فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Ouzai Central School in the Temzit commune, Taounate province, has closed a classroom since August 2025 after the discovery of structural risks in the ceiling. A second classroom was identified in September 2025 as having roof panels at risk of collapse, posing a real danger to around 150-200 students and teachers, especially with the start of the 2025-2026 academic year approaching.
Reports indicate that the deterioration of the school’s infrastructure is due to ongoing lack of maintenance and exposure to weather conditions, with the facilities dating back to the 1970s and operating under a limited annual education budget of about 5 million MAD for the province.
The Taounate National Education Directorate conducted a field inspection on September 10, 2025, confirming the hazardous condition and promising repairs within months. However, implementation has been delayed due to bureaucracy and prioritization of other schools in regions such as Fes.
The rural area, home to approximately 10,000 residents, faces strong pressure from educational unions, including the National Union of Education Workers, which demanded a temporary closure of the school until renovations are completed. Parents have also voiced significant concerns for their children’s safety, especially in light of prior incidents in the region, such as a roof collapse in a Taounate school in 2023 that injured five children.
This issue reflects a national challenge: according to the Ministry of Education’s 2025 report, 25% of rural schools in Morocco require urgent structural repairs, while the rural sector receives only 30% of total education funding.
Challenges and Proposed Solutions:
| Challenge | Details | Proposed Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Structural Deterioration | Roof panels at risk of collapse due to dampness and neglect since 2018. | Immediate inspection and comprehensive repair within 3 months with a 2 million MAD budget. |
| Lack of Maintenance | Limited budget; 25% of rural schools need repairs. | Allocate 10% of provincial budget annually for maintenance. |
| Impact on Students | Classes relocated to temporary tents; risk to 200 students. | Temporary transfer to neighboring schools; expedite repairs. |
| Social Pressure | Complaints from parents and unions; potential protests. | Regular dialogue sessions with parents; monthly progress reports. |
Parents and local residents express deep worry about their children’s safety, emphasizing the urgency for action. Unions stress the need to increase focus and funding towards rural education as part of the “Education 2025” program, which aims to rehabilitate 5,000 schools by 2026.
In conclusion, the crisis at Ouzai Central School exemplifies the widespread structural issues facing many schools in Taounate. Despite promising assessments and pledged repairs, social vigilance remains critical to ensure timely execution and provide a safe learning environment under the “Education 2025” initiative.
