فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
In a move aimed at enhancing vocational training infrastructure and valuing Morocco’s cultural heritage, Lahcen El Saadi, Secretary of State in charge of Traditional Industry, Social and Solidarity Economy, officially launched specialized tracks in glass arts on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the Specialized Institute of Traditional Arts in the city of Meknes.
During the inauguration ceremony, El Saadi highlighted that this project represents a cornerstone of the national strategy to upgrade and modernize the traditional crafts sector, stressing the importance of equipping youth with advanced professional training that meets standards of quality and innovation, while boosting their chances of integration into the job market.
A Revival of Four Endangered Glass Crafts
The new Glass Arts Hub includes specialized workshops in four intricate traditional crafts:
- Stained glass (vitrail)
- Blown glass
- Fused glass
- Glass engraving
These are age-old trades that were facing extinction—this initiative now serves as a national model for their revival and protection.
Implemented Through the “Charaka” Program
The creation of these specialized tracks falls under the “Charaka” program, a collaborative initiative between the Moroccan government and the Millennium Challenge Corporation, through the Millennium Challenge Account – Morocco (MCA-Morocco).
The program also benefits from key stakeholders, including the Chamber of Handicrafts of the Fez-Meknes Region, the Federation of Traditional Industry Enterprises under the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), and the European Center for Research and Training in Glass Arts, which helped develop the training programs and train instructors.
A Vision for Modern Heritage Preservation
In a press statement, El Saadi explained that incorporating glass arts into vocational training is part of a broader vision to transmit artisanal skills to new generations and to promote Morocco’s intangible cultural heritage using modern standards in design and production.
Strong Attendance and Strategic Ambition
The launch event was attended by Meknes Governor Abdelghani Sebbar, along with local officials, elected council representatives, and professionals and experts from the traditional crafts sector.
This initiative is expected to create a significant shift in artisan training, empowering young craftspersons with modern tools and techniques in glass art, contributing to the local and global revival of this traditional Moroccan art form.
Source: Fes News Media
