Morocco calls for more efforts to eradicate illiteracy

Moroccan Secretary of state in charge of literacy and non formal education, Najema Rhozali has urged the international community to step up efforts to eradicate illiteracy worldwide.

Speaking at the opening of the 6th international conference CONFINTEA held in Bangkok, Thailand, the Moroccan official said the eradication of illiteracy cannot be achieved without participation and support of civil society and NGOs.

She said the challenge is among the priorities of the Moroccan government which has already worked out a project based on the orientations of king Mohammed VI and the national charter of education and training which focuses on education, employment, health and housing.

Rhozali was elected coordinator of the conference for Arab countries and received the UNESCO prize awarded to the Moroccan association Ribat Al Fath.

Official figures released recently says 48% of Moroccans are illiterate, compared to a rate of 55% in 1994. Morocco is endeavoring to lower the rate to 35% in 2004 and less than 20% in 2010 and finally eradicate the scourge in 2015.