Menassat Hosts Strategic Meeting on Trainer Development and Capacity Building


In partnership with the International Foundation for Training and Development (IFTD), the Menassat Center for Social Research and Studies organized a meeting with young researchers from previous editions of the JIL program, titled "Fundamental Research and Action Research: What Strategy for Trainer Development?"

The event, held from January 24 to 26, 2024, in Marrakesh, was part of a broader initiative to highlight the achievements of previous JIL editions and outline the future strategic direction for Menassat. It brought together Mohamed Ennosse, President of IFTD, along with key Menassat faculty members and officials, including Menassat Director Aziz Mechouat.

The gathering provided an opportunity to create a network connecting different generations of JIL graduates and to set the framework for an annual training program. The goal is to capitalize on field data collected during the JIL program and the various policy papers produced by its graduates, all of which have been informed by Menassat's empirical research.

Aziz Mechouat outlined the program’s objectives, which focus on training JIL graduates who will become future trainers for new generations of the program. He emphasized the importance of "trainer development" as a crucial step to ensure continuity and solidify Menassat’s role in training students, researchers, and civil society actors.

Bouchaib Majdoul highlighted the need for expanding research into new fields, such as economics, and underscored the importance of action research. He stressed that Menassat’s foundational research should be better leveraged in future social projects.

Mustapha El Mnasfi provided an evaluation of the Policy Papers produced under JIL, noting both strengths and areas for improvement. He suggested the creation of two research poles—one for fundamental research and another for action research—to support Menassat's ongoing missions.

Abderrahman Zakriti reviewed the key milestones in Menassat’s evolution, particularly through the JIL program, which has contributed to legitimizing the concept of individual freedoms in Morocco. He urged future JIL trainers to carry forward this scientific legacy and use previous research findings to develop new areas of study.

This meeting aligns with Menassat's strategic vision to strengthen ties between JIL participants, build an effective support network, and solidify its position as a prominent academic institution with national and international recognition.