chargement...
«Children and their right to education and health are the priorities of the National Education Ministry», said, Sunday, National Education, Vocational Training, Higher education and Scientific research Minister Said Amzazi.
Speaking on national TV, the Minister addressed the recent decision announced by his ministry regarding the 2020-21 school year. On Saturday, the Ministry revealed in a press release that Morocco will implement remote learning for the upcoming season, with the possibility of introducing in-class learning for parents who prefer this option.
«Our decision is based on two mechanisms : Remote learning as a first option for the start of the school year and in-class learning», Amzazi recalled.
According to the Minister, the first option will be implemented «through classes broadcast on national TV, online platforms coupled with virtual classes to create continuous communication between school, teachers and students».
«Flexible educational frameworks» which will depend on the epidemiological situation and the parents
«We have capitalized on the previous season’s experience to overcome some difficulties and we are today in the process of developing, perfecting and institutionalizing remote education», the Minister, added, announcing that the government will adopt a decree regarding that.
«The second choice is an in-class learning option for families who want it. This will be done by filling out a form starting from September 1, via a platform on Massar or at school. School managers will organize the groups of students whose parents have opted for this option and those who have opted for remote learning».
Furthermore, the minister recalled that «the numbers recorded in recent days have pushed the ministry to go for distance learning, while leaving the door open to those wishing to send their children to school».
These two options are «proposed for the beginning of the school year», he stressed, recalling that they are «flexible educational frameworks» that go hand in hand with the epidemiological situation.
«The success of this year depends on the support of families. This is how they were involved in the decision. It is a collective responsibility to stem the spread of the virus and to protect citizens. We also urge families to educate their children to respect and adhere to preventive measures within schools».
Preventive measures will be imposed in schools
To protect students and teachers, Said Amzazi reiterated the ministry's responsibility in this regard. «We will strictly apply barrier measures», he promised, specifying that a distance of one meter would separate the students who will come to class.
As for the rural world, he recalled that the three telecommunication companies in Morocco had offered free access to teaching platforms. «We have also worked on other solutions allowing these students to access these platforms», he added.
«There is a flow problem in certain regions», acknowledged the minister, considering that the choice given to families is «in itself a guarantee of equal opportunities and a response to the demands of some of them». «What is more important is that in the countryside, several regions do not have cases of the coronavirus and can thus go for the in-class option», he said.
As for timetables, the Minister indicated that this management was «delegated» to the managers of schools as well as the directors of the regional academies. «It will not exceed 24 hours a week for each teacher», he added. However, he stressed that «the timetables will be adapted and the classes will be divided», all in accordance with a «strict health protocol which respects a certain number of preventive and precautionary measures».
On tuition fees, Said Amzazi wished to relieve his ministry of all responsibility, recalling that generally, «a private school must present an offer of distance education and face-to-face learning for families».
«We are in contact with them but we do not have the prerogatives to discuss the costs because it is a relationship between families and schools and our link is purely educational», he concluded.
