The recent appointment of artist Latefa Ahrrare as a member of the board of directors of Morocco’s National Agency for the Evaluation of the Quality of Higher Education and Scientific Research is causing a stir. While some welcome this designation, the majority of critics focus on the lack of relevance of this decision.
Latefa Ahrrare, although widely known to the general public as an artist and figure in theater and television, graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts and Cultural Animation in 1995. She subsequently obtained a master’s degree in documentary filmmaking at Abdelmalek Essâadi University in Tetouan. In 2022, she will serve as director of ISADAC.
The artist and president of the National Union of Dramatic Arts Professionals, Messaoud Bouhssine, expressed his disavowal of the criticism. According to him, Latefa Ahrrare is not designated for her talents as an actress or performer, but for her expertise in pedagogy and artistic administration: “She is not here to play roles in plays, films or series, because this field belongs to artistic practice as a profession. She holds this position because of her teaching and administrative skills in the artistic field.»
Messaoud Bouhssine underlined the importance of Art in education, specifying that art, as a teaching method, is essential to improve the quality of teaching, particularly by developing students’ creativity. “Art, as a teaching method, is essential to improve the quality of education in all disciplines“, he said. He also added that arts education creates individuals capable of creative problem solving, a skill highly sought after in many industries.
Latefa Ahrrare legit?
Most opponents of his appointment believe that Latefa Ahrrare does not have the specific experience required to evaluate the higher education system. Although the artist is competent in her field, some doubt her expertise in assessing the quality of higher education. “There are more competent and experienced doctors in this specific field», declared an Internet user, adding that we should not personalize the question and make this controversy an opposition to the presence of Amazighs in major scientific positions.
It should be remembered that more serious accusations emerged on social networks, after an extract from a former television program by Latefa Ahrrare, in which she had intoned a text as if she were chanting verses from the Koran. His manner was judged by some to be mocking. This dating incident has resurfaced and revived criticism against him, from those who believe that such an attitude denigrates religion and is not compatible with high public office.
Popular support: solidarity is organized
Faced with these attacks, massive support was expressed on social networks. The Web is flooded with messages of solidarity. Many colleagues and friends of Latefa Ahrrare came to her defense. Director Naima Zitan expressed her solidarity, emphasizing that these attacks are hostile towards ambitious, creative and dedicated women: “It is a hostility towards the ambitious, hardworking and creative woman; it is a hostility towards success and dedication».
Read also: Actress Latefa Ahrrare appointed director of ISADAC
The writer Latifa Baqa, for her part, expressed her support, recalling that the road to success is often strewn with pitfalls: “To be a cultured, successful, responsible, ambitious and free woman… you must expect the disturbances that will accompany your rise, disturbances whose noise intensifies as the failure of those who try to hinder your confident steps becomes obvious».
The appointment of Latefa Ahrrare to this board of directors, although controversial, could offer new life to the National Agency for the Evaluation of the Quality of Higher Education established in 2015 and which is under the supervision of the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research. Her personal qualities, such as her ability to communicate and her team spirit, have also been praised by those who know her closely, including Messaoud Bouhssine, who highlighted: “She is known, influential and excels in human contact, qualities essential to any administrative management.».
Despite the criticism, many professionals in the artistic and academic sector believe that his appointment is an opportunity for the National Agency for the Evaluation of the Quality of Higher Education to benefit from his human values.
