progress. Delays in passing the 2019 framework law and frequent program cancellations have left teachers and administrators uncertain about priorities, the report said.

Morocco’s education system also lags behind international standards, with low performance in learning outcomes. Efforts to update curricula and improve teacher training have been slow, limiting progress on structural reforms and equity goals.

The council called for urgent action to address these challenges and implement reforms consistently. Without steady leadership and follow-through, years of planning risk failing, leaving students at a disadvantage.

The report comes amid growing public concern over education quality and access. Families, teachers and advocacy groups have repeatedly demanded increased funding, improved infrastructure and enhanced teacher training.