Trarid Tendrara Community School

Duplicating a school enrolment model for children from nomadic communities

The Trarid Community School is a prime example of solidarity-based action underpinned by public policies. It was introduced in an effort to consolidate the pilot program initiated in 2009 by the Ministry of National Education in the Oriental region (eastern Morocco), aimed at improving the quality of education in rural areas.

Fighting school drop-out among children from nomadic tribes

The concept of the community school arose from the need to offer nomadic tribal children (7,582 children under the age of 15 registered in 2014 - High Planning Commission) schooling conditions suited to their way of life. The tribes, mainly from the southern and eastern regions, still have a strong tradition of migration despite the effects of sedentarization. Children are thus forced to drop out of school when their families move.

Grouping young people from the same community in an adequate setting

The principle is based on grouping students in a school that is easily accessible and equipped with school and board facilities. This makes it possible to overcome geographical constraints and to pool resources as well as curricula (1 or 2 levels). Children can thus continue their education, and benefit from housing that meets middle school standards. The tuition fee is symbolic, so that the cost is not an obstacle for families. They are cared for and supervised pedagogically by Ministry of National Education staff.

The Foundation's school enrolment support program includes two community schools: one in Tendrara and the other in Boumeryam (Figuig Region). These two facilities are managed by the Ministry of National Education.