Calliope: Premier Platinum Center in Cambridge for Africa and the Middle East
Casablanca: Kalliope Joins Global Elite as First Platinum Center in Morocco
In a move that signifies educational maturity and a deep-rooted partnership, the Moroccan group "Kalliope" has achieved global recognition by being granted "Platinum Center" status by the University of Cambridge. This milestone, the first of its kind in Morocco and in the broader Middle East and Africa, was celebrated during a ceremony held on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, at Kalliope’s Casablanca headquarters.
Amid a festive atmosphere that brought together representatives from the esteemed British university, partners, educators, and educational stakeholders, Kalliope’s Executive Director, Merieme Bennis, remarked that this distinction is "not just an international quality certification, but also the burden of a new responsibility in supporting education in Morocco."
In what was labeled a historic speech, Ms. Bennis stated: "Today, we celebrate a dual achievement: first, the attainment of the Platinum label, and second, the appointment of new educational partners from Cambridge in the Kingdom." She reflected on the beginnings of Kalliope over thirty years ago, rooted in a profound belief that education "has the power to change lives and open doors."
Ms. Bennis emphasized that this accomplishment "did not happen by chance," but is the culmination of decades of continuous effort and collaboration with Cambridge, grounded in trust and a shared vision. She pointed out that the English language has now become "a key to higher education and international opportunities," asserting that each Cambridge certificate "tells a success story that brings together the efforts of the learner, the teacher, and the institution."
She underscored that investing in teacher training remains a top priority, pledging to continue professional development programs throughout the Kingdom. Additionally, she stated that the Platinum status is not the end of the journey but "the beginning of a new phase of ambition," which includes expanding services to remote areas and public and private institutions.
In an emotional address, Francesca Noodward, Global Managing Director for English at Cambridge University Press and Assessment, referred to Morocco as "a country close to my heart," reminiscing about her experiences in the Atlas Mountains, which she described as "the most beautiful experience." She praised the growing momentum of English language learning in Morocco, noting that Kalliope is now part of a "very select group of Platinum centers around the world."
Ms. Noodward further stated that the rising interest in the English language in Morocco "is not by chance," but is the result of a genuine commitment to quality standards, highlighting the pivotal role of teachers at the heart of the educational process. She affirmed that "every learner’s success is backed by a qualified and dedicated teacher," and committed to continuing support for Moroccan teachers, whose training platform has shown increasing engagement.
The ceremony also honored five Moroccan educational institutions that received the "Certified Educational Partners" (CEEP) label, in recognition of their adoption of international best practices in English language teaching.
It is noteworthy that Cambridge certificates are recognized by over 170 governments and institutions worldwide. This event marks a pivotal moment in the landscape of language education in Morocco, reflecting the growing prominence of Moroccan institutions within the international educational framework.
