Morocco intends to gradually extend the teaching of the Amazigh (Berber) language in primary schools, a decision that will affect 4 million pupils by the end of the decade, the education minister announced on Thursday. "The teaching of the Amazigh language will benefit some 4 million pupils in 12,000 primary schools by 2030," said National Education Minister Chakib Benmoussa at a press briefing. This measure is in response to a long-standing demand by Amazigh activists, with a view to preserving the language, which is currently taught to only 330,000 schoolchildren. The Amazigh language was recognised in 2011 as an official language in the kingdom's new Constitution, alongside Arabic. In 2019, an organic law made its use official in the administration, local authorities and public services, as well as in public and private education.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 02, 2023 12:24 UTC