Exploring Science Education Initiatives: Alexey Obukhov’s Visit to Morocco

From 13 to 21 May 2026, Alexey Obukhov, a Leading Expert at the Pinsky Centre of General and Extracurricular Education at the HSE Institute of Education, participated in a series of educational and professional events in Moulay Rachid youth complex in Bouznika, as part of the 2nd National Science Exhibition.

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The programme was organised by the Association Marocaine des Petits Débrouillards (AMPD), in collaboration with the Moroccan Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports. The event brought together educators, researchers, and organisers of youth initiatives to focus on science education, project-based learning, and approaches to supporting children’s and adolescents’ engagement in research and creativity. According to the organisers, this initiative is part of a broader effort to promote scientific culture and innovation among young people.

During his visit, Professor Obukhov attended meetings with Moroccan educational and academic institutions, took part in discussions about the future direction of MILSET programmes and exchanged ideas on best practices in general and extracurricular education. In his capacity as member of the executive committee of the MILSET Vostok, he also contributed to discussions on international educational partnerships and the role of youth science communities in fostering cross-border collaboration.

The programme included two strategic planning meetings devoted to the future development of MILSET and MILSET Vostok. The discussions brought together MILSET President Driss Louaradi, MILSET Vice-President Ksenia Salnikova, and MILSET Vostok President Vasily Pavlov, Rector of the Junior Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

Reflecting on his experience, Professor Alexey Obukhov noted:

Thanks to our hosts in Morocco, we had the opportunity to visit places closely connected with the development of education and science in North-West Africa, from ancient times to the present day. These included Rabat, Fez, Tangier, Volubilis and Chefchaouen. We also visited the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque in Fez, recognised by UNESCO as the world’s oldest continuously operating higher education institution.”

Professor Obukhov was accompanied by five students from Vernadsky School No. 1553 in Moscow and one student from Yakutia. He supported the presentation of STEM research and project work at the exhibition. The Russian delegation showcased projects in educational psychology, mathematics, geophysics, engineering, programming, ecology and architectural history. Participants from Morocco and Brazil presented projects that addressed challenges relating to energy, environmental sustainability, production processes and locally relevant technological solutions. Experts from France also contributed to the exhibition programme.

Looking ahead, Alexey Obukhov emphasised the importance of continued collaboration:

We identified several promising areas for future cooperation between Russia, the Association Marocaine des Petits Débrouillards, and MILSET, including joint educational initiatives in research- and project-based learning involving students from different countries.”