Primary and secondary pupils expected to reach 5.5 million in 2000-2001 academic year

The number of pupils in Moroccan primary and secondary schools is expected to exceed this year 5.5 millions, including 205,000 in private schools.

Statistics presented on Thursday in Agadir to King Mohammed VI who gave the green light for the start of the new academic year in two schools in the south Atlantic city show that 3.8 million pupils registered in primary schools and 1.6 are attending secondary schools.

According to the document, the number of new pupils in state schools in rural areas rose by 29.8%.

On Thursday, the sovereign visited two primary schools in Agadir, toured classrooms and attended the first course given in these schools.

King Mohammed VI then distributed books, stationery and clothes to pupils of needy families.

Throughout the kingdom's regions, needy pupils were given books, stationery and school bags, part of solidarity with poor families and of efforts to encourage schooling in rural areas.