By Siham Ali, Source: Magharebia
Casablanca
Many young Moroccans have no idea where to begin planning a college programme and future career.
To help high school students select the best higher education option to fit their needs, Orientation Carrefour and the Education Ministry set up forums around the country.
Casablanca was the latest city to host the event. On March 1st, students and parents met with representatives from public and private institutions to explore education options.
Nearly a quarter-million people attended the School, University and Entrepreneurship Orientation Days last year. More than 300,000 people are expected to attend the 2013 edition in 14 cities, including Rabat, Mohammedia, Khemisset, Meknes, Larache and Agadir.
“Only a minority of students have already chosen their field or their college following the baccalaureate,” guidance counsellor Yasmine Bakri said.
“Most students are confused and pick the school based on other students’ advice or because they follow in someone else’s footsteps,” she added.
Parents need to play a decisive role in helping young people make good choices about higher education, sociologist Jalal Bekkali said.
He cautioned against the trend of having parents plan their children’s future right from childhood.
Meriem Fettahi, the mother of a young high school student, attended the Casablanca orientation forum. Her daughter Yousra will be completing her baccalaureate degree this year.
“She still doesn’t know if she’ll be choosing a professional training programme or if she’ll be going to college,” Fettahi said.
“What matters to us is that she can be in a programme that will help her enter the job market.”
Young people, as soon as they hit high school, becoming worried about the job market but yet don’t seem to realise the importance of guidance counselling, Bekkali told Magharebia.
“A minority of students fight to get excellent grades that will grant them access to the Grandes Ecoles,” Bekkali said. “Unfortunately access to the Grandes Ecoles remains restricted.”
“Students have to choose between attending university, which has a reputation of being an unemployment factory, or professional training programmes. Those who can afford it go study abroad,” he said.
Salim Chehbi, a student intern at a professional training institute, pointed out that once their baccalaureate is in hand, students do not know where to turn.
“There’s no guidance counselling at school. After the bac, there aren’t that many options. I chose professional training so I wouldn’t be unemployed once I graduated,” he added.
For Mustapha Faiq, director of the ‘Orientation Carrefour’ forum, the goal of these guidance open houses is to help students develop a vision for the future and make the right decision.
“Young people in this country are cut off from communication and information,” he added.
“The enthusiasm you see at the forums and the fact that they take part in the conferences in such large numbers are obvious proof,” he said.
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