These efforts have materialized through the implementation of several projects, in particular the creation of preschool units in all municipalities under the prefecture, with a view to facilitating children’s access to preschool education.
The INDH’s commitment to preschool, as part of its 3rd phase, has enabled the creation of 29 preschool units in the Tangier-Assilah prefecture during the period 2019-2023, comprising a total of 44 classrooms. .
According to figures from the Social Action Division (DAS) of the Tangier-Assilah prefecture, these preschool units welcome, for the 2024-2025 school year, some 296 children enrolled in middle section, including 135 girls and 161 boys, as well as 493 children in the large section, including 230 girls and 263 boys.
Among these preschool units is that of el Menbar, located in the rural commune of aouama, which includes two classrooms each with a capacity of 25 children.
In a statement to MAP, Meriem Gharnati, head of the DAS of the Tangier-Assilah prefecture, indicated that this unit is one of the 29 preschool education units built and equipped by the INDH at the prefecture level. , and this as part of its “Promote the human capital of rising generations” program.
This unit, opened in September 2023, required a budgetary envelope of around 650,000 dirhams, including 50,000 dirhams allocated to equipment, mobilized by the INDH, she added, indicating that all units of the preschool were carried out as part of a partnership with the Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of Preschool Education (FMPS), which manages these establishments.
For her part,the head of the FMPS in the prefecture of tangier-Assilah,Hanae Mansour,noted that in accordance with the partnership agreement binding the Foundation and the INDH,a total of 29 preschool units were created,noting that The FMPS ensures that the educational model implemented in all of these units is standardized.
The FMPS also ensures the selection and training of educators from the municipalities concerned, while guaranteeing the necessary teaching tools and the preschool educational kit, noted ms. Mansour.
as for Yousra Fettouh, educator at the El Menbar preschool unit, she said that her training with the FMPS, which lasted 950 hours, allowed her to acquire the skills necessary to provide quality preschool education.
In this sense, she noted that children, aged between 4 and 6 years old, benefit from educational and fun activities in groups, allowing them to develop their socialization skills.
Convinced of the importance of preschool education as an essential step to ensure the academic success of apprentices, the INDH has made support for this education a priority in its third phase, especially in rural areas.
In addition to fighting against school dropout, these preschool units contribute, significantly, to building the personality of children and strengthening their cognitive, educational and pedagogical skills.
How does the Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of Preschool Education ensure the quality of education in new preschool units?
Interview with Meriem Gharnati: Advancements in Preschool Education in Tangier-Assilah
Published by Time.news
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Meriem. With the establishment of 29 new preschool units in the Tangier-assilah prefecture, can you explain the primary objectives behind this initiative?
Meriem Gharnati: Thank you for having me. The primary goal of creating these preschool units is to facilitate access to education for young children, especially in underserved rural areas. This is part of the National Initiative for Human Growth (INDH) adn aligns with our third phase, which emphasizes building the human capital of future generations.
Editor: That sounds notable! can you share how many children are currently enrolled in these new facilities?
Meriem Gharnati: Certainly! For the 2024-2025 school year, we have approximately 296 children enrolled in the middle section, including 135 girls and 161 boys. Additionally, 493 children are attending the large section, which comprises 230 girls and 263 boys. This increase in enrollment highlights the growing interest and need for preschool education in our area.
Editor: It’s exciting to see such positive engagement! Could you talk about a specific preschool unit that stands out among these new establishments?
Meriem gharnati: One notable unit is the El Menbar preschool, located in the rural commune of Aouama. This facility has two classrooms, each with a capacity for 25 children. Opened in September 2023, it serves as an excellent example of our commitment to improving educational access. The total budget for this unit was around 650,000 dirhams, which included the costs for essential equipment.
Editor: A important investment indeed! How does the INDH ensure the quality of education provided in these preschool units?
Meriem Gharnati: This initiative has been implemented in partnership with the Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of Preschool Education (FMPS). They play a crucial role in ensuring that the educational model is standardized across all units. Additionally, the FMPS handles the selection, training of educators, and provides necessary educational materials and kits for preschool learning.
Editor: Speaking of educators, how are they prepared to meet the needs of the children?
meriem Gharnati: We prioritize thorough training for our educators. For instance, Yousra Fettouh, an educator at the El Menbar preschool, underwent a comprehensive training program with FMPS, which lasted 950 hours.This extensive training equips them with the skills necessary to provide quality education and nurturing environments for our children, between the ages of 4 and 6 years.
Editor: It’s captivating to see the emphasis on qualified educators. What implications do you believe these preschool units will have on long-term educational outcomes?
Meriem Gharnati: Research shows that preschool education is vital for academic success. By focusing on preschool education,we aim to reduce school dropout rates substantially and strengthen children’s cognitive and social skills. Moreover, these units help in building their personalities which is crucial for future academic and life challenges.
Editor: what message would you like to convey to parents and stakeholders regarding preschool education?
Meriem Gharnati: I would urge parents and stakeholders to recognize the importance of preschool education as a foundation for lifelong learning. Access to quality preschool not only benefits the child’s educational trajectory but also fosters essential life skills.Supporting these initiatives is crucial for the future of our children and our society.
Editor: Thank you, Meriem, for your insights into this crucial topic. It’s clear that the INDH and its partners are making significant strides in early childhood education in the Tangier-Assilah prefecture.
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Keywords: preschool education, Tangier-Assilah prefecture, INDH, educational quality, child development, Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of Preschool Education.