Significant Reduction in Illiteracy Rates
According to data from the National Agency for the Fight Against Illiteracy, Morocco’s illiteracy rate among individuals aged 10 and above has reached 24.8%, showcasing a notable decline from previous years, specifically since the 2014 census. This data, derived from the 2024 General Census of Population and Housing, reflects the ongoing efforts to combat illiteracy through various educational initiatives. In response to inquiries regarding literacy programs from parliamentary advisor Khalid Setti of the National Labor Union in Morocco, the agency revealed that approximately 2.4 million individuals have benefitted from these programs over the past four years, illustrating a commitment to enhancing education and training levels across the country.
Ongoing Challenges and Demographics of Illiteracy
Despite the progress made, significant challenges remain in the fight against illiteracy. The agency highlighted that around 400,000 new illiterate individuals emerge each year, primarily due to early school dropouts, compounded by cases of relapse in literacy skills as individuals struggle to maintain regular use of reading and writing in their daily lives. The disparity in illiteracy rates between genders is particularly concerning, with women facing a higher rate of 32.4% compared to 17.2% for men. Furthermore, the illiteracy rate rises with age, with a staggering 51% of individuals aged 50 and above classified as illiterate. Rural areas are disproportionately affected, with an illiteracy rate of 43.4%, while urban areas report a significantly lower rate of 19.3%. Rural women face the highest challenge, with illiteracy rates soaring to 55.1%. Over the last decade, the overall illiteracy rate has decreased from 32.2% in 2014 to the current 24.8% in 2024, marking a significant achievement. Women's illiteracy has dropped from 42.1% to 32.4%, while men's has decreased from 22.2% to 17.2%. In terms of program outcomes for the 2024–2025 academic year, the agency reported 455,781 beneficiaries, with civil society organizations playing a crucial role in this progress, accounting for more than 294,000 beneficiaries or about 65% of the total. Additionally, over 140,000 individuals participated in programs conducted in collaboration with the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs.
As reported by en.hespress.com.
