Lessons in Arabic and French
In Morocco, too, children have to go to school. School attendance is compulsory for everyone between the ages of six and 15. In contrast to many other African countries, almost all children actually go to school: 97 percent.
Because that was not the case for many years, only 73 percent of adults can read and write. It looks better among younger Moroccans: 95 percent of young men and 88 percent of young women have these skills. The number has been increasing in recent years. Conversely, there are still too many illiterate people. Unfortunately, some children also leave school too early. This is more the case in the country than in the city. In 2002 compulsory schooling was increased to the age of 6 to 15 years. Before it was only valid from 7 to 13 years of age.
Only half of all children attend preschool. Often these are Koran schools. The children there learn the Koran by heart. At the same time they learn to read, write and do arithmetic.
The first and second grades are taught in Arabic. From the third grade onwards, math and science are taught in French. The Berber language Tamazight has also been taught to the children since 2003.
The primary school consists of six school years. This is followed by three years at secondary school. However, only half of the 15-year-olds still go to school. But those who continue to go to school can do their Abitur or attend a vocational training school.
The Abitur is called Baccalauréat, as in France, also called Bac for short. The students can choose between three branches, the mathematical-scientific, the scientific-experimental and the literary-philosophical-linguistic branch. By the way, there are more and more private schools in Morocco. The wealthier Moroccans like to send their children there.
How do children live in Morocco?
Children in Morocco have to go to school like you. Especially in rural areas, however, it can happen that children do not even start school or later simply do not go to school anymore. It affects girls in particular. Her parents believe that a girl will marry anyway and then not need any schooling or training. Many adults have not learned to read and write themselves and think that their children don’t need to either.
Familys
There are an average of 2.3 children in Moroccan families. The probability of having siblings is therefore higher than with us. Family cohesion is high in Morocco. Often several generations live under one roof. You usually spend your free time together.
Child labor
There are also children who are already working. Child labor is also prohibited in Morocco. Still there is. They often help out with their parents in the fields or tend the cattle.
Girls who have to toil as domestic servants are even worse off. Above all, poor rural families give their daughters to rich families. The girls are usually only five or six years old. They cook, clean, wash, shop and work in the garden. Many are also beaten. Their parents receive their wages.
Poverty
So poverty and poor economic conditions do not only affect adults, but of course also children. Unemployment is already high in Morocco – it is much higher among young people. In rural areas, a third of people have no access to clean drinking water.
Eating in Morocco
What do you eat in Morocco?
As a country located in Africa according to relationshipsplus.com, Morocco’s cuisine is very diverse. Berbers and Arabs, Andalusians and Africans have brought their ingredients and recipes with them. Many Mediterranean fruits and vegetables are used, as well as fish and meat, especially beef, goat, sheep and chicken. Wheat is needed for couscous and bread. There is bread with every meal. There are also often salads. Olives and olive oil are widely used. Grapes, which are eaten as dessert, are popular.
What is tagine?
Tajine is typical of Morocco. Both the casserole in which the dish is prepared and the food itself are called this. The casserole is burned from clay and has either a domed or a pointed lid. The domed lid is traditionally used by Berbers, the tip by Arabs. You can use it to prepare dishes with fish, meat and all kinds of vegetables, but also with fruits, such as beef with plums or lamb with quince. You can also prepare desserts in the tagine.
Couscous
Couscous is made from semolina, that is, from coarsely ground grain. It is moistened and rubbed into balls. There is couscous made from wheat, but also made from barley or millet. To cook couscous, just pour boiling water over it and then steep. It is then eaten as a side dish with vegetables and meat.
From saffron to mint
Spices are used extensively and in many ways in Moroccan cuisine. Saffron, cinnamon, mint, ginger, cumin, pepper, coriander, parsley and marjoram are particularly common. They can all be bought in the markets. Ras el-Hanout is a special seasoning mix. It contains about 25 spices. You also need Ras el-Hanout for our participation tip.
Mint is also used to make sweet tea from it. The preparation is a small art and drinking tea together is a daily tradition in many families. When pouring the teapot is held high above the glass so that a foam is created.