The rural regions that we work in have schools in various states of disrepair. We work with the local administration and teachers to determine the unique educational needs of each village. We then employ a local workforce to repair the classrooms, install electricity, repair doors and windows, paint and install desks and fixtures.
Working toilets in schools reduces the rate of dropouts, particularly for young girls. We make sure that each school we renovate has proper working toilets. If they do not, we build them. This especially supports the enrollment and retention of girls in school. In addition, many of the villages we work in do not have fountains or access to clean water near schools. We build water fountains for drinking and washing hands near the schools to ensure proper health and hygiene.
The regions that we work in have subzero temperatures in the winter and extreme heat in the summer. In partnership with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (The “GIZ”) a German international development corporation, we have developed a cost effective insulation prototype that we can duplicate in multiple regions.
Our first Women’s Training Center was opened in November of 2019 in the Oussertek Valley. This center provides space and resources for local women to learn marketable skills like sewing, crochet, weaving, cooking and preserving. It is also a destination for volunteers, hikers and tourists. The terrace offers spectacular views where visitors can enjoy views, tea and traditional Moroccan food. The first floor has a studio for skilled trainers to stay and a large kitchen where the locals can cook for guests and make preserves to sell. The ground floor has a large open space for workshops.
We have installed village laundromats so that the local women have more time to learn a new trade and girls are able to attend school for longer. Typically, girls as young as 10 years old are taken out of school to help their mothers with household chores like washing, which traditionally is done in the river.
At each school, we plant a green space in which the students are required to steward. Our experience has shown that school gardens and natural landscaping helps the students learn patience, cooperation, teamwork and social skills. Students become more fit and healthy as they spend more time active in the outdoors. Graffiti and vandalism also decrease because the students feel a sense of ownership over the space.
In cooperation with local governments, we have planted thousands of fruit trees. Local families benefit from the fruit harvests, both for personal consumption and from the ability to preserve and sell fruits to passing tourists. Fruit tree stewardship also teaches children and adults to be conscious of the environment and to not take water usage for granted.
Our partnership with sister NGO, Yanbow Al Kitab, has allowed us to spread the love of reading in our regions. Together we have brought the “Reading Caravan” to our regions, which includes reading workshops, storytelling sessions and games for children. Yanbow Al Kitab is able to make reading fun and accessible by printing books for less than $1 USD.
At the beginning of each school year we supply backpacks, clothing, and foodstuffs based on the needs of the children and the community. During each distribution, we sponsor a community event such as a workshop, a sporting event, or an art show to promote unity and have some fun! We also fit and supply reading glasses for the children who need them.
We ensure access to educational materials such as books and computers by building and supplying libraries and multimedia centers. Here, children and adults can access books, computers and training materials. Local staff members manage and maintain these facilities, as well as train the children and community members on how to use the equipment.
In partnership with the local authorities, we have developed community education programs which include topics such as internet safety and cyberbullying, violence prevention, drug and alcohol prevention, environmental protection, pride in public spaces and the value of formal education. With each program, we continuously reinforce Moroccan values of tolerance and hospitality, diversity and inclusion, equity and belonging.
Although our work is primarily youth and education focused, Emergency situations call for decisive action. Public health crises, extreme weather and family tragedy are common occurrences. With our finger on the pulse, we assess the immediate needs of the communities that we work in and channel resources to ensure that basic needs are met in times of crisis.
Formal education is critical, but so are life skills and leisure activities. We sponsor local sports teams and young adult programs to develop life skills beyond the classroom.
