One year after the Al Haouz earthquake: The rehabilitation of schools
HIBAPRESS-RABAT-UNICEF
The Aghbalo school was destroyed after the earthquake. For several weeks, children continued their classes under temporary tents.
Today, after its rehabilitation, the Aghbalo school welcomes preschool and primary school children. It has become a creative and educational space for the children of the douar. It is the first model of the school rebuilt with the help of education partners (AREF & DP) in Al Houaz and the Amane Foundation, with the support of UNICEF, and offering access to water with clean and functional toilets.
Mohammed, 12, at Aghbalo School is happy to return to classes in his new school after the reconstruction. His dream is to become a great football player in the national team. Today, he is studious and engaged in learning with his classmates.
After class, the young man discusses with his father what he learned at school in a tent that has served as their daily shelter since the destruction of their home after the earthquake. Despite everything, Mohamed’s father keeps a discreet smile “the current living conditions are very difficult. I hope that the reconstruction work can progress quickly so that we can move into our new home.”
During the post-earthquake response, UNICEF worked with its national partners to help ensure that children could resume their studies as soon as possible.
In collaboration with its partners, UNICEF supports the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports in identifying establishments in need of support to ensure the educational continuity of children.
UNICEF’s support mainly consists of the rehabilitation of schools affected by the earthquake, educational support for teachers to provide appropriate academic support to make up for lost school time, and psychosocial support for teachers and children in the targeted areas. Allowing children to return to school as part of a daily routine is a crucial step in helping families affected by the earthquake gradually return to normalcy.
