The Minister for Education, the Hon Professor John Cortes, recently visited Houmar Primary School in the village of Tanaquon, in the Rif mountains of Morocco, as part of his ongoing work to develop and strengthen relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

During his visit, Minister Cortes saw first-hand the work carried out by the Gibraltar-based charity Rifcom, whose volunteers and supporters have helped repair and improve the school building. The school had previously faced difficulties with damp, poor conditions and limited equipment, and has since been substantially improved through funds raised by Rifcom and the efforts of its volunteers.

The Minister also witnessed the serious access difficulties now faced by teachers and pupils following storm damage earlier this year. The road from Chefchaouen to the village has been badly affected by landslides, with sections cracked, displaced or reduced to muddy tracks. Teachers and some pupils now have to travel from Chefchaouen, leave their vehicles, cross the damaged area on foot, and then continue walking to reach the school.

Despite these challenges, Minister Cortes said he was deeply moved by the resilience and positivity of both staff and pupils.

The Minister for Education, the Hon Professor John Cortes, said:

“I visited Houmar Primary School to see for myself the tremendous work carried out by Rifcom and its volunteers. What I found was a school transformed by care, commitment and generosity.

“But I also saw the very real hardship now faced by teachers and pupils following the storm damage to the road. Some are travelling for an hour from Chefchaouen before having to walk across a landslide area simply to get to school.

“And yet, despite all this, the children were smiling, the teachers were positive, and learning was continuing. It was a powerful reminder that education matters everywhere, and that dedicated teachers will teach, and children will learn, even in the most difficult circumstances.

“Rifcom’s work is making a real difference to communities just across the Strait, so close to Gibraltar. I was very moved by what I saw, and I believe it is important that we continue to recognise and support the efforts being made there.”

Minister Cortes commends Rifcom for its continued charitable work in Morocco and for the practical support it provides to communities with close historic and geographic links to Gibraltar.