Moroccan projects target social deprivation
2007-11-22
Despite government and civilian efforts to combat social problems, Morocco has a ways to go before it can put an end to poverty, illiteracy and unemployment.
By Sarah Touahri for Magharebia in Rabat – 22/11/07
 [File] Former Social Development Minister Abderahim Harouchi said insufficient economic growth and high birth rates have reduced the effectiveness of public social policy. |
Although Morocco has undertaken major social reforms, both public and private efforts have failed to eliminate social deprivation. According to Minister for Social Development, Families and Solidarity Abderrahim Harouchi, insufficient economic growth, high birth rates and the sluggish development of rural areas have diminished the effectiveness of public policy.
These figures bear witness to a number of social problems. According to official statistics, the poverty rate is 14.2%, unemployment is at 9.6%, and illiteracy is remains at 40%.
Mohamed Najib Guedira, director of the social development agency, points out that development is everyone’s concern. "The fight against poverty starts with improving incomes. We must not only make up the deficit in material provision but also in terms of income," he said.
The social development agency's role is to assist social projects in even the most far-flung communes. Two thirds of its projects are run by associations.
"Most associations are not working collectively," Guedira said. "But over the past two years, we have seen a new situation: associations are starting to network to enhance their effectiveness." A national social development network established last year brings together researchers, civil society actors, administrative decision-makers and private enterprises.
Guedira stressed that despite setbacks, there is cause to celebrate advances made in the fields of health, education, housing, access to basic services, pensions and social security as well as the emergence and dynamism of civil society and women’s movements.
Sociology professor Jamal Maktoum said Morocco has displayed great dynamism in its development, particularly since the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in May 2005.
"The INDH is a major conceptual turning point in public policy in the field of human and social development." Maktoum said. "But everyone’s efforts need to be combined if we are to fight social problems such as unemployment and poverty."
In the year following its inception, the INDH began 1,104 projects. More than 6,000 were undertaken in 2006 and it is expected that the number of projects will reach 7,000 in 2007.
So far, the INDH has spent approximately two billion dirhams on projects.
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Karim Laraki Posted 2007-11-23
That makes it a month now that Abderrahim Harouchi is no longer Minister of Social Development, Family and Solidarity!!
chomeur Posted 2007-11-23
ذكرت مصادر رسمية أن نسبة الفقر بلغت 14.2% والبطالة 9.6% والأمية بقيت في حدود 40%. How did the state get these statistics!? Just look at the unemployment rate!!! So to find out how many unemployed there are we go and verify their identification in establishments the Ministry of the Interior specialised for this… that is who came up with these numbers. The question then is, do you think that all the people who are unemployed had that noted on their identification that they have no jobs!? That is definitely not the case!!! For example, I myself do not have a job, but I have “technician” written on my identification. So for these people, people like me, are we unemployed or not!?
عبد الملك لكحل Posted 2007-11-23
I'm proud of this government in eradicating poverty and the numerous obstacles because of the needy and poor families. FOGARIM is something nice, and it contributes to human development. Why is there no FOGARIM for the handicrafts and mobile sellers guaranteed by the Moroccan state in order to eradicate poverty? Banks and credit associations are limited and the interest rate is high. I'm one of the victims of these associations and banks. I have 2 shops, I work with 5 people, some have families. I hope you will focus on handicrafts, professionals and ambulant sellers. Thank you.
champion Posted 2007-11-23
Poverty is not an affliction that can be cured by a ministry, a king or a law. Poverty is due to laziness and a lack of both imagination and audacity on the part of Moroccans. They need to work more seriously and get an adequate education. But, the majority of Moroccans have a sixteenth-century mentality, based on religion and the protection of the Makhzen.
takfarinase Posted 2007-11-30
How can those who destroyed Morocco, reform Morocco?
leila Posted 2007-12-03
Everyone talks about the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), but no one is aware yet of its impact on Moroccan society. In order for Moroccans to mobilise as one towards the sole end of building the Morocco of tomorrow, they must first be equal before the law, the opportunists being sent to prison.
منصف Posted 2007-12-15
The National Initiative for Human Development won’t bear fruit without raising awareness among all members of society and securing their active participation to make it succeed with hard work, seriousness and co-operation. It’s by them and intended for them. The first basis for the development of a side of the government is the people because they know their needs and requirements better than anyone. As to the role of the national initiative, it should take these requirements and needs into consideration and regulate and organize them following the surrounding conditions. From here I say that the National Initiative for Human Development in Morocco requires awareness campaigns among citizens because it’s still unclear to many of them. Thank you.
فاطمة Posted 2008-01-06
Concerning the national initiative in the region of Souss, namely the province of Inezgane, I can confirm that it is successful thanks to the active and responsible associative tissue in this region. These associations have achieved a significant success in the field of fighting illiteracy, and thanks to the national initiative for human development, these associations have succeeded in teaching women income-generating crafts and this falls in the interest of poor families to which belongs this category that lives in marginalization and poverty.
abdelaali Posted 2008-01-10
And immediately after announcing the initiative of the development of human resources, a special account was set up and for which significant funds were allocated: 10 billion dirhams over five years for the period of 2006-2010 in favour of priority programmes of the initiative. This fund is made up of 6 billion dirhams from the State, two billion dirhams from local districts, and two billion dirhams from the world community. Therefore, and within six years, Morocco succeeded to associate the social with the political to accomplish the social project which was so long called for by Moroccan people. The National Initiative for the human development brings Morocco into a new era on the economic and social levels. As it was stressed by the king of Morocco, may God assist him, in his discourse of May 18th, 2005, this initiative isn’t just a phase project or seasonal temporary programme, and it’s an open and continuous workshop.
abdelmajid Posted 2008-05-27
the national initiative for human development seems to be a big landmark in morocco's social and economic history, because it will give a solution to the problem of poverty and marginalisation.
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