King Mohammed VI has urged the Government to take as soon as possible a series of measures to address the thorny issue of unemployment among young people, deemed as the country’s true wealth.
In a speech to the Nation broadcast Monday on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People, the Moroccan Sovereign called for a comprehensive review of public mechanisms and programs for youth employment so as to make them more effective and ensure they meet young people’s aspirations.
“I have decided that a national meeting on employment and training should be convened before the end of the year with a view to making practical decisions, devising new solutions, launching initiatives and charting a specific roadmap to improve the employment situation”, said the Monarch.
He stressed the need to give priority to specialties which create jobs and develop an effective means of giving students career guidance two or three years before the baccalaureate to help them choose between academic studies and vocational training, depending on their abilities and personal preference.
King Mohammed VI also called for the adoption of a framework agreement, involving the government and the private sector, to give a strong impetus to the re-training of students who drop out of school to give them a second chance at professional and social integration.
He stressed the need for a thorough review of vocational training programs to align them with the needs of businesses and the public sector, and to make sure they are adapted to changes in industry and trades in general, thereby increasing the chances of graduates to access professional life.
“We must give our young people what they need in the areas of education, employment, health and so on. More importantly, we must enhance their confidence and give them hope in the future…” underlined the Sovereign, noting that every citizen is entitled to the same opportunities, to a good education and to a decent job.
“It pains me to see that the unemployment rate among young people remains high. It is not right that one in four youths should be unemployed, despite Morocco’s overall economic growth record. The figures are even more disturbing in urban areas”, deplored the King of Morocco.
“Despite the efforts made, the major economic projects launched, and the social programs being implemented, the results achieved do not measure up to my ambitions in this regard”, he said.
“We cannot let our education system continue to produce unemployed people, especially in certain branches of study, where graduates – as everyone knows – find it extremely hard to access the job market”, said King Mohammed VI, stressing this is not only waste of public resources and of young people’s energies, but it also hinders development and affects the living conditions of many Moroccans.
In his speech, the King deplored that many young Moroccans, especially those with advanced university degrees, are considering leaving the country, not just because of attractive incentives abroad, but also because they do not find the right environment and conditions at home for employment, career advancement, creativity and scientific research.
“Generally, the same reasons discourage a number of Moroccan students abroad from coming back home to work once they finish their studies”, explained the Moroccan Sovereign, calling for “a serious, responsible approach” to deal with the issue and to “offer the attractive incentives needed as well as the appropriate inducements to encourage qualified people to settle and work in Morocco”.
