Deserts and Distances: Schooling Struggles in Rural Morocco

In Morocco’s remote desert and mountain villages, getting to class can mean hours of walking under a hot sun or across icy slopes. Many children set out before dawn, carrying a small breakfast and little else. During winter, when roads wash out or snow blankets the Atlas foothills, lessons are often canceled altogether. Although the government offers free primary education, hidden costs—uniforms, supplies, transportation—remain burdensome. Families that rely on subsistence farming or seasonal labor often cannot afford these extras. Girls are especially affected. Parents worry about their safety on long treks, and traditional expectations sometimes keep daughters home to help with household duties.

Schools themselves face shortages of teachers and materials. Multi-grade classrooms are common, and buildings may lack heating, electricity, or proper sanitation. Limited internet access further restricts opportunities for modern instruction or online learning. Yet communities continue to adapt. Some villages have built simple boarding houses where students can stay during the week, reducing daily travel. Nonprofit groups provide bicycles and solar-powered lamps to make the journey safer and homework possible after dark. The government has also introduced mobile libraries and literacy programs to reach scattered populations.

For lasting change, Morocco must invest in roads, teacher training, and digital infrastructure. Expanding scholarship programs for girls and creating incentives for educators to work in rural areas will help ensure that a child’s location does not define their future. The determination of these young students shows that the desire to learn remains stronger than the obstacles in their path.