Statement from BMCE BANK's Founder

Those who are lucky enough to hold great responsibility in the economy do have rights, yet moreover, they have responsibilities — a particular responsibility to work outside the realms of their own business — and to drive projects that benefit the general good of fellow citizens. This is where competition ultimately helps implement socially appropriate enterprise and demonstrates its true meaning. Who could think of a greater and more noble cause than to instil in the children of our nation such qualities as attention to detail and tolerance? In point of fact, Aristotle said that "there can only be real democracy if the people are educated fairly." Today, however, nearly 55% of our fellow citizens are illiterate. Those most affected are people from rural areas, especially women. Should we be resigned to the fact that half of the Moroccan people are in fact excluded from economic development and cultural openness? Here at BMCE Bank Foundation for Education and the Environment we say a resounding “no!” This reflects actions taken by our Foundation via the Medersat.com project called "Your School". This project aims to construct 1,001 rural schools which will be based on an educational philosophy both modern and respectful of our ancestry and traditions. It will seek to create the right conditions for academic success for all boys and girls in rural locations and will aspire to create schools that can be effective places of learning and economic and cultural development for the entire community. This is what we can contribute to economic and social progress in Morocco during the reign of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, and it represents our corporate social responsibility and values of economic citizenship.

Othman Benjelloun
Founder of Fondation BMCE Bank