Latest news with #IbnTofailUniversity
Morocco World
13-05-2025
- Business
- Morocco World
English Studies in Morocco: Soft Skills At The Core
As Morocco's job market continues to evolve, higher education institutes and universities are being called to prepare students not only with academic knowledge but also with the soft skills needed to succeed in dynamic workplaces. In English studies departments, this challenge is particularly pressing, as graduates often pursue careers in education, communication, or business fields where interpersonal and professional competencies are essential. 'Nowadays, English studies' relevance, prominence, and worthiness reside in promoting Morocco's job market,' says Sana Sakale, ELT expert and professor at Ibn Tofail University. 'One big favorable side of soft skills' integration is to foster self-engagement and help students gain more grounded knowledge, which may, in turn, empower them to boost the job market.' According to the Moroccan expert, soft skills like interpersonal communication – both verbal and written – alongside collaboration, critical thinking, and adaptability, are increasingly vital. 'These skills give students a sense of direction and help them integrate within their university community,' she adds. 'Problem solving, prioritizing tasks, managing time efficiently, and adapting to diverse work environments are all part of the essential skills Moroccan students must develop.' However, building these competencies within the framework of a traditional academic system is not without challenges. 'Some of the obstacles may be linked to curriculum constraints,' she explains. 'There's limited space for soft skills development, and traditional teaching and assessment methods still dominate, focusing more on theoretical knowledge rather than its practical application.' Sakale also points to a lack of resources and funding as a key barrier. Despite these hurdles, efforts are being made to help students develop the needed skills. At Ibn Tofail University, the English department offers project-based courses and hands-on workshops that emphasize teamwork, communication, and leadership. 'Our department includes project-based learning to develop problem-solving skills,' the professor notes. 'We also support extracurricular activities like debating clubs, cultural events, and volunteering opportunities that foster soft skills.' The role of professors themselves is central to this transformation. 'They orchestrate and model soft skills by demonstrating them in their own teaching practices,' Sakale says. 'They lead by example, provide constructive feedback, and encourage participation in activities that go beyond the classroom.' As someone who has attended numerous student-led panels and witnessed debates and presentations in different Moroccan universities, I can attest to a growing enthusiasm among both students and faculty to close the gap between theory and practice. Students are no longer just consumers of knowledge; they are becoming active participants in shaping their educational experience. Looking ahead, professor Sakale recommends structural reforms that embed soft skills more deeply into the curriculum. 'We need to make soft skills development an integral part of English studies,' she says. 'That means project-based learning, industrial and commercial partnerships, and regular workshops that offer practical, real-world experiences.' By embracing these strategies, Moroccan universities can ensure that English studies graduates are not only articulate and analytical, but also adaptable, confident, and ready to thrive in the modern workforce.
Morocco World
01-04-2025
- Sport
- Morocco World
Moroccan Cyclist Sets Off on 24,000 Km Journey from Ushuaia to Alaska
Doha – After completing his cycling journey to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup, 24-year-old Moroccan cyclist Salaheddine Benarym has embarked on an even more ambitious expedition. On Tuesday, he set out from Ushuaia, Argentina, on a remarkable 24,000-kilometer bicycle journey that will take him to Alaska over the next two years. Benarym, a recent graduate in financial management from Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra, plans to time his journey to coincide with the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, the United States, and Canada. 'This combines my two great passions: cycling and football,' he told MAP. The journey is supported by sponsors including Sidi Ali, BMCI Foundation, Tibu Africa, and the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), and will take him through 14 countries. Despite the backing, Benarym acknowledges his parents' concerns about the risks involved. 'It's natural for my parents to worry. They worry even if I'm just outside our house. So imagine when I'm thousands of kilometers away in countries I don't yet know,' he said. Benarym's route begins in dramatic fashion, amid the untamed winds of Argentine and Chilean Patagonia that set the tone for a journey defined by grit and grandeur. He plans to cycle between 80 and 120 kilometers daily, traversing diverse terrains including the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the rainforests of Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. The journey will also serve as an immersive language learning experience for him. 'I will spend a year and a half crossing Spanish-speaking countries where I plan to improve my Spanish,' Benarym explained. After the 2026 World Cup, his route will continue through the Sonora Desert and the American West before heading into Canada's Rocky Mountains and ultimately reaching Alaska. The entire journey is expected to take two years to complete. Benarym views his expedition as more than a personal challenge. 'This carries an indirect message to young people: you must fight for your dreams and never give up when facing challenges,' he said. The young cyclist, who is famous on social media, is taking his thousands of followers on the journey alongside him, as he attempts to demonstrate that 'nothing is impossible.' Read also: 70-Year-Old Moroccan Cyclist Completes Seven-Month Casablanca-Beijing Bike Journey Tags: 2026 World cupMoroccan cyclist
