In the heart of Fez, the Center for Training and Qualification in Crafts does more than simply preserve a centuries-old heritage; it acts as a true social elevator. Amidst the clatter of looms and the scent of leather, hundreds of young people are transforming their futures by learning the skills that make Morocco proud.

A concrete "second chance"

The institution has set itself a clear mission: to take in teenagers and young adults who have left the school system (sometimes as early as 6th grade) and offer them vocational expertise. Under the impetus of the Mohammed VI Foundation , this center welcomes between 600 and 650 learners each year.

Key points of the program:

1. Accessibility: 100% free training.
2. Diversity: 25 trades taught (tanning, jewelry making, pottery, bookbinding, etc.).
3. Preservation: Focus on skills threatened with extinction.
4. Opening: 5% of places are reserved for international students, particularly from sub-Saharan Africa.

A unique educational model in Morocco

Unlike traditional courses, the center is based on total immersion. Here, the workshops are not simply classrooms, but actual production units .

1. 80% practical: Learning takes place on the job.
2. Resident master craftsmen: 25 professionals have their own workshops within the center. In exchange for this equipped space, they provide technical training to young people.
3. Real immersion: Students produce real objects (porcelain, embroidery, saddlery), making them operational as soon as they obtain their diploma.

"The artisans produce, and in return, they train. It's a pioneering system in Morocco." — Aboujaafar Ahmed , Director of the center.

From workshop to job: a measurable success

The training, lasting one to two years, leads to a state-recognized diploma. But the support doesn't end with the awarding of the certificate. The center boasts an 80% job placement rate , thanks to two key factors:

1. Salaried employment: Direct integration into existing craft workshops.
2. Entrepreneurship: For those wishing to start their own business, an integrated microfinance institute helps to finance the most solid projects.

An international reach

This model of social and cultural success is attracting attention beyond national borders. Recently, the center opened its doors to the international press, illustrating the Kingdom's ambition to reconcile the protection of intangible heritage with the economic integration of young people.