Illiteracy blamed for 40 percent of poverty in Morocco, official

Illiteracy is held responsible for 40 percent of poverty in Morocco, according to the Secretary of State for Alphabetisation and Non Formal Education who said studies have shown that investment in human capital is fundamental for economic growth.

Anis Birou who was interviewed Monday by Moroccan daily "Le Matin du Sahara et du Maghreb," said there was a link between the variables of adult education, the gross domestic product and the degree of poverty.

The minister urged the private sector, civil society, artists, journalists and writers to sponsor the education of a child.

Quoting enquiries carried out since Morocco's independence in 1956, Anis Birou said the illiteracy rate of the people aged 10 and over, has diminished by 39 points in 38 years adding the demographic explosion in the country since that period( 2.1 percent between 1982 and 1994) did not make it easy for the generalization of education.

He estimated to 11 millions, (a third of the country's population) the number of illiterates in Morocco.