Rabat - On December 6th and 7th 2013, Crisis Management Initiative (an Initiative of Former Finland President & Nobel Prize Winner Martii Ahtisaari), in conjunction with the Mohamed V University Souissi, held a two day forum, under the theme “stocktaking of youth employability in Morocco : Enhancing the socio-economic and legal policy framework.”
The program convened over 120 participants to set a platform for national dialogue on stocktaking of national youth employability policies in Morocco. The Forum also spanned these policies’ conformity to Morocco’s international commitments as well as national and international labor legislation. The program, organized under the patronage of the Presidency of Mohamed V University-Souissi was met with strong interest, hosting diverse participants representing youth representatives; civil society organizatio academics; international organizations; syndicates; policy makers; and the private sector.
The inauguration of the Forum, featured notable speakers including: Minister Soumaya Ben Khaldoun, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Executive Training; Ambassador Christina Harttila Ambassador of Finland in Morocco; Mr. Bruno Pouezat, The United Nations Representative in Morocco and other high-level Moroccan and international personalities. Moroccan-American lawyer and convener of the Forum, Leila Hanafi, chaired the program.
The workshops discussions evolved around many topics from national youth employability policies; insights from international organizations on international aid programs to advance youth insertion into the labor market; and insights from civil society on improving access to work and favorable conditions.
One of the workshops highlighted the gap between the Moroccan educational system and the market needs. In fact, most of the students are not equipped with soft skills that the companies are requesting. The universities, notably public ones, provide their students with technical skills. However, they fail to offer them the opportunity to have practical trainings before getting immersed in the job market. Thus, organizations like the African Leadership Academy, was showcased as an example of the combined educational model of soft and technical skills for youth.
Another workshop tackled ways overcome the problems faced by young people in terms of employability. The participants suggested recommendations such as: creating partnerships between universities and companies of public and private sectors to provide students with professional experiences; programming project management courses as part of the universities curriculum; and improving the quality of pedagogical orientation from an early age. Here, the example of Mohammed V University’s Souissi Centre d’Acceuil, d’Information, d’Orientation et de Suivi (CAIOS) was used as a success model in channeling University youth needs with the demands of the labor market.
Regarding the analysis of national legislation and international conventions pertinent to Right to Work & Favorable Work Conditions, the discussion was focused on a key international covenant of International Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The convention , ratified by Morocco in 1979 recognizes, under Article 6:
The right to work, defined as the opportunity of everyone to gain their living by freely chosen or accepted work. Parties are required to take "appropriate steps" to safeguard this right, including technical and vocational training and economic policies aimed at steady economic development and ultimately full employment. The right implies parties must guarantee equal access to employment and protect workers from being unfairly deprived of employment and prevent discrimination in the workplace.
For Morocco, one of the key issues that persist is the quality jobs for first-time job seekers. Concepts like the respect of the minimum wage and the improvement of safety and health conditions is prevalent in the country. In fact, if we benchmark against international labor indices, we will find that the majority of young men and women to obtain good jobs has declined steadily since 1960s.
Overall, several recommendations ensued from the discussions including, but not limited to: continuing dialogue with key national authorities and young people in constructive dialogue spaces such as Universities to enable a demand driven approach in hearing the concerns of young university graduates in all parts of Morocco. Another recommendation that emanated is the need to include the voices of youth from policy and decision-making processes and promote participatory process for policy formulation.
As young Moroccan University graduates, we had the privilege to actively participate in this two day program. No such forum exists for the various sides in Morocco to discuss the development of constructive recommendations for such a timely issue as youth employability from both the socio-economic and legal angles. We strongly believe that a key issue that should be addressed is the educational system and its compatibility with the needs of the professional world. However, students on their side should develop their soft skills and build a versatile background in order to have access easily to the job market.
Companies are not looking for non-valuable degrees holders, but for smart students seeking self-development. Finally, students should develop their leadership potential so as they can shape their own futures and contribute to the development of their country. Though they are facing many problems after graduation, they should have a positive attitude and strive to reach the job of their dreams.
Asmae Lahlou is a second year master student of Arts in Teaching French as a Foreign Language, Mohamed V Souissi University in Rabat, Morocco. Asmae is the winner of several public speaking contests and is active in civil society work in Morocco.
Imane Bouhazzama, holds a Bacherlor’s degree in English studies from Ibn tofail university in Kenitra Morocco and is currently finishing master studies in communication and marketing.