Basic education school attendance to increase by 5.5% in 2000-2001

The number of students attending basic education classes (first eight grades) will increase by 5.5% in the 2000-2001 school year, during which a new education and training charter will be enforced, said Education Minister Moulay Ismail Alaoui.

State-run schools of basic education will receive some 3,664,000 students, an increase by 4.8% in comparison with 1999-2000 school year, Alaoui told journalists.

The schooling rate of children aged between 6 and 11 has reached in the present school year (Sept - June) 80% from 68.% in the 1997-98 school year.

Meanwhile, girl's schooling has progressed by 17% nationwide and 34% in rural areas between 97-98 and 99-2000.

The minister also announced that a $55 million budget has been earmarked to improve the quality of education and schools as a pedagogic space adapted to modern times and socio-economic realities.

The 1999-2000 budget allocated to the education department was raised by 1.15% in comparison with the previous fiscal year. It takes 16% of the state general budget.