فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
On Thursday, Lahcen Saadi, the Secretary of State for Traditional Crafts and Social and Solidarity Economy, presided over the inauguration ceremony of new specialized glass art programs at the Specialized Institute of Traditional Arts in Meknes, marking a national first.
This initiative is part of the “Partnership” program, which is being implemented through cooperation between the Moroccan government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation. The program aims to introduce new specialties in glass art, thereby enriching Morocco’s cultural heritage and providing new professional opportunities for youth.
Strong Partnerships with International Institutions
The program benefits from the support of prominent institutional and professional stakeholders, including the Traditional Crafts Chamber of the Fes-Meknes region, the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM) through the Federation of Traditional Crafts Enterprises, and the expertise of the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts.
In a statement to the press, Karim Benshmassi, Director of the Specialized Institute of Traditional Arts in Meknes, emphasized that this initiative represents a significant contribution to the Moroccan craft sector. He noted that the creation of specialized programs in stained glass, blown glass, molten glass, and glass engraving would positively impact job creation and equip youth with new skills in traditional crafts.
The Vital Role of Youth in Heritage Development
Benshmassi added that these new professions will significantly contribute to creating job opportunities and developing youth skills in vital sectors, thereby enhancing the sustainability of Morocco’s intangible heritage. He highlighted that this initiative aligns with global trends in preserving cultural heritage while fostering innovation and quality in traditional industries.
A Long-Term Partnership
On her part, Marie-Alice Skaber, Director of the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts, expressed her happiness with the opening of this new center, which is the result of a long-term partnership between the two institutions. She confirmed that the agreement between the institute and the European center has provided the necessary equipment and developed training programs that will enable the training of Moroccan trainers, who, in turn, will train future generations of artisans.
Partnership Agreements and Strengthened Cooperation
At the end of the ceremony, several partnership agreements were signed between the Secretary of State for Traditional Crafts, the Federation of Traditional Crafts Enterprises, the Traditional Crafts Chamber of Fes-Meknes, and the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts. Certificates were also awarded to graduates of the professional apprenticeship program, including graduates with special needs, as well as those benefiting from training in English language and financial literacy.
A Distinguished Presence of Officials and Professionals
The ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Abdelghani Sbbar, Governor of the Meknes Province, as well as representatives of elected councils at both regional and local levels, in addition to professionals and heads of external services.
This project is considered a major step in supporting and developing the Moroccan traditional craft sector to meet modern challenges. It affirms the Moroccan government’s commitment to strengthening this important sector and its role in the national economy.
Source: Fes News Media
