The Moroccan Ministry of National Education has recently made strides to improve the educational experience for students and teachers alike. On February 19, 2025, a significant meeting was held between the ministry and five major educational unions, culminating with the signing of resolutions aimed at implementing previously agreed-upon reforms.
This meeting followed another pivotal dialogue, led by Minister Mohamed Saad Brada on February 18, which included discussions with high-ranking officials such as the Secretary-General of the Ministry and directors from various departments. The central focus was on evaluating the progress of past agreements, particularly concerning the new fundamental system for ministry employees established back in January 2023.
Monitoring the progress of these reforms is considered imperative. The agenda addressed multiple pressing issues, including the need to update curricula and lessen classroom overcrowding—a recurring concern within Morocco's educational system. Special attention was also directed toward promoting fairness for employees, particularly those assigned to remote areas facing various challenges.
A notable aspect of this meeting included updates on the procedural changes related to the deductions stated under decree 2.24.140, issued on February 23, 2024. These changes pertain to administrative situations for ministry employees and are poised to expedite processing times for pending promotions spanning the years 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Certain deadlines were set to facilitate the timely implementation of these resolutions. Training for educators who are assigned duties outside their primary teaching roles will commence on March 1, 2025. On March 10, training for educational guidance inspectors is also slated to begin. Following these sessions, professional exams for aspiring secondary school teachers will be held on March 29, 2025, which is expected to attract significant attention from the educational community.
Valid dates have also been established for competitions aimed at admission to educational leadership training centers, ranging from April 12 to April 26 of the same year. This systematic approach is expected to instill greater accountability and organization within the overall training and career advancement of educators.
Further discussions were scheduled for February 27, 2025, addressing the transitional movements and the employment of assistant teachers, particularly those with doctoral qualifications. This trend may indicate the ministry’s commitment to employing higher educational standards across the board.
On another front, the Ministry of Education announced on March 8, 2025, the commencement of registration for the General Secondary Education Certificate Examination for the upcoming year. This registration period runs from March 9 to March 27, 2025, and it marks another important logistical step for students aspiring to complete their secondary education.
Students enrolled in regular schooling will complete their registration through their institutions. Meanwhile, private students will need to interact with local education directorates or overseas Jordanian embassies for assistance. This nuanced approach is aimed at streamlining the registration process and ensuring accessibility for all students.
There are specific provisions for students seeking to retake or improve their academic scores. They will be able to complete their registration online without needing to visit educational offices. Registration fees vary significantly, with costs set at 20 Jordanian dinars for regular students at government schools and 50 dinars for those at private institutions. Additional fees are applicable for private study students, and the entire process is managed electronically.
Accompanying documentation is also needed to formalize registration, including identification pieces and personal photographs. Proper verification of identity is particularly emphasized, ensuring all students meet the necessary requirements to participate.
Shifting focus now to the Moroccan academic calendar, the Ministry of National Education has recently released the holiday schedule for the 2024-2025 school year. This schedule is set to be advantageous for both educators and students as it structures periods of rest around significant religious and national holidays.
There will be several key holidays throughout the year, including the New Year’s holiday on January 1, 2025, the Eid al-Fitr holiday from March 31 to April 2, 2025, and breaks surrounding national commemorations like Independence Day on November 18, 2024. Each holiday has been slotted to allow sufficient breaks for students to recharge, maximizing their academic success.
The calendar is inclusive of inter-semester breaks, giving students strategic opportunities to recuperate between rigorous academic quarters. Another noteworthy feature is the scheduled holiday for Eid al-Adha, set under the Hijri calendar, ensuring relevant adjustments according to Gregorian dates.
With these educational initiatives combined, Morocco's educational policy appears to be on course for substantial reforms aimed at improving the learning environment, supporting teachers, and optimizing student experiences. The commitments made during these meetings and the strategic planning processes set forth display the proactive nature of the Moroccan Ministry of National Education.
Overall, these steps signal the government's dedication to advancing educational excellence, promoting growth, and ensuring equitable access to quality education across diverse demographics. Positive change is on the horizon, and the Ministry's continued engagement with key stakeholders will be pivotal as these reforms take shape.