Latest news with #Bennani
Morocco World
a day ago
- Science
- Morocco World
19.61 Is the Top Baccalaureate Grade in Morocco for 2025
With an exceptional score of 19.61 out of 20, two students have achieved the highest national average in Morocco's 2025 baccalaureate exams, according to the Regional Academy of Education and Training (AREF) of Casablanca-Settat. The top honors are shared by Omar El Hariri, a student in the Mathematical Sciences (Stream A) – French track– from the private high school L'Ange Bleu in El Jadida, and Hiba Bennani, a Physical Sciences – French track — student enrolled at the private school Al Ilmia in Skhirat-Temara. At just 17 years old, El Hariri expressed his joy, attributing his success to his personal discipline, the unwavering support of his parents, and the guidance of his teachers. He said he is currently considering his university options in consultation with his family and instructors. Surrounded by her joyful family, Bennani told reporters that she was stunned by the results as they exceeded even her own expectations. She attributed her success to consistent daily studying, maintaining focus in class, and the unwavering support she received from her teachers and family. Bennani plans to pursue a degree in medicine, a field she sees as both a scientific and humanitarian– a path that, for her, represents a way to help others and ease their suffering. In several regions across Morocco, the highest baccalaureate scores were achieved by female students in the Physical Sciences French track. Fatima Mehli of Dakhla-Oued Eddahab earned an impressive 19.51, crediting years of consistent hard work and strong support from her teachers and family. In Souss-Massa, Amina Roshdo and Reem Jamai shared the top score of 19.48, with Roshdo attributing her success to perseverance and encouragement from her parents and teachers while considering future studies in medicine or architecture. Meanwhile, Hanan Ous of Guelmim-Oued Noun topped her region with a score of 18.89, expressing pride in her achievement and plans to pursue medicine or engineering, supported by her school. These results highlight how dedication and strong support networks contribute to outstanding academic success. According to the Ministry of National Education, a total of 250,075 candidates passed the regular 2025 baccalaureate exams in Morocco this year, marking a 1.5% increase compared to 2024. Female students led with a success rate of 71.3%, while 61.81% of male candidates passed, bringing the overall success rate to 66.80%, slightly below last year's 67.86%. Top-performing students will compete in the General Science and Technology Exam on July 4 at Moulay Youssef High School in Rabat, covering subjects including mathematics, physics, chemistry, life sciences, and engineering.
Morocco World
27-04-2025
- Science
- Morocco World
Pioneering Space: Somaya Bennani's Journey in Aerospace and Advocacy for Diversity
Rabat — Morocco World News (MWN) sat recently with Somaya Bennani to listen to her insights about the recent analog space mission experiences and her journey as a Moroccan woman breaking barriers in the aerospace industry. Bennani was freshly coming from a historic participation in simulation missions designed to test human capabilities for future space exploration. These missions replicate the conditions astronauts might face during actual planetary expeditions, allowing researchers to gather crucial data on human performance in extreme environments. 'Compared to my previous analogue mission Asclepios 2, this mission was longer and more operationally demanding,' the young Moroccan woman said of her latest mission. The mission included 'complex scientific experiments and technological tests,' she added, explaining that this allowed for a more comprehensive training experience. However, she noted a difference in team composition compared to her previous mission. 'At MDRS Crew 311, there were only French students except me, while ATLAS crew in Asclepios 2 had more than 9 nationalities,' Bennani said, revering diversity and how a diverse team dynamics can vary between missions. These analog missions involved sophisticated technological tools for evaluating human performance. Bennani worked with 'joysticks and Virtual Reality' systems that were implemented to 'evaluate cognitive workload and improve human-robot collaboration for future planetary missions.' Such research represents an important step toward understanding how humans and robotic systems can effectively work together in space environments. Braving stereotypes as a Moroccan woman When asked about being a Moroccan woman in aerospace, Bennani spoke candidly about her experiences navigating a field where representation from her background remains limited. 'Being a Moroccan woman in aerospace has been both challenging and rewarding. In a field where representation is still limited, I had to work harder to find opportunities and prove my capabilities,' she told MWN. The challenges Bennani faced were not just related to gender but also her nationality and background, but she did not cave in and pursued her passion for aerospace and astrology. 'I faced bureaucratic and nationality-related obstacles when pursuing certain studies and internships, but I never let that stop me from pushing forward,' Bennani said. These obstacles ranged from visa issues to qualification recognition problems that many professionals from 'developing' countries encounter when pursuing international opportunities in specialized fields. The challenges and hurdles Bennani faced didn't deter her from pursuing her childhood passion about aerospace exploration. Bennani has forged ahead with determination and resilience. Using perseverance as her weapon and shield has paid off as she continues to make valuable contributions to analog space missions and aerospace research. Her experience shows how persistence can dodge both institutional and cultural obstacles that often dispirit many talented individuals from pursuing careers in STEM fields. Bennani's journey is an inspiration for others facing similar challenges. When asked what message she would share with young Moroccan women dreaming of similar careers, she offered encouraging advice. 'Never let external limitations define your potential. Be open to different experiences, build strong networks, and most importantly, believe in yourself even when others doubt you,' she said. How Bennani made her dream come true The young woman spoke about the importance of networking and finding mentors who can guide any aspiring youth in navigating the complex aerospace industry. She explains that building connections with professionals already established in the field has been an essential part of her own success story. Looking toward the future, Bennani remains optimistic about increasing diversity in space exploration. 'The world of aerospace is changing, and there is a growing need for diverse perspectives,' she told MWN. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition within the aerospace industry that diverse teams often produce more innovative solutions to complex problems. For Bennani, the inclusion of professionals from varied cultural backgrounds contributes invaluable alternative viewpoints to space mission planning and execution. As space agencies and private companies continue to expand their missions beyond Earth orbit, these diverse perspectives will become increasingly valuable. Bennani's hope is for her experience to be proof of the ongoing need for greater inclusivity in science and technology fields. She wants her success story to serve as a powerful reminder that talent exists everywhere, and that removing barriers to participation benefits not just individuals but the advancement of space exploration as a whole. Through her work and advocacy, Bennani continues to open doors for future generations of Moroccan women and other underrepresented groups in aerospace. Her journey demonstrates that with persistence, support networks, and unwavering belief in one's abilities, it is possible to overcome barriers and make meaningful contributions to humanity's quest to explore the cosmos. Tags: AerospaceAnalog missionMoroccoSomaya Bennani
Ya Biladi
03-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's blueberry harvest delayed, peak expected in April-May
Morocco's blueberry season has been delayed this year, with the peak harvest now expected in April and May—almost a month later than usual. «We'll be seeing more and more harvests in the coming weeks, and we'll reach peak volume levels in April and May», said Amine Bennani, President of the Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Producers, in an interview with Fresh Plaza. He attributed the delay to «unsuitable temperatures for blueberries in the north of the country in November and December, coinciding with the fruit's flowering», which led to slower growth. By the end of February, only 17-20% of the previous season's volumes had been harvested. However, in the Agadir region, conditions were favorable, and «harvests [have been] normal so far, reaching 70% of the season's volumes». Bennani highlighted improvements in Larache's productivity, stating, «Productivity has clearly increased in Larache now and will continue to increase until we reach peak harvest very soon». He reassured that Moroccan blueberries would be available on the market until the second week of May. Despite the positive outlook, Bennani acknowledged a significant challenge: «Labor supply is a big challenge». The peak blueberry harvest coincides with the second cycle of raspberries and strawberries for freezing, potentially leading to fruit losses due to a shortage of workers. From a commercial perspective, the delay is seen as an advantage. Weather-related seasonal shifts have affected blueberry production worldwide, including in Spain and Latin America. As a result, an oversupply reached the market later than usual, and Morocco's delayed harvest helped avoid an early influx when prices were particularly low compared to last season. Bennani believes the market will be more favorable from now until May, adding, «This also reassures us about the shift Moroccan growers have made this season toward producing jumbo varieties, which are in high demand in European and Asian markets».
Ya Biladi
02-04-2025
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Morocco's blueberry harvest delayed, peak expected in April-May
Morocco's blueberry season has been delayed this year, with the peak harvest now expected in April and May—almost a month later than usual. «We'll be seeing more and more harvests in the coming weeks, and we'll reach peak volume levels in April and May», said Amine Bennani, President of the Moroccan Association of Soft Fruit Producers, in an interview with Fresh Plaza. He attributed the delay to «unsuitable temperatures for blueberries in the north of the country in November and December, coinciding with the fruit's flowering», which led to slower growth. By the end of February, only 17-20% of the previous season's volumes had been harvested. However, in the Agadir region, conditions were favorable, and «harvests [have been] normal so far, reaching 70% of the season's volumes». Bennani highlighted improvements in Larache's productivity, stating, «Productivity has clearly increased in Larache now and will continue to increase until we reach peak harvest very soon». He reassured that Moroccan blueberries would be available on the market until the second week of May. Despite the positive outlook, Bennani acknowledged a significant challenge: «Labor supply is a big challenge». The peak blueberry harvest coincides with the second cycle of raspberries and strawberries for freezing, potentially leading to fruit losses due to a shortage of workers. From a commercial perspective, the delay is seen as an advantage. Weather-related seasonal shifts have affected blueberry production worldwide, including in Spain and Latin America. As a result, an oversupply reached the market later than usual, and Morocco's delayed harvest helped avoid an early influx when prices were particularly low compared to last season. Bennani believes the market will be more favorable from now until May, adding, «This also reassures us about the shift Moroccan growers have made this season toward producing jumbo varieties, which are in high demand in European and Asian markets».
