UNICEF and UNHCR gave an overview about the educational system in Morocco

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have investigated the situation of the educational system in Morocco before the kick start of the new scholar year.

The latest statistics show a significant increase in guaranteeing basic education for children during primary and secondary school. School enrolment has reached 97.4% and 87.6% respectively, «however, access to school is not yet guaranteed to all children, especially those with disabilities, migrant and refugee children», the two entities said in a joint press release.

Children who are ready to enter school must receive an education of good quality. «This objective can only be achieved through schools that can support, and meet the needs of children», says UNICEF.

The inclusion of the most vulnerable children - with disabilities or migrants and refugees - is primordial factor in improving the quality of learning and school experience «through better pedagogical differentiation and improvement of school environments in terms of values,» adds the UN agency.

Morocco is «exemplary» in the integration of refugee children into the national education system: «The National Immigration and Asylum Strategy (SNIA) is a significant step in providing open and free access to refugees ( ...) to primary and secondary public schools on the same basis as Moroccans.»

As of 1 September 2017, of the 4,924 refugees registered with UNHCR Morocco, 1,262 are children who are ready to start school. About 73% of them are in school (84% in primary and 54% in secondary).