International Journal of Environment, Engineering, and Education
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2025)

Post-COVID Environmental Education in Morocco: School Clubs as Drivers of Student Engagement and Sustained Self-Reported Sustainable Practices

Riouch, Abderrahmane (Unknown)
Benamar, Saad (Unknown)
Ezzeri, Halima (Unknown)
Cherqi, Najat (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
22 Aug 2025

Abstract

Global environmental challenges, amplified by climate change, pollution, and socio-ecological inequities, emphasize the urgent need for educational systems that foster durable self-reported eco-responsible practices among youth. This study investigates whether participation in school-based environmental clubs enhances Moroccan secondary school students’ capacity to sustain such practices, specifically the responsible disposal of pandemic-related waste, awareness of vaccination-related medical waste risks, and water conservation within the post-COVID-19 context. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 433 students (aged 15–19) from Fez, Sefrou, and Tangier, spanning urban and peri-urban contexts. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, two-way ANOVA, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and K-means clustering, assessed the relationships between club membership, environmental knowledge, and self-reported practices. Results indicate that club members consistently reported higher self-reported eco-responsible practices (Cramer’s V = 0.20–0.22), with a mean practice score of 3.9 compared to 2.8 for non-members. PCA identified two engagement dimensions, Self-Reported Eco-Responsible Practices and Cognitive & Institutional Engagement, explaining 65.4% of total variance. Cluster analysis revealed three distinct profiles: Sustainably Engaged (25%), Latently Engaged (50%), and Unconcerned (25%). These findings confirm environmental clubs as pivotal drivers of sustained self-reported eco-responsible practices and awareness, despite territorial disparities, and support the integration of hybrid, health-oriented approaches to strengthen environmental education in underserved regions. This study highlights the critical role of school-based environmental clubs in fostering socio-ecological resilience, offering a scalable model for integrating public health and ecological sustainability into education systems, especially in post-crisis contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

ijeedu

Publisher

Subject

Civil Engineering, Building, Construction & Architecture Computer Science & IT Education Electrical & Electronics Engineering Engineering Environmental Science

Description

The International Journal of Environment, Engineering, and Education [e-ISSN: 2656-8039] is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal that is published three times a year [in April, August, and December]; this journal provides the right platform for authors to update their knowledge, information, and ...