Evaluating the Impact of School Canteens on Reducing Dropout and Repetition Rates in Rural Morocco

What is it about?

In Morocco, many children in rural areas face challenges staying in school, such as low enrolment and high dropout rates. One strategy to address this issue is the school canteen program, which provides free meals to students during the school day. This study investigates whether providing school meals helps keep children in school and reduce repetition rates (when students have to repeat a grade) in rural areas. The research used data from a national survey to examine the effects of school canteens on student enrolment and school performance. It found that school canteens played a significant role in reducing repetition rates among students, meaning they helped students perform better in school. However, the study did not find clear evidence that the canteen program directly increased the number of children enrolling in school. The study also looked at how well the program is targeted to those who need it most and highlighted factors that can make the program more successful. By understanding the impact of school canteens on education, this research aims to improve the education system in rural Morocco and make it more accessible for all children, while also enhancing the quality of education in these areas.

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Photo by Carl Jorgensen on Unsplash

Photo by Carl Jorgensen on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study is unique because it evaluates the effectiveness of the school canteen program in rural Morocco, a context that has not been extensively studied before. While school meal programs are common in many parts of the world, their impact on educational outcomes like enrolment and retention in rural areas of Morocco has not been thoroughly analyzed. The research brings important insights into how such programs can affect student performance, particularly by reducing grade repetition, a major issue for students in rural schools. What makes this research timely is that Morocco’s education system is undergoing significant changes to address persistent challenges, including high dropout rates and inequalities between rural and urban schooling. With ongoing efforts to improve education in rural areas, understanding school canteens' specific role is crucial. The findings from this study provide evidence that can inform policymakers, educators, and development organizations about the effectiveness of meal programs and guide improvements in program design and targeting to ensure that children who need it most benefit the most. By addressing a key aspect of the education system that directly impacts children’s daily lives, this study contributes to the broader conversation about educational equity, offering actionable insights to help reduce disparities and improve the quality of education for all students.

Perspectives

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Writing this article was a rewarding experience, especially as it sheds light on the impact of school canteens in rural Morocco. I believe this simple intervention can have a significant effect on reducing dropout rates and improving student performance. I hope this research sparks further discussions on how we can create more accessible and effective education programs for rural communities, not just in Morocco but globally.

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