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ROCKVILLE, Md., Aug. 22, 2013 /Standard Newswire/ -- King Mohammed VI expressed deep concern over the condition of the education policy in his country and called for drastic and bold initiatives to revamp and fix the current system.

The Moroccan Monarch used his speech on the occasion of the commemoration of the sixtieth anniversary of "the revolution of the King and the people" to address the deteriorating state of education in the country. In a critical and candid assessment, he recognized that while progress has certainly been made in the areas of education and training (such as increased enrollment especially among girls); there is an urgent need for more efforts to support this critical sector so it fulfills its role as an engine of economic and social development.

King Mohammed VI stressed the need for an alignment of training programs and curricula with the demands of the labor market. In this context, he recognized the positive results achieved in the areas of "vocational and technical training and craft" that ensured that candidates who specialized in these types of schoolings increased their chances of access to the labor market.

The Monarch laid the blame on past and present governments for the serious flaws that are hurting schoolchildren and future generations of workers. He called on all citizens to present ideas to fix the problems.

In his remarks, the King reminded Moroccans that the "education sector should not be included in the sphere of purely political matters, nor should its management be subjected to outbidding tactics or party politics."

The King challenged the Moroccan public to raise their educational standards and get serious about reforms beyond party bickering and partisan politics. He stated that "the reforms should be part of a cultural, economic and social approach aimed at training and preparing human resources who can be incorporated into a dynamic development process, through an efficient education system."

In an effort to facilitate the work of teachers and school staffs, King Mohammed promised the implementation of a robust plan to improve and upgrade infrastructures such as roads, drinking water, electricity, student and teacher accommodation units in all parts and regions of the Kingdom. These essential amenities, which supplement the work done in the education sector, enable education officials and teachers to execute their lofty missions in the best of conditions.

On the policy side, He stressed the importance of implementing the constitutional provisions for higher education, training and scientific research which he defined broadly in his last year's speech celebrating the same occasion.

Accentuating his emphasis on education reforms as key to Morocco's prosperity and economic growth, the Monarch appointed the well-respected Omar Azziman as the head of the Supreme Council of Education. Mr. Azziman is distinguished university professor, former Minister of Justice and a member of the commission for the revision of the new Constitution. This announcement is a step toward a serious and thoughtful plan to overhaul the education system in Morocco.