Highlights

• An EIB loan of EUR 102.5 million (more than MAD 1 billion) will help finance the construction and equipping of 150 community schools in several of the Kingdom's regional academies for education and training.
• The program has a budget of EUR 23.30 million (MAD 245 million) financed by the European Union, which includes an investment grant of EUR 14 million and technical assistance of EUR 9.3 million to support the implementation of the project.
• It is in line with the reform of the education sector and the government program and supports the Kingdom's efforts for a quality public school that guarantees equity and equal opportunities. The EIB loan of EUR 102.5 million (more than MAD 1 billion) is matched by a grant of EUR 23.30 million (MAD 245 million) from the European Union under the Neighbourhood Investment Platform, consisting of an investment grant of EUR 14 million and technical assistance of EUR 9.3 million to support the implementation of the project. In addition, the general government budget will contribute around EUR 100 million to complete the financing plan for the program.

The EIB and European Union financial contributions are in line with the Kingdom's 2015-2030 education sector reform, which aims to strengthen equity in access to education throughout the country, with a focus on the inclusion of girls and equal opportunities to achieve a true educational renaissance. This financing scheme complements the education projects currently supported by the EU in Morocco, notably the Integrated Training and Education Support Program in Morocco (PIAFE). This rural schooling program provides for investments in modern school infrastructure and equipment, with the implementation of measures aimed at energy efficiency in schools and the provision of innovative teaching materials.

Qualitative schemes are also planned for the training of teachers and principals of community schools to improve the quality of learning and the management of these institutions. Lastly, technical assistance actions will support the appropriate Department within the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, throughout the implementation of the above-mentioned program. Promote territorial equity, increase enrollment and improve the quality of education The program's goal is to increase school enrollment rates in Morocco, develop quality education and provide students with appropriate conditions. The program, which is based on the innovative model of community schools implemented by Morocco, is designed to better meet the expectations of rural populations (students, teachers and parents) in accordance with the needs of the territories and the local socio-economic conditions.

In this perspective, the program will focus on equal access to education in rural areas to contribute to social inclusion, gender equality and the reduction of territorial imbalances. Ultimately, the goal is to contribute to the evolution and development of Moroccan youth as well as to their socio-economic integration. During this signing ceremony, Mrs. Nadia FETTAH, Minister of Economy and Finance, recalled "the close cooperation between the Kingdom of Morocco, the EIB and the European Union and the importance of the EIB's support for our country's efforts in the education sector. She stressed that "the signing of this financing agreement of 102.5 million euros between the Kingdom of Morocco and the EIB, together with a financing agreement for a grant of 23.3 million euros, comes in the global context marked by the launch of a new development model, which focuses on the education sector and human capital. Finally, she stated that this funding "complements a contribution from the general state budget of about 100 million euros and is a program perfectly in line with the Moroccan government's strategic vision for the education sector aimed at improving the overall performance of the sector until 2030.

The Ambassador of the European Union to Morocco, Mrs. Patricia PILLAR LIOMBART CUSSAC, said: "We are delighted to be alongside Morocco to support its efforts to achieve inclusive and quality education. Social inclusion starts at school. Equal opportunities must be available to all children, girls and boys. That is why rural areas are a priority in this program to build 150 community schools that will be equipped with modern infrastructure and equipment, and qualified human resources."

"I am very delighted to announce this ambitious program dedicated to rural schooling in Morocco, as it is perfectly in line with Morocco's strategy to promote the educational inclusion of young Moroccans in rural areas, particularly girls, and will enable the younger generations to better integrate into society," said Mrs. Flavia Palanza, Director of Operations of the European Investment Bank (EIB) in the European Union's neighboring countries. She added: "The education sector remains a major priority for Morocco. As such, we are proud to provide our expertise to improve access and quality of education throughout the country. Through this new program, we are helping to train future generations."

On this occasion, Mr. Chakib Benmoussa, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, said that "this program is a major contribution to the Kingdom's efforts to promote equity of access to education in rural areas and to improve schooling conditions for a quality school for all. The community school model has proven its importance and effectiveness in several regions of Morocco and has significantly improved success rates in these areas and reduced dropout rates." He added: "The government is committed in its program to improving education in rural areas through the strengthening of the network of community schools according to a renewed model based on the optimization of facilities, the facilitation of access, especially for rural girls, school support and a governance involving more partners.

This financing, which is part of the partnership between the EU and Morocco and under the EIB's External Lending Mandate (ELM) 2014-2020, also contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to ensure inclusive, equitable, and quality education while promoting learning opportunities for all beneficiaries (Goal 4).