The two agreements, signed during a meeting of the Provincial Human Development Committee (CPDH) of Berkane, chaired by the governor of the province, Mohamed Ali Habouha, aim to support the employability of young people, by opening training cycles in the fields of robotics and software, renewable energy professions, as well as innovative applications in the province of Berkane.
The first agreement, which brings together the CPDH, the Mohammed Premier University (UMP) of Oujda, the Majal Berkane Local Development Company and the Provincial Association for the Development and Generalization of Education, aims to support young people in the field of robotics and to support their professional integration, through the training of trainers in the field, as well as the launch of software training to support the implementation of the “Coding for all” program.
As for the second, which brings together the CPDH, the UMP of Oujda, the Majal Berkane local development company and the Man and Environment Association, it aims to support and accompany young people, by setting up training dedicated to coaching professions in the field of renewable energies and innovative applications.
This agreement targets young people passionate about renewable energy professions, as well as young people in a NEET situation (neither in employment, nor in education, nor in training), in order to train, qualify and support them.
The head of the social action and human development division of the prefecture in Berkane, Mohamed Mimouni, stressed, in a statement to MAP, that these agreements will allow young people to access the job market and entrepreneurship, by training them in “jobs of the future”, which adapt to technological progress and the digital age.
These young people, he explained, will benefit from theoretical and practical internships, which will allow them to acquire the required technical and scientific skills.
According to Mr. Mimouni, these agreements are in addition to the two other framework agreements signed recently with the Oriental Regional Football League and the Royal Moroccan Federation of Aerobic Sports, Fitness, Hip Hop and Similar Disciplines, to promote integration of young people through sport.
For her part, the president of the Provincial Association for the development and generalization of education in the province of Berkane, Hayat Bentaleb, highlighted the importance of the agreement signed with the association as part of the INDH, which will make it possible to increase the number of trainers in the digital field.
She said this would help the association implement its projects aimed at training preschool children and students at different school levels in the field of digital technology and artificial intelligence.
Time.news Interview with Dr. Amina El Ghazali, Expert in Workforce Development and Renewable Energy
Editor: Thank you for joining us, Dr. El Ghazali. Exciting developments have come out of Berkane recently with two new agreements aimed at boosting youth employability in crucial fields like robotics and renewable energy. Can you give us some context regarding the importance of these sectors for Morocco’s economy?
Dr. El Ghazali: Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Robotics and renewable energy are not just buzzwords; they are essential sectors that are shaping the future of work around the globe. In Morocco, where youth unemployment is a pressing concern, fostering skills in these areas is vital. Robotics can drive innovation across various industries, while renewable energy aligns perfectly with Morocco’s commitment to sustainable development and energy independence.
Editor: The agreements involve multiple stakeholders, including the Provincial Human Development Committee and Mohammed Premier University. How critical is collaboration among these entities?
Dr. El Ghazali: Collaboration is fundamental. Each entity brings unique strengths to the table. For instance, universities provide academic knowledge and research capabilities, while local development companies have a better grasp of community needs and job market demands. When these stakeholders work together, they create tailored training programs that equip young people with the skills necessary for success in the job market.
Editor: Let’s discuss the “Coding for All” program mentioned in the agreements. How does this initiative fit into the broader landscape of technology education in Morocco?
Dr. El Ghazali: The “Coding for All” program is a fantastic initiative that addresses the growing tech skills gap. Coding is foundational in today’s job market, not just for tech jobs but increasingly for roles in other sectors as well. By integrating coding into the curriculum, we ensure that young people are better prepared for various career opportunities, enhancing their adaptability and employability.
Editor: The focus on renewable energy professions is particularly notable. Given Morocco’s natural resources, what potential do you see for young people entering this field?
Dr. El Ghazali: Morocco is blessed with abundant solar and wind resources, which provides a solid foundation for developing a renewable energy sector. Young people entering this field can be part of a transformative movement towards sustainable practices. With the right training, they can take up roles in project management, installation, maintenance, and even research and development. This not only creates jobs but also contributes to national energy goals.
Editor: What challenges do you think these training programs might face in implementation, and how can they be overcome?
Dr. El Ghazali: One of the biggest challenges is ensuring that the training provided is not only relevant but also accessible to all. This means reaching marginalized communities and ensuring that women are included. To overcome these challenges, outreach and engagement are crucial. Engaging local leaders and using technology to deliver training can help bridge the gap, making education more accessible.
Editor: as we look to the future, what does success look like for these initiatives in Berkane?
Dr. El Ghazali: Success would mean a tangible increase in job placements for young people in robotics and renewable energy, a thriving community of innovators, and a measurable impact on the local economy. Moreover, we want to see these initiatives serving as a model for other regions to replicate, further expanding opportunities for our youth across Morocco.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El Ghazali, for your insights on this important topic. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold and their impact on the next generation of professionals in Morocco.
Dr. El Ghazali: Thank you for having me. It’s an exciting time for youth in Morocco, and I can’t wait to see the positive changes these agreements will bring!