Illiteracy struggle programs for 2000-2001 launched in Rabat

The programs of struggle against illiteracy for 2000-2001 were launched Tuesday evening in Rabat. The campaign, to benefit some 300,000 persons in the 15-45 age bracket, mainly targets young girls and women in rural and suburban areas.

To ensure success to the programs, the ministry of employment, vocational training, social development and solidarity set up a system to back the initiatives of the civil society at the organizational, pedagogical and financial levels.

The system provides for the creation of a nationwide network of ngos dealing with struggle against illiteracy to foster the participation of the civil society in the move and in social development at large.

Besides learning how to read and write, the programs beneficiaries will be trained to some handicraft trades. Courses on health, environment, education in population matters are also part of the programs.

Illiteracy rate is still very high in Morocco standing at 47%. Under the 2001-2004 four year development plan, the illiteracy rate will be lowered to 35 % and by year 2010 to 25%.