Around 3,500 teachers from various regions and provinces of the Kingdom participated in the event.
Najla Saif Al Shamsi, Chair of the Board of Directors of Research Science Investment, announced the upcoming launch of the “Cultured Teacher” Award across the Arab world during the “Teachers’ National Forum” ceremony. The award aims to recognize teachers’ contributions in fostering reading, enhancing awareness and knowledge, and motivating educational professionals toward creativity and excellence, aligning with national strategies for advancing education.
Al Shamsi attended the second edition of the “Teachers’ National Forum” as a guest of honor. The forum, organised by the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports in partnership with the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training, was held under the High Patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI in Rabat. The event brought together 3,500 male and female teachers from across the Kingdom’s regions and provinces.
During the forum, Al Shamsi highlighted that the award reinforces the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future and underscores reading as a strategic driver of human development and national competitiveness. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch.
Al Shamsi remarked: “We do not exaggerate when we say that in our schools, institutes, and universities, we determine the destiny of our nations and shape their future.”
Al Shamsi added: “The global standing of nations reflects the work, ambition, and dedication of teachers. In education, we shape the human mind, give real value to individuals, build systems of values and principles, and establish lasting knowledge.”
She further explained that the advancement of nations begins in classrooms, where young minds are shaped, values are instilled, and the foundations for competition and innovation are built.
In this context, Al Shamsi highlighted the role of the “National Reading Project”, one of Research Science Investment’s flagship initiatives, in promoting reading as an educational and cultural priority. The project aims to strengthen the presence of reading in schools, universities, and other educational institutions, emphasizing the teacher as the key bearer of the mission and a driver of change.
Concluding her speech, Al Shamsi affirmed that a return to reading represents a strategic imperative, serving as the primary gateway to excellence and the foundation for societal progress. She called for collective efforts to build a reading-empowered, knowledge-driven, and future-ready society.
Her participation came during an official visit to Morocco, aimed at strengthening cooperation with institutional partners and recognizing the achievements of the National Reading Project, particularly the “Cultured Teacher” initiative.
During the visit, Al Shamsi met with Mohamed Saad Berrada, Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports; Youssef Bekkali, President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Promotion of Social Works in Education and Training; and advisor at the Royal Cabinet.
Al Shamsi also toured the Royal Library in Rabat, accompanied by Dr. Ahmed Chouqui Binebine, Director of the Library.
She highlighted the “National Reading Project”, whose mission is to make reading a societal priority, fostering a generation of readers and innovators capable of contributing to cultural and civilizational development. The project enriches the cultural environment, strengthens national identity and a sense of belonging, and encourages knowledge production and engagement with national and human values. It also supports children’s literature, enhances content quality, and promotes sustainable cultural initiatives that advance reading.
Research Science Investment, as an educational and cultural institution, invests in developing future generations through innovative educational, academic, and creative programs. Leveraging its scientific expertise and over two decades of experience since 1998, both locally and internationally, the institution has made reading one of its core priorities.
In previous discussions, it was agreed that this initiative would culminate in the Teacher Reading Champion International Award, pending approval from the Chair to adopt the program accordingly.
