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High Atlas Foundation

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Causes: Economic Development, Environment, International, International Agricultural Development, International Economic Development, Microfinance

Mission: Developing a self-sustaining future for Morocco

Community Stories

314 Stories from Volunteers, Donors & Supporters

AnshJaka Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/06/2025

Students in the Field: Partnering with the High Atlas Foundation for Real Impact

By Federico Ramirez, Penn International Impact Consulting

Over the past year, I’ve had the privilege of working with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) through Penn International Impact Consulting (PIIC), a student organization at the University of Pennsylvania that partners with NGOs across the world in year-long, pro-bono, capacity-building projects related to long-term sustainability and growth. As an Associate Consultant and Volunteer, I collaborated with HAF to evaluate and strengthen their circular finance programs. These initiatives use carbon offset revenue to help scale tree-planting efforts from 3.2 million to 10 million trees, while supporting reinvestment in more than 15 rural communities.

Our team also contributed to the development of investor pitch decks, grant applications, and communications materials designed to support HAF’s multi-million-dollar fundraising goals. One of my main projects was developing a strategy for a pomegranate processing plant, aimed at increasing local agricultural value and economic opportunity.

As a culmination of our work, we had the opportunity to travel on-site to Morocco and visit key HAF project sites. We met with multiple women’s cooperatives, explored carbon-capture tree nurseries, visited a restored Jewish cemetery, and engaged with local professionals working in development. These visits gave us a deeper understanding of the cultural and operational context behind HAF’s work.

One visit that stood out was to Talat Mimoun, a rural village in the mountains where HAF maintains a tree-planting site and has distributed resources to support sustainable agroforestry. As part of their broader support for community development, HAF also provided sewing machines to help a group of women form a cooperative. While this initiative is still in the early stages and has so far received one-time material support, there is strong excitement amongst the women and families of the village in expanding it into a long-term income-generating project with additional investment and training.

We were welcomed with a traditional breakfast and tajine, and had the chance to learn about the challenges women in the village face. Most girls stop attending school after sixth grade due to the absence of a nearby middle school and lack of transportation. Even in the lower grades, children often walk long distances in high heat to attend school and return home for meals.

Despite these obstacles, the cooperative members are deeply committed to learning and building skills. Through HAF’s support and their own community, they are gaining literacy and numeracy skills, I found it particularly humbling how the women spent more than 4 hours Monday through Friday together, teaching one another how to read and write Arabic, learning to sew, and working together to prepare for future income-generating activities. Younger girls have helped older women learn how to read and take measurements, which is essential for sewing work.

This reflects HAF’s approach to development: grounded, long-term, and based on community priorities. HAF builds trust by asking communities what they want to plant, what training they need, and what goals they want to pursue. From there, they offer additional support that communities can shape in their own way and carry forward.

In some cooperatives, for example, women now produce biodegradable seed pouches for HAF’s tree nurseries. This initiative was originally proposed by a PIIC team three years ago and has since become part of the Foundation’s carbon offset program. Seeing a past project like that continue to grow showed us what long-term collaboration can look like when it’s done right.

Our visit to Talat Mimoun reinforced how thoughtful and consistent HAF’s model is. This kind of work takes time and trust, but it builds lasting results. As student consultants, we were invited to contribute seriously and meaningfully, and that’s something we deeply appreciated.

I’m proud of what our team accomplished, and even more grateful for the opportunity to learn from HAF and the communities they serve. For students seeking hands-on work that is taken seriously and makes a measurable impact, HAF is a standout partner. They don’t just welcome student input, they integrate it into real programs and long-term strategies. For any college-level, impact-driven students or organizations, HAF is a partner that values your contribution and helps you turn ideas into meaningful change.

Federico Ramirez is a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Over the past year, he has interned with the High Atlas Foundation through Penn International Impact Consulting.

o.didouqen Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/02/2025

I had the privilege of attending the Carbon Markets Forum on April 28, 2025, held at the Africa Business School (UM6P Campus) in Rabat. The forum gathered government officials, private investors, and sustainability experts from across Africa. Key topics included Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, voluntary carbon markets, and how Morocco can strengthen its carbon market ecosystem. I participated in sessions featuring speakers from institutions such as Casablanca Finance City (CFC) and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI).

The opening speech was delivered by Mr. Zakaria Hachlaf, Secretary General of the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. He emphasized the importance of supporting innovative projects that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and strengthen climate resilience in Morocco and Africa.
The forum highlighted CFC’s expanding role in carbon finance. A recent announcement confirmed a partnership between CFC CEO Said Ibrahimi and CDG (Deposit and Management Fund, the state-owned financial institution) to establish a voluntary carbon market. Mr. Aziz El Khyari, CFC’s Business Development Director, participated in a professional capacity.
During the event, two important partnership agreements were signed, each aimed at advancing Morocco's efforts in carbon market development.

UM6P and GGGI Morocco: Mr. Abdelmajid Bennis signed this agreement to enhance capacity building and support the development of carbon-related programs.​

UM6P and the Tony Blair Institute: Announced by Sara Boukhobza, this collaboration develops strategies and policies to support climate and carbon initiatives.​

Mr. Anas Felhi, representing the KliK Foundation (Switzerland), which was created to help offset carbon emissions from the Swiss transport sector under the Swiss CO2 Act, also presented the foundation involvement in international climate projects, particularly in Morocco.

One of the key projects highlighted was the “Solar Rooftop 500” program. This initiative aims to support the installation of 500 MWp of photovoltaic systems on rooftops in Morocco’s commercial and industrial sectors by 2030. The project aligns with Morocco’s nationally determined contributions and utilizes an advanced Measurement, Reporting, and Verification platform to ensure transparency and accuracy in generating internationally transferable mitigation outcomes.
A key theme of the forum was the urgent need for a clear national roadmap for developing the carbon market.
Quality and Transparency: A strong message at the event was that carbon projects must be transparent and credits must be high quality. Speakers emphasized building trust in the system. This mirrors advice from experts: for example, the World Economic Forum notes that trust in carbon markets “hinges on transparency” and that robust reporting is key to guarantee the quality and credibility of carbon projects. In other words, we all agreed that the carbon units (credits) need strict oversight and public data so people can be sure the claimed emissions cuts are real.
Building Skills and Capacity: Another clear focus was training and capacity building in Morocco’s carbon sector. Panelists stressed that companies and officials need new skills. This aligns with recent GGGI reports: they ran intensive workshops to give Moroccan officials the “much-needed capacity” to create and use carbon credits under Article 6. Those training aim to make Morocco an active leader in international carbon trades. The forum underscored that strengthening expertise at universities, in government, and in industry, is essential if Morocco is to successfully run its carbon market.
What is Article 6 (and voluntary carbon markets)? Many discussions assume people know the basics, but here’s a quick refresher. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement is the part that lets countries trade emission reductions. Under Article 6, countries can voluntarily cooperate by buying and selling “carbon credits” from each other’s emission-cutting projects​. One country can finance a clean-energy project in another country and count those emissions cuts toward its climate goals. Article 6.2 covers direct trades between countries, while Article 6.4 sets up a UN-backed crediting mechanism (a bit like the old Kyoto clean development mechanism).
Voluntary carbon markets (VCMs) are slightly different: they are markets where companies or individuals buy credits on their own initiative (not under government targets). In a VCM, a company that can’t avoid some emissions can offset them by buying credits from projects that remove or reduce greenhouse gases. Each credit represents one ton of CO₂ (or equivalent) not emitted or captured.
For example, a reforestation project issues credits for carbon it stores in trees. The buyer then “retires” those credits to claim an offset. As one summary explains: “Voluntary carbon markets allow carbon emitters to offset their unavoidable emissions by purchasing carbon credits from projects targeted at removing or reducing GHG (greenhouse gases) from the atmosphere.”. The forum made clear that Morocco aims to link into both these international market systems, using Article 6 rules and high-quality voluntary projects to mobilize finance for emissions cuts.
In summary, the Carbon Market Forum 2025 in Rabat was very informative. It showed that Morocco is gearing up to play a big role in carbon finance. I learned that Article 6 will let Morocco trade emissions cuts with other countries​, and that a voluntary carbon market is being set up here. Partnerships with groups like the Tony Blair Institute and GGGI were announced to help build policy and technical knowledge.
Importantly, speakers insisted on making sure that projects are transparent and credit quality is high​, and on training people to run these markets in Morocco. All in all, it was clear that the future of carbon finance in Morocco depends on strong institutions and skilled people, as well as clear rules from Article 6 and voluntary markets to guide the way.

soulaf Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/18/2025

مقال حول الورشة التكوينية بعنوان: "القانون 02.03 المتعلق بدخول وإقامة الأجانب بالمملكة المغربية وبالهجرة غير المشروعة"


إعداد سلاف بوزي طالبة باحثة :
بسلك الدكتوراه/ بالعيادة القانونية
في إطار تنزيل مشروع: تعزيز مشاركة المجتمع المدني والجامعة -جهة الشرق-، وبدعم من الصندوق الوطني للديمقراطية، نظّمت مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، بشراكة مع جامعة محمد الأول والعيادة القانونية بكلية الحقوق بوجدة، دورة تكوينية حول "القانون 02.03 المتعلق بدخول وإقامة الأجانب باالمملكة المغربية وبالهجرة غير المشروعة"، وذلك يوم 12 فبراير 2025، بمقر الكلية، تحت تأطير الأستاذ حميد اربيعي .
استهل الأستاذ الدورة، بتسليط الضوء على مكانة المغرب في خارطة الهجرة الدولية، باعتباره نقطة عبور رئيسية بين إفريقيا وأوروبا، مما جعله وجهة للإقامة والاستقرار بالنسبة للعديد من الأجانب، سواء للعمل، أو الدراسة، أو الاستثمار، أو حتى اللجوء، الشيء الذي جعل المشرع يتدخل لتنظيم هذا الموضوع بمقتضى مجموعة من الظهائر، والتي كشف تطبيقها على مجموعة من الاختلالات، استدعت نسخ أحكامها وتعويضها بمقتضيات "القانون 02.03 المتعلق بدخول وإقامة الأجانب بالمملكة المغربية والهجرة غير المشروعة"، والذي استدعى بدوره إصدار النصوص التطبيقية لمقتضياته، تجسدت في المرسوم رقم 2.09.607، وعشر قرارات وزارية، في انتظار صدور النص التطبيقي للمادة 34 من نفس القانون.
وبعد هذه التوطئة التشريعية ارتأى الأستاذ، تقسيم الورشة إلى محطتين:
● الأولى للتطرق للإطار النظري للقانون 02.03.
● في حين خصص المحطة الثانية من الورشة للوقوف عند الجانب التطبيقي لهذا القانون.

المحور الأول: الإطار النظري للقانون 02.03 المتعلق بدخول وإقامة الأجانب بالمملكة المغربية والهجرة غير المشروعة.
تطرق فيه الأستاذ إلى مضامين هذا القانون، إذ ميز بشأنها بين السلطات الممنوحة للإدارة (أولا)، والضمانات الممنوحة للأجنبي (ثانيا)


أولا: السلطات الممنوحة للإدارة
تتجلى هذه السلطات في ثلاث مظاهر:
1. السلطة التقديرية الممنوحة للإدارة
باستقراء مقتضيات القانون 02.03 نجد بأن المشرع جعل هذه السلطة بين يدي الإدارة، منذ وصول الأجنبي الى حدود تراب المملكة، من خلال تخويلها الحق في التحري عن أسباب قدومه، والبحث في موضوع التأشيرة، والموارد المالية التي ستمكنه من الإقامة بالمملكة، وكذا مكان الإقامة وضمانات الرجوع إلى موطنه، وغيرها...
ولم يحصر المشرع السلطة التقديرية للإدارة في هذه المرحلة فقط، وإنما جعلها تمتد إلى المرحلة التي يقيم فيها الأجنبي، بالتراب الوطني، بحيث أنه إن أراد أن يستقر لمدة تفوق ثلاثة أشهر، يجب عليه تقديم طلب الإقامة إلى الإدارة، سواءا تعلق الأمر بطلب بطاقة التسجيل التي تسمح له بالإقامة لمدة لا تفوق عشر سنوات، أو بطاقة الإقامة التي لم يحدد لها المشرع تاريخ صلاحية، والإدارة لها كامل السلطة في قبول هذا الطلب أو رفضه، ونفس الأمر يسري على طلب تجديد هذه البطائق، والتي يمكن كذلك للإدارة سحبها كلما تبين لها بأن هناك داع لذلك، بالإضافة إلى هذا سمح المشرع للإدارة بإخضاع الأجنبي لمراقبة الهوية طيلة فترة إقامته بالمغرب، بالإضافة إلى جعل ممارسته للتجارة أو أي عمل حر، مرهونا بالحصول على موافقتها، وغيرها من الصور التي تبين مدى امتداد السلطة التقديرية لهذه الأخيرة اتجاه الأجنبي.

2. الوسائل القسرية الممنوحة للإدارة:
وضع المشرع المغربي بمقتضى القانون 02.03، وسيلتين أساسيتين:
1) الاقتياد إلى الحدود:
وقد حدد الحالات التي تخول للإدارة اللجوء إليه، بمقتضى المادة 21 من القانون 02.03 كما يلي:
- إذا لم يستطع الأجنبي أن يبرر أن دخوله إلى التراب المغربي قد تم بصفة قانونية، إلا إذا تمت تسوية وضعيته لاحقا بعد دخوله إليه ؛
- إذا ظل الأجنبي داخل التراب المغربي لمدة تفوق مدة صلاحية تأشيرته، أو عند انصرام أجل ثلاثة أشهر ابتداء من تاريخ دخوله إليه، إذا لم يكن خاضعا لإلزامية التأشيرة وذلك ما لم يكن حاملا لبطاقة تسجيل مسلمة بصفة قانونية ؛
- إذا ظل الأجنبي الذي تم رفض تسليمه سند إقامة أو تجديده أو تم سحبه منه، مقيما فوق التراب المغربي لمدة تفوق 15 يوما ابتداء من تاريخ تبليغه الرفض أو السحب ؛
- إذا لم يطلب الأجنبي تجديد سند إقامته وظل مقيما فوق التراب المغربي لمدة تفوق 15 يوما بعد انقضاء مدة صلاحية سند الإقامة ؛
- إذا صدر في حق الأجنبي حكم نهائي بسبب تزييف أو تزوير أو إقامة تحت اسم آخر غير اسمه أو عدم التوفر على سند للإقامة ؛
ـ إذا تم سحب وصل طلب بطاقة التسجيل من الأجنبي بعد تسليمه له ؛
ـ إذا سحبت من الأجنبي بطاقة تسجيله أو إقامته، أو تم رفض تسليم أو تجديد إحدى هاتين البطاقتين، وذلك في حالة صدور هذا السحب أو الرفض تطبيقا للأحكام التشريعية أو التنظيمية الجاري بها العمل، بسبب تهديد للنظام العام.
2) الطرد
كما هو الشان بالنسبة للاقتياد إلى الحدود، فقد حدد المشرع الحالة التي يمكن فيها لجوء الإدارة لهذا الإجراء، بمقتضى المادة 25 من القانون 02.03، إذ يمكن أن يتخذ قرار الطرد من قبل الإدارة، إذا كان وجود الشخص الأجنبي فوق التراب المغربي يشكل تهديدا خطيرا للنظام العام، مع تخويل الادارة إمكانية إلغاء هذا القرار أو التراجع عنه في أي وقت من الأوقات.
لكنه في المقابل حدد مجموعة من الحالات التي لا يمكن فيها للإدارة أن تلجأ إلى هذا الإجراء، وذلك إذا تعلق الأمر ب:
- الأجنبي الذي يثبت بكل الوسائل إقامته فوق التراب المغربي بصفة اعتيادية منذ أن بلغ على الأكثر سن السادسة من عمره ؛
- الأجنبي الذي يثبت بكل الوسائل إقامته فوق التراب المغربي بصفة اعتيادية منذ أزيد من خمس عشرة سنة ؛
- الأجنبي الذي أقام فوق التراب المغربي بصفة قانونية منذ عشر سنوات، إلا إذا كان طالبا طيلة هذه المدة ؛
- الأجنبي المتزوج من مواطن مغربي منذ سنة واحدة على الأقل؛
- الأجنبي الذي يكون أبا أو أما لطفل مقيم فوق التراب المغربي ومكتسب للجنسية المغربية بحكم القانون، شريطة أن تكون له النيابة الشرعية عن الطفل وأن يكون متكفلا بنفقته بصورة فعلية؛
- الأجنبي المقيم بصفة قانونية فوق التراب المغربي بموجب سند من سندات الإقامة المنصوص عليها في هذا القانون أو في الاتفاقيات الدولية والذي لم يسبق أن صدر في حقه حكم نهائي بعقوبة حبسية لا تقل عن سنة واحدة نافذة ؛
- المرأة الأجنبية الحامل ؛
ـ الأجنبي القاصر.
لكن نجد بأن المشرع أفرغ هذه المادة من مضمونها بمقتضى المادة 27 التي سمحت باتخاذ قرار الطرد، كلما كان يشكل ذلك ضرورة ملحة لحفظ أمن الدولة أو الأمن العام.

2) التجريم:
وضع المشرع أحكاما زجرية بمقتضى القسم الثاني من القانون 02.03، والتي تمكن من فرض عقوبات على الأجنبي، في حالة مخالفته للأنظمة القانونية الوطنية الجاري بها العمل، في أي مرحلة من مراحل تواجده بأرض الوطن، وهذه العقوبات تتنوع بين ما يمس الذمة المالية للأجنبي وما يمس حريته، حسب درجة جسامة الفعل المرتكب من قبله.
إذا كانت هذه هي الامتيازات التي منحها المشرع للإدارة في مواجهة الأجنبي، فما هي الضمانات التي أقرها لصالح هذا الأخير في المقابل؟
ثانيا: الضمانات الممنوحة للأجنبي بمقتضى القانون 02.03
لخص الأستاذ هذه الضمانات في 3 صور:
1. مصادقة المغرب على جل الاتفاقيات المتعلقة بحقوق الإنسان:
إذ تُشكل مصادقة المغرب على معظم الاتفاقيات الدولية لحقوق الإنسان ضمانةً للأجانب الموجودين في المملكة من خلال:
أ) حماية قانونية معززة: تلتزم الدولة باحترام حقوق الأجانب وفق المعايير الدولية، مثل الحق في المحاكمة العادلة، وعدم التمييز، وحماية الكرامة الإنسانية.
ب) ملاءمة القوانين الوطنية: يدفع الانخراط في هذه الاتفاقيات إلى تعديل القوانين الداخلية لتتماشى مع الالتزامات الدولية، مما يعزز حماية الأجانب قانونيًا.
ج) إمكانية اللجوء إلى الهيئات الدولية: يمنح الانضمام لهذه الاتفاقيات للأجانب الحق في تقديم شكاوى إلى الهيئات الدولية المختصة في حالة انتهاك حقوقهم.
د) رقابة دولية: يخضع المغرب لتقارير دورية أمام لجان الأمم المتحدة، مما يحد من الانتهاكات ويعزز مساءلة السلطات.
وبالتالي، تساهم هذه المصادقات في ضمان معاملة عادلة وإنسانية للأجانب داخل المغرب.
لكن رغم ذلك، ترصد مجموعة من جوانب القصور ضمن مقتضيات القانون 02.03 وهو ما يتطلب مزيدًا من التعديلات القانونية لتعزيز التوافق مع الالتزامات الدولية.
2. تخويل الأجنبي الحق في اللجوء إلى القضاء
إذ يمكن للأجنبي الطعن في القرارات السلبية الصادرة في حقه من طرف الإدارة، خاصة وأن القضاء الإداري، يتبنى فلسفة مغايرة للقضاء العادي، فمثلا على مستوى الإثبات فوفقا لهذا الأخير، تكون "البينة على من ادعى"، لكن القاضي الإداري يعي جيدا التفاوت بين مراكز المتقاضين، مما يجعله يخرج عن القاعدة العامة في الإثبات، وينقل هذا العبء إلى الإدارة إذا تعذر على طالب الطعن (الأجنبي) القيام بذلك.
لكن ما يكبح من فعالية هذه المقتضيات، هو قصر آجال الطعن (48 ساعة بالنسبة لقرار الطرد، 15 يوما بالنسبة للاقتياد إلى الحدود...).

3) تعليل القرارات الإدارية السلبية الصادرة في حق الأجنبي
بعد صدور القانون 03.01 أصبحت مسألة التعليل قاعدة عامة تنطبق على جميع القرارات الإدارية السلبية، بل الأكثر من ذلك، نجد بأن القانون 02.03 نص بصريح النص على إلزامية هذه الشكلية في مجموعة من المواد، كما هو الشأن بالنسبة للمواد: 21، 22، 34 وغيرها من نفس القانون.


المحور الثاني: المنازعات المرتبطة بتطبيق القانون 02.03
في هذا المحور، قام الأستاذ بعرض أكثر من عشر قضايا، تعكس كيفية تعامل القضاء المغربي مع النزاعات، والتي لمسنا من خلالها التطور الذي عرفه هذا الأخير، فبعد أن كانت مقرراته تتسم بالاحتشام و إطلاق يد الإدارة في مواجهة الأجنبي، أصحبت هذه المقررات، أكثر جرأة في إنصاف هذا الأخير، والفضل في ذلك راجع إلى صدور القانون رقم 41.90 المحدث بموجبه محاكم إدارية، حيث أن الحصيلة كانت إيجابية جدا مقارنة بالمرحلة السابقة لإنشاء هذه المحاكم، لكن على الرغم من ذلك لا تزال هناك مجموعة من العراقيل التي تحد من فعالية إنصاف الأجنبي أمام القضاء، والتي ترتبط جلها بالقصور الذي يشوب مقتضيات القانون 02.03 التي أشرنا إليها سابقا.
ليتوج هذا اللقاء العلمي المميز، بإبداء مجموعة من الاقتراحات والتوصيات من قبل الأستاذ، لاسيما تلك المتعلقة بمراجعة القانون 02.03 حتى يتم تحقيق التوازن بين مبدأ سيادة الدولة ومبادئ حقوق الإنسان.
وقد شكلت هذه الحصة التكوينية إضافة نوعية لمساري البحثي في القانون، حيث مكنتني من تعزيز فهمي لتفاصيل القانون 02.03 من منظور عملي، من خلال الحالات الواقعية المعروضة، والنقاشات الثرية بين المشاركين والأستاذ، حيث أتيحت لنا فرصة طرح أسئلة حول إشكالات تطبيق هذا القانون، مثل مدى انسجامه مع الاتفاقيات الدولية لحقوق الإنسان، وإمكانية تعديل بعض مقتضياته لمواكبة التحولات الراهنة في سياسة الهجرة.

bcg10 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/07/2025

Sewing Sustainability: The High Atlas Foundation’s Zero-Waste Initiative

Bryn Galumbeck
HAF Volunteer

Today, on the third annual International Day of Zero Waste, we recognize the urgent need to transform waste management and promote sustainable consumption and production. This year’s theme, Towards Zero Waste in Fashion and Textiles, highlights the pressing environmental and social challenges caused by the textile industry and emphasizes the transition to a circular economy.

Current production and disposal processes in the textile industry pose significant risks to the environment. Every year, approximately 92 million tonnes of textile waste are generated worldwide, accumulating in landfills at an alarming rate—equivalent to one truckload per second. The rapid increase in textile production and consumption contributes to increased non-renewable resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, and water and energy consumption.

The fashion industry contributes to resource depletion as it relies on non-renewable resources, which are projected to comprise three-quarters of all textiles within the next decade. Fashion production accounts for 10 percent of global carbon emissions, and textile manufacturing emissions are expected to rise by 60 percent by 2030. Furthermore, textile dyeing and finishing processes contribute to approximately 20 percent of global clean water pollution. The industry is the second-largest contributor to water contamination, as untreated wastewater is often discharged into rivers and streams.

In response to the global textile crisis, governments, organizations, and other stakeholders are working to transition from a linear to a circular economy for the textile industry. Adopting a zero-waste approach not only reduces environmental harm but also brings economic benefits. The circular economy focuses on minimizing waste, enhancing durability, reusing materials, and recycling.

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is dedicated to sustainable development initiatives in Morocco and actively supports zero-waste efforts across industries. HAF’s Tree Sacks Project fosters sustainable production practices for textiles in the agriculture industry. This initiative not only reduces plastic waste and emissions through local production of biodegradable tree sacks, but also empowers women by providing hands-on training, cooperative development, and empowerment workshops.

Since its inception, HAF has registered three official cooperatives in the Al Haouz province, supplying them with 50 sewing machines and essential resources. In the two months testing and learning period, the program has produced and distributed over 14,500 tree sacks to nurseries around Morocco. HAF’s vision is to produce 1.4 million biodegradable tree sacks in three years to promote enhanced sustainability in tree planting. With continued collaboration and investment, we can further reduce plastic waste in agriculture by expanding our production and distribution networks.

Youssef Mazdou, the program manager, shared his experience working on this project, “It was not easy to implement this project, especially in remote areas. In the beginning, I conducted a community meeting to explain the project’s vision and scope. The women could not imagine undertaking this initiative. Understanding cooperative operations, management, and production was a major hurdle. I was with them through every step—from their first visit to Polydesign, which gave them inspiration and a vision for their own cooperatives, to the moment they submitted their legal documents at the court. I never thought that I would work with women, but it was a great experience. They were happy with the work and benefits from the empowerment workshop. I will have a lasting connection with them.”

The shift toward sustainability requires commitment from governments, businesses, and individuals. By embracing circular economic models, investing in innovative waste management solutions, and making conscious consumption choices, we can reduce environmental impacts and build a more sustainable textile industry.

On this International Day of Zero Waste, we encourage all stakeholders to engage in local and national zero-waste initiatives and advocate for responsible production practices.



Bryn Galumbeck is a volunteer at HAF, first introduced through the University of Virginia’s global internship program in 2020. Passionate about women’s empowerment and economic development, she advocates for sustainable solutions that drive social, economic, and environmental impact.

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/09/2020

My Experience with Grant Writing for the High Atlas Foundation

As this was my first opportunity working on a grant proposal, I did not know much about the content and format of proposals previously; however, I knew that writing one was an important skill to acquire. Furthermore, I was able to explore new areas of the High Atlas Foundation’s work. I was intrigued not only by their agricultural projects and economic development and sustainability, but also by their work promoting women’s empowerment, on which my project focused. Researching for this proposal, I learned the ways trees are planted, monitored, and all of the work that needs to be done in preparation. I admire HAF’s mission to advance education, environmental conservation, and socio-economic development through a participatory approach. Through the process of growing fruit trees at education centers, HAF raises awareness for the preservation of the environment, while also promoting the benefits of small-scale tree cultivation. This project reaches a vast number of schools and communities, spreading environmental and community benefits to all. As a result, students will have a deeper understanding of significant economic and environmental viability of organic fruit tree agriculture, the preservation of traditional seed diversity, and approaches to ensuring continued tree cultivation in the face of water scarcity and rapid climate change. In areas where 80% of incomes are derived from agriculture, it is essential for youth to learn skills in this field. This project is extremely important for spreading awareness and teaching community members agricultural skills.

Noah_Schubert Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/27/2025

Noah Schrott
HAF Intern, Austria Service Abroad

On the 13th of January 2025, a four person delegation of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) visited Missour, a 200-person inhabitants village on the south side of the High Atlas in the Taroudant province. The trip started at 5.30 in the morning and the ride from Marrakech to Missour took four hours. Read below to find out how the trip had gone:

When we arrived in Missour in the early morning, we were warm heartedly welcomed by one of the village’s representatives. Immediately we were invited for breakfast and Mohammed, the trip’s leader from HAF explained why we had chosen to hear from the people of the village community to understand their needs. For him, not only talking to the most powerful person in the village often offers a new perspective on what is needed.

In the case of Missour, the need for water pipes had been expressed in the past and HAF in collaboration with the Austrian Embassy in Rabat recently turned this wish into reality. On this Monday, HAF came to check whether the system continues to work successfully and whether the people had developed new ideas for follow up projects.

When we were guided by the local responsible to the pipes and water stores, we were immediately impressed by how well the system worked. A five person community group climbed the hill with ease and explained what they had already arranged in detail. After having managed to reach the top of the hill, we were all fascinated by the construction of the irrigation and drinking-water storage. Two pipes leading from an aquifer on top of the hill led to the irrigation and drinking water basin. There the water can be stored and cleaned, to when needed be piped downhill through two further pumps. But while the water from the two basins can keep the hill below the village arable, the hill above the village remains a dangerous, uninhabitable place characterized by loose rocks and dust.

Despite our fascination for the landscape, we were all frightened by the thought of how much damage a rockfall or any other type of erosion could inflict on the village. We thought to ourselves: Indeed, water is a vital resource to secure a community’s living standards, but if not properly used it does by no means secure a community’s living.

We concluded that for the people of Missour planting trees on the hill above the village would be the best option to ensure a safe and prosperous future. The roots of trees and shrubs can stabilize the soil and thus prevent erosion. This is why we were not surprised that the six village representatives expressed the need to fetch water from the below river basin through a solar pump to green the hill above the village and thus prevent rockfalls and other types of erosion.

The proposal they presented to us sounded like a thoroughly planned project, which does not help a small group of stakeholders, but the village as a whole. Clearly, A village can only face their problems as a unit.

Recognizing the urgent need for action, HAF is committed to reviewing the village’s well-conceived proposal, with the aim of fostering long-term safety and sustainability for the Missour people.

valentinzeller Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/24/2025

Planting Trees, Building Futures

By Valentin, Intern at the High Atlas Foundation, 20.1.2025

On a quiet morning, I left Marrakech and traveled to Mohammedia. It was the annual Tree Planting Day, an important event for the High Atlas Foundation. My goal was to help plant trees with a group of students at a university.

When I arrived, many students were already waiting. They were excited to take part. Before starting, the team gave a short lesson about planting trees. Students learned why it is important, how to plant correctly, and how trees will help their community.

We started working together, planting small fruit trees like olives and almonds. For some students, it was the first time they worked with soil or held a shovel. Everyone was eager to learn and help. The field quickly became busy with digging and planting.

As we worked, I noticed how students helped each other and shared ideas. It was not just about planting trees; it was about teamwork and learning something new. By the end of the day, we planted many rows of trees that will grow to provide food and shade in the future.

On the ride back to Marrakech, I thought about how small actions like planting a tree can make a big difference. It felt good to be part of something that will help both the environment and the community. Tree Planting Day showed me the power of simple actions and teamwork to create change.

chaimae23 Volunteer

Rating: 3

01/15/2025

A Week in the Heart of Nature

Chaima Bamouh
Youth Conservation Corps Fellow, a HAF program in partnership with the U.S. Forest Service

This week began with an enriching tree-planting activity in Amizmiz in the Al Haouz province. It was a unique opportunity to gain both theoretical and practical knowledge from local farmers, who generously shared their expertise.

From selecting the right saplings to preparing the soil, they guided us through every step with patience, emphasizing the importance of preserving local biodiversity. This hands-on experience not only deepened our connection with nature but also offered valuable insights into sustainable agriculture. The process was both educational and rewarding, leaving us with a sense of accomplishment and a greater appreciation for the hard work that farming entails.

Moving not far from Amizmiz, I had the chance to explore the fascinating world of bees—a realm I’ve always been curious about. A humble beekeeper welcomed us into this intricate universe, explaining how a bee colony functions. Each member of the colony—queen, workers, and drones—plays a crucial role in its success.

Witnessing the precise collaboration within a beehive was mesmerizing. The beekeeper’s detailed explanations helped me understand the complexity and labor-intensive nature of honey production. Seeing the honeycomb up close, with its perfect geometric structure, left me in awe. This experience not only taught me about teamwork and perseverance but also deepened my respect for the delicate balance of nature that enables something as simple yet extraordinary as honey to exist.

The week concluded with an inspiring journey through the forest of Ait Lkak and the mountains of Oukaimeden. Standing 2,700 meters above sea level, I was captivated by the breathtaking views. One moment that stood out was meeting Mr. Abdou Lghani, who proudly shared, “I was one of the contributors in planting Al Arz trees back in the ’1980s, and now, look at how big they are!” His words resonated deeply, demonstrating the profound impact of nurturing nature.

Surrounded by the towering Al Arz trees, I felt immense gratitude for the dedication of past generations. The stunning scenery of Oukaimeden, combined with the knowledge gained about conservation, inspired me to reflect on how we, too, can contribute to preserving this beauty for future generations. This week filled with discovery, learning, and connection to the natural world left me determined to take more conscious steps toward protecting our environment.

Ait Hfid Mariam Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/25/2024

بناء شراكات إنسانية: التنمية كرحلة مشتركة.
مريم ايت حفيظ
مراكش .

من خلال عملي مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، خضت رحلة غنية بالتعلم والتأمل، رحلة غيرت الكثير من الأفكار المسبقة و التمثلات المتعلقة بالمناطق القروية في المغرب التي تعاملنا معها لاحقا. لقد منحتني هذه التجربة فرصة فريدة للتعمق في حياة سكان هذه المناطق و التعرف على التحديات التي يواجهونها، فقد وقفت على صعوبات كثيرة لديهم و عاينت حجمها، لم تكن صعوبات تتعلق بظروف العيش القاسية فقط، بل تشمل أيضًا الأفكار والمعتقدات التي تقيدهم وتحد من قدرتهم على تحقيق الحياة التي يطمحون إليها. كانت هذه الرحلة أيضًا فرصة للعمل معًا لإيجاد حلول حقيقية ومستدامة تُحدث تأثيرًا إيجابيًا وملموسًا في حياتهم.

التنمية المستدامة ليست مجرد تقديم حلول مؤقتة، بل هي التزام طويل الأمد يُبنى على فهم عميق لاحتياجات الناس وظروفهم. في كل مشروع ، كان الهدف الأول دائمًا هو العمل يدا بيد مع السكان المحليين، والاستماع إليهم لفهم ما يهمهم حقًا ,ما يحتاجونه,تطلعاتهم ،أحلامهم و ما يطمحون إليه . عندما عملنا على مشروع المياه الصالحة للشرب ومياه السقي الذي يعد من المشاريع المستجيبة للإحتياجات المستعجلة و ذات الأولوية بعد زلزال 8 شتنبر, في مجموعة من الدواوير في جماعة أغبار بإقليم الحوز، أدركت عمق تأثير هذه المشاريع التي قد تبدو بسيطة في ظاهرها، ولكنها عظيمة في تأثيرها.
كانت رؤية الأطفال وهم يحصلون على مياه نظيفة قريبة من منازلهم، بدلا من قضاء ساعات طويلة في جلبها، لحظة غيّرت مفهومي لمعنى التنمية. لن أنسى يوما ، ما عشته في دوار ايك ، خلال تسيير ورشة الدعم النفسي رفقة النساء ، حين جاء سي العربي (قائد مجتمعي بجماعة اغبار إقليم الحوز) بشاحنة محملة بالماء الصالح للشرب ،و استأذنت النسوة لإيقاف الورشة من أجل الحصول على الماء للشرب ، فذهبنا حاملات لحاويات المياه، و الأطفال من حولهن حاملين قنينات و اتجه الجميع نحو الشاحنة محتشدين كسرب نحل حول الخلية،,للحصول على ماء يقال أنه صالح للشرب. لم تكن هذه المشاريع مجرد تحسينات في ظروف العيش، بل كانت فرصًا للأسر للتركيز على التعليم والعمل والعيش بأمان بدلًا من القلق اليومي بشأن الأساسيات.

قضيت حوالي ثمان أشهر وأنا أعمل في هذه المناطق، وعلّمتني تلك التجربة درسًا كبيرًا في الصدق والشفافية. كنت دائمًا حريصة على أن أكون صادقة في كل خطوة، سواء تعلق الأمر بما هو تقني أو التحديات التي تواجه تنزيل هذه المشاريع أو بالصعوبات التي تواجه الأسر المحلية في هذه المناطق، فهم يدركون جيدا متى تكون النوايا حسنة و حقيقية، وعندما شعروا أننا لا نعمل فقط بشكل ميكانيكي جاف لإيجاد حلول، بل لأننا نهتم لأمر كل فرد منهم، أصبحوا شركاء حقيقيين في هذه الرحلة, كان الحوار معهم دائمًا مليئًا بالعاطفة والاحترام، وكل لقاء كان نافذة لفهم أعمق لثقافتهم، طريقة عيشهم، احتياجاتهم وتطلعاتهم.

كانت هذه الرحلة فرصة للعمل معًا لإيجاد حلول حقيقية ومستدامة تُحدث تأثيرًا إيجابيًا وملموسًا في حياتهم، وهي دليل على مدى اهتمامنا العميق ورغبتنا الصادقة في مد يد العون لهم. فكل خطوة نخطوها معهم هي تأكيد لإيماننا بأن التغيير يبدأ عندما نكون شركاء حقيقيين في مسيرتهم. هذه الرغبة في العمل المشترك لا تتوقف عند مجرد تقديم الدعم، بل تمتد إلى تحقيق تطلعاتهم وطموحاتهم، والسير قدما معهم نحو الإزدهار، بعيدًا عن القيود التي تحد من إمكانياتهم. ان التزامنا لا يتعلق فقط بتقديم الحلول لهم، بل أيضًا بالاستماع إليهم وفهم احتياجاتهم، و هذا يعكس إيماننا بأن التغيير المستدام يتحقق عندما نعمل معًا بروح التعاون.

أن بناء العلاقات ليس جزءا من العمل فقط، بل أساسه و ركيزته. كان العمل مع نساء من مناطق مثل الحوز تجربة غنية بشكل خاص فقد اكتشفت فيهن قوة، إصرارا، دعما لمن حولهن و رغبة عميقة في التعلم و التطور , .عند الجلوس معهن و الاستماع لقصصهن حول التحديات التي واجهناها والأحلام التي يحملنها، ندرك أن قوتنا في هذه المشاريع تأتي من تلك القصص. لالة فاطمة الثمانينية التي بقيت صامدة من أجل حفيدها دو الأربع سنوات و الناجي الوحيد في أسرته بعد الزلزال…أمل التي بدأت مشروعها من داخل خيمة في أمزميز …فاطمة، الطاهية التي أطعمَت الجميع من مطبخٍ متواضع تحت الأشجار.

شعرت أن كل زيارة ميدانية لم تكن مجرد مهمة أخرى لإنجازها، بل فرصة لتوثيق علاقة، وفهم كيف يمكن أن نكون جزءًا من قصة النجاح التي يكتبونها بأيديهم في مخيلاتهم.

بالطبع، لم تكن الرحلة خالية من التحديات. في بعض الأحيان، كان من الصعب رؤية النتائج الفورية. هناك أوقات شعرت فيها أن الجهود قد تستغرق وقتًا أطول مما توقعنا، ولكن في كل مرة كنت أذكر نفسي أن التغيير الحقيقي لا يأتي سريعًا. الصبر كان درسًا رئيسيًا تعلمته؛ فالثقة تحتاج وقتًا لتُبنى، والعلاقات تحتاج إلى الكثير من العمل، والمشاريع تحتاج الى تفانٍ لضمان استدامتها.

ما أذهلني أكثر هو قوة الإرادة التي يتمتع بها سكان هذه المناطق التي عملنا معها. على الرغم من التحديات التي تواجهها يوميًا، هناك دائمًا إصرار على تحسين حياتهم وحياة أبنائهم، هذه الروح الإيجابية كانت بالنسبة لي مصدر إلهام دائم.

كل هذه التجارب علّمتني أن التنمية ليست مجرد أرقام ونتائج، بل هي قصص إنسانية تربطنا ببعضنا البعض, تتطلب منا أن نكون حاضرين بكل مشاعرنا، أن نستمع، أن نفهم، وأن نعمل بشغف وحب.

العمل مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير لم يكن مجرد وظيفة؛ كان رحلة إنسانية عميقة. علّمتني هذه الرحلة أن التغيير الحقيقي يبدأ عندما نجمع بين القلوب والعقول، عندما ننظر إلى المجتمعات ليس فقط كأفراد يحتاجون إلى الدعم، بل كشركاء قادرين على صنع التغيير.

HAJIBA27 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/25/2024

Celebrating the New Partnership: HAF and Ibn Zohr University
By Hajiba Boumasmar
Program Manager

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is pleased to announce a new partnership with faculty of Letter and human science- Ibn Zohr University in Agadir. This partnership reflects a significant initiative to empower the future generation. It aims to enhance students´ applied education experience and provide them with the knowledge, practical skills, and opportunities to make a difference in their communities.

On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, HAF staff met with students and the Dean of the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences, Professor Mohamed Naji, and Professor Afaf Hamzaoui, to celebrate the partnership, and discuss shared hopes for a sustainable future in Morocco. In speaking with the students, HAF President, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, exuded excitement. Ben-Meir emphasized the role of the students as agents of change in their communities, highlighting the significance of their position as future leaders, and the importance of education in facilitating social, economic, and environmental change.

As students from diverse areas, including Guelmim, Ouarzazate, Tata, Chichaouan, and Zagora.., asked questions about sustainable development and ways to give back to their communities, the atmosphere was energetic. Through the partnership, students will learn, through practical instruction and interactive workshops, how to facilitate conversations in their communities about critical topics including livelihood ecological sustainability. The early enthusiasm displayed by the students reflects a deep-seated desire to engage with their region’s local communities for enduring change.

The partnership between HAF and faculty of Letter and human science- Ibn Zohr University in Agadir goes beyond cooperation; it represents a dedication to breaking down barriers between urban and rural areas, and realizing a shared goal of a better future for all. For a new generation of Moroccan leaders, the partnership between HAF and Ibn Zohr is an opportunity to invest in themselves and to better shape the future of their country.

Noah_schrott Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/25/2024

Arguably no one will know land better than the farmers that own and cultivate it. Being so deeply tied to the health of their environment, farmers have every motivation and passion for sustainable growing so as to keep their farms prosperous for generations to come. Carbon credit programs for tree planting present an ideal opportunity to achieve these goals of sustainability while simultaneously generating much needed income that can be reinvested into farms themselves for other critical projects such as water infrastructure.

Recently, one of HAF’s field managers, Abdeljajil Ait Ali, along with HAF interns, Kaitlyn Waring from Northeastern University (USA), Noah Schrott and Elia Neuscheller Austrian Service Abroad, traveled to the town of Amizmiz to meet with a group of local farmers. The aim of this meeting was to inform them about the process of the carbon credit program including how it works, how to get involved, what is required, and what the benefits are. The interest for the program was immediately apparent, as the benefits of carbon offsetting are clear for environmental sustainability as well as for income generation.

After answering all of the farmers' questions, Abdeljalil then brought the group out into the field to demonstrate the process of planting a tree. Along the way, the farmers proudly showed off their farms, pointing out all of the different varieties of crops that they cultivate. This is a major indicator as to the potential success that sustainability projects like carbon offsetting can have. Farmers who take pride in their land and who already understand the importance of preserving it are much more eager and likely to successfully implement and monitor their carbon offsetting.


Abdeljalil, HAF field officer, discussing with Oulad Mtaa farmers in Al-Haouz province, 12 September 2024

Also apparent from the day was the large amount of trust that this group of farmers had for Abdeljalil and HAF as a whole. This was clear as they openly listened to what Abdeljalil had to say about the carbon credit program and welcomed everyone onto their land and into their homes. Trust is another key indicator of the success of sustainability projects, as it is a critical component to ensuring that farmers are fully engaged in implementing and monitoring projects.

The day ended after planting trees and registering new participants into the program with a sunset, only further highlighting the natural beauty of the land that these farmers are so deeply connected to. The openness to carbon offsetting that they held shows the potential for spreading the program even further to more farmers across the country who are just as eager to participate.


Hananelahdar

Hananelahdar Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/29/2024

The Power of Trees: A Success Story
By Kaitlyn Waring and Hanane Lahder

Farmers in Morocco are experiencing unprecedented challenges brought about by extreme droughts, high temperatures, and other impacts of climate change. The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) has developed long-standing projects focused on organic fruit and nut tree agriculture in order to adapt to these conditions while enabling farming families to grow, harvest, process, and sell endemic agricultural products.
HAF’s sustainable agriculture program is achieving widespread success from its inception, and especially within this year. The essential basis for the program’s achievements is the farming communities’ management of their own development.
In 2024, HAF assisted farming families in planting 1,040,183 trees in 10 of the 12 regions in Morocco. We also sewed over 3.2 million seeds in the 10 community nurseries supported by HAF, all with the intent of realizing the livelihood goals of farming families and enhancing agricultural diversity.
2024.
Based on fruit tree varieties prioritized by farmers of Morocco, these trees primarily include olive but also almond, argan, carob, cherry, fig, grape, mulberry, pomegranate, and walnut, as well as other forestry trees and herb species. This year’s tree distribution has already benefited 2,479 farming families, providing them with resources to improve their agricultural practices in a sustainable manner.

HAF emphasizes a participatory empowerment approach in all of its projects, where rural community members are actively engaged in the process of project design and shaping the agricultural paths that they see best for themselves. By empowering local communities through this participatory method, HAF aims to foster sustainable land use that reflects the specific needs and goals of each farmer. This promotes resilience and self-sufficiency of their agricultural practices far into the future, beyond HAF’s facilitation.
The real impact of HAF’s tree planting is seen in the large impact it has had on farmers and their families. For example, one farmer from a village in the Souq Tolba municipality of the Larache province, after receiving olive trees from HAF, expressed his appreciation at the quality of them. He had previously purchased the same species of trees in the past, but were of lower quality.
A farmer from another village, Kahf-n-Sour, had similar issues with the quality of seedlings he had received in the past. While this farmer had a passion for sustainable agriculture and caring for his land, his capacity was severely limited by the quality of crops he was able to produce. After being visited by a HAF tree monitoring officer who brought him some of HAF’s seeds, he also expressed admiration for their quality. He said, “These seedlings are completely different. I can feel their strength.”
Farmers in the Taroudant province express that HAF’s tree planting initiative has turned their own challenges into successes. Traditionally, these farmers grew oranges and melons that require a lot of water. But, in collaboration with HAF, they began planting trees that are more resilient to drought by requiring less water (such as olive, carob , and fig). The results from this transition have been significant.
Farmers who received the trees from HAF are now thrilled with their harvests each season. Inspired by the widespread success, many of them are planting more trees and expanding their lands while using less water to take advantage of their new opportunities. The shift has not only supported their livelihoods on a greater scale but also simultaneously promotes sustainable farming and care for land in the region.

Tree planting does not only benefit the farmers who receive the trees but also all people involved in maintaining the nurseries in which they grow. Mohammed El Assri is a dedicated caretaker at the Ouaouizeght nursery in Beni-Mellal Khenifra region, and has been a part of HAF since 2020. Married with three children, he found the opportunity to work close to home, which was a perfect fit for his family life. When Mohammed first joined the nursery, production levels were modest, but he quickly noticed the potential for growth. Over the years, significant progress has been made. Before joining HAF, there were only two argan trees in his hometown of Azilal. Inspired to make a change, he thought, "Why not produce more?" Now, thanks to HAF, Mohammed works on planting argan trees, benefiting farmers from all around the region. Instead of just two trees, there are now many more !
Now, the nursery distributes over 100,000 trees each year, a remarkable increase that reflects the hard work and commitment of the entire team. New equipment–seven greenhouses and a solar water pump system–has been added that makes operations much smoother. This transformation has not gone unnoticed. The community has recognized the nursery's evolution, and today, the Ouaouizeght nursery stands out as a well-known and respected source of trees to all the neighboring villages. Through his journey, Mohammed has witnessed firsthand the impact of dedicated teamwork and community support in creating a greener future.

Going forward, HAF plans to expand its reach to work with more farming communities across the nation. While the over one million trees planted with farming families and 3.2 million seeds planted in community tree nurseries all in the past year signifies an incredible milestone, HAF hopes to utilize this momentum to plant even more and promote sustainable agriculture everywhere. With partners and communities, we are already committed to plant five million seeds in nurseries during the 2025 season.
Vitally, HAF’s system of monitoring trees has received international certification in order to generate carbon offset credit units, creating an additional source of revenue for farming families of Morocco. This creates the opportunity for individuals and groups in and outside Morocco to participate in achieving the tree growing dreams of farming communities in all parts of the country.


Kaitlyn Waring is a student at Northeastern University (USA) and an Intern at the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco. Hanane Lahder is the Reporting Officer of the Tree Planting Program at HAF.




Hayat Abkhar Advisor

Rating: 5

09/30/2024

Sometimes, a Small Child's Drawing Reveals Hidden Insights

By Hayat Abkhar
HAF Program Coordinator

Life Maps is an exercise in which children express what they cannot articulate through drawing. This activity takes place within a workshop for psychosocial support for children affected by the Al-Haouz earthquake, organized by the High Atlas Foundation for Sustainable Development in cooperation with the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS).

In the Al-Haouz province, specifically within the Oukaimeden municipality, several women and children received psychosocial support and empowerment through workshops. While the primary goal of these workshops is to alleviate pain and help participants move forward from the earthquake, but during these four days, we also address a set of needs that concern communities, whether related to Emotions, relationships, work, or other matters, in addition to discussion on related topics.

In the workshop with children, we usually implement a set of activities over four days. The ages of the participating children usually range from one year to twelve years or more. The aim of the workshop is to give mothers the opportunity to focus on their workshop with peace of mind, and at the same time many children have been greatly affected by the earthquake, so we seek to provide activities and exercises that will help them overcome the effects of this experience and alleviate their suffering. Unlike adults who may express their pain or find ways to vent it, it is difficult to know what is hidden behind the feelings of a young child.

In a meeting with Professor Martha Bragin (a specialist in psychological and social health, specializing in women and children affected by psychological trauma) and Professor Paula Christian (a psychoanalyst and psychiatrist as well), we talked about the impact of trauma on children. The two professors discussed a set of exercises that include methods that are applied with children, varying according to their ages, and help them easily express what is inside them or what they feel. Among these exercises is "Life Maps" exercise, which is a drawing that children do based on the questions asked by their facilitator.

The topic of trauma in children varies according to the type of trauma they are going through or have gone through and were unable to overcome. As we know, it is not always easy to know how a child feels about what is happening to them or about an incident they have been through. Talking about this topic was very helpful for me, and I even tried to apply it in a number of psychosocial support workshops for children affected by the earthquake.

In Oukaimeden, during a workshop for 26 children between the ages of one and thirteen, which lasted four days, we engaged in a variety of activities that included entertainment, learning, and awareness-raising.

Life Maps involved giving each child a paper and a pen. I asked them to draw in response to specific questions, allowing them ample time to complete their drawings. Afterward, I approached each child individually to understand their explanation of what they had drawn.

Through this process, I realized that while a child might seem energetic and cheerful on the outside, their inner pain may not always be visible. However, their drawings can reveal hidden emotions. For instance, an eleven-year-old drew a family with a line separating the mother and daughter from the father, and beneath the picture, they wrote: “Growing up without a father.”

We often assume that toys, gifts, or other material things bring happiness and joy to children. However, it’s important to ask them if they are truly okay, in a manner appropriate to their age, and to make an effort to understand them. This is essential at all times, but especially if they have experienced any significant events or trauma.

Life Maps is just one exercise, but there are many other activities that have helped me deal with trauma in children, which the two professors discussed during our meeting. It's really important, before you give your child anything, to try to understand them and their feelings.

Mariam Ait Hfid Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/13/2024

After the Quake:
Rebuilding lives through Psychosocial Empowerment

By Mariam Ait Hfid
Psychosocial Empowerment Facilitator

I will forever remember September 8, 2023, as the day that completely changed the easygoing nature of many Moroccan lives. The devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake resulted in the loss of life, property and years of hard work. While a stark reminder of the erratic and destructive force of nature, the earthquake quickly turned people's lives upside down. What was a typical day for many became a nightmare.

My experience of the earthquake was not dissimilar to others. It was my day off work. I had traveled back to visit my family in my hometown located within the Chichaoua region. When the earthquake struck, my initial reaction was not one of shock or panic, rather action. Putting my feelings aside, I acted to help calm my family and my community. In those dark hours immediately following the earthquake, I dedicated myself to bringing blankets and making coffee, helping to keep people warm during the long, cold night.

We passed the first night outside, terrified as the ground continued to move. As the sun rose, and the first rays of light began to appear, we woke to the destruction around us. News of the previous night reached us from surrounding villages; tremendous damage, rocks everywhere, houses no longer fit for habitation, and people mourning their loss. My heart raced as I realized that not everyone had been spared by the earthquake.

Nine months on, I am grateful for the action I continue to take helping communities recover from the earthquake. The High Atlas Foundation´s psychosocial support and empowerment program has been instrumental in providing support to those with broken hearts and souls, and in restoring hope to affected communities after the quake.

My experience leading this program as a facilitator has been life-changing. I have witnessed the positive effects of empathy, active listening, and skill-building activities on traumatized women. During our meditation sessions, my colleagues and I support women to release the pain and negative emotions left behind by the earthquake. Through leading group sessions and one-on-one interactions, we create a safe space for emotional expression and offer strategies, encouraging healing journeys and equipping women with the tools they need to overcome adversity with perspective and strength. With the support of our partners and my colleagues, I look forward to continuing to prioritize action, changing the lives of others for the better.

AIDANIACO Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/22/2024

While I was at the High Atlas Foundation as an intern, I was able to research and write about the Foundation's various initiatives and cultural preservation projects. See an example of one below:

"Breaking with Tradition: Including Young Voices in Decision Making in Bir Gandus"

In a rural community in the Dakhla Oued Ed Dahab region, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), with the support of the Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), successfully included the voice of children in a community participatory process that was launched to design solutions for local education. In March 2024, HAF hosted a forum for local community members to discuss priorities and challenges in the arid rural municipality of Bir Gandus, which is located over three hours outside of Dakhla, and is largely ignored by development agencies.

This community of around 5,000 people faces numerous challenges including a lack of access to government services, the ongoing impact of climate change with the longstanding drought and soaring temperatures, stagnating youth and women social indicators, threats to the traditional nomadic herding livelihood, and periodic tension from the nearby border with Mauritania.

HAF facilitators accompanied the community members through the participatory experience of identifying a problem, mapping out local resources and goals, and developing a solution based on local conditions and needs. Community members reached consensus that educational regression, especially in primary schools, was an urgent priority that needed immediate attention.

HAF facilitators accompanied the community members through the participatory experience of identifying a problem, mapping out local resources and goals, and developing a solution based on local conditions and needs. Community members reached consensus that educational regression, especially in primary schools, was an urgent priority that needed immediate attention.

Students are not meeting critical developmental milestones such as arithmetic standards and many are dropping out at a young age. Community members selected a local educational association called Qodwa to be the lead implementer in developing a program to make local education more attractive and interesting as a way to keep students engaged and achieving beyond the traditional educational approach of memorization. Traditionally, in this region children are not considered capable decision makers and are not consulted regarding issues that impact their lives, however the community understood the value of breaking with tradition to include young voices in the participatory process.

From January to June 2024, HAF and Qodwa kept the voices of the students and the local community members as the drivers of the participatory process by facilitating four sessions (each for three days) of civic awareness and participatory planning, and two community forums, with 73 students (38 girls, 35 boys). These local forums drew lots of attention and even included participation from local government officials, including the El Caid of Bir Gandus, and local teachers who will be the lead implementers of the new educational approach.

Community members, many of whom are also parents, encouraged their children to share their opinions directly, and the program also hosted school events. Additionally Qodwa hosted a visit to a local utility company as a “career day” event to help the students envision where education can take them.

“I was very happy when I was part of a group of 16 students who met with local decision makers, and I think I will be a young engineer in Bir Gandus in the field of drinking water, because I liked the way the officials explained their work with passion. I would like to be part of the team that helps provide drinking water to Bir Gandus in a safe way one day,” said Mohammed Salem, a student at Bir Gandus primary school.

During the participatory approach, students expressed a desire for a new educational approach that fosters their creativity and innovative intelligence and keeps learning interesting. Students expressed awareness of modern and international techniques in education that included “makerspaces” and hands-on approaches to developing skills and hobbies that can help students set career goals or hobbies including computer programming, foreign language, and art. The students of Bir Gandus have dreams and want their local educational system to help them on their journey.

The outputs from the HAF facilitated process were outlined into a community advocacy letter sent from the local parent association to the provincial director of education of the Aousserd Province defining the community’s needs, the plan to improve education, and requesting resources to help make the student's dreams a reality. The community action has continued with teachers, schools, parents, government authorities and students remaining in frequent contact.

New formal advocacy initiatives are being formed including the Citizenship Tent for Capacity Building which was selected for funding as part of the MEPI program. The Citizenship Tent serves as a community liaison between local schools and the government, introducing instructors to new participatory pedagogical methods and training students to proactively advocate for their needs.

Next month, all stakeholders, including officials, students, parents, and teachers will gather for another forum. They will evaluate the achievements of the education initiative and build greater public awareness about the Citizenship Tent initiative and the other four community projects launched by the MEPI-HAF program. The new participatory network in Bir Gandus made and composed by members of communities, civil associations, and local government agencies, continues participatory planning, design, evaluation and advocacy in envisioning its future, and most importantly, now it includes youth as valuable decision makers.

Kaitlyn Waring Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/19/2024

The Power to Stay: Resiliency as a Means of Sustainability

Kaitlyn Waring
HAF Intern / Student at Northeastern University

As a newfound resident of Marrakech for just a month, my experiences have predominantly been limited to the flat, urban areas of the city center. When the opportunity arose to join in on a field visit to the mountainous villages of Timchi and Agouns to monitor the progress of water infrastructure, temporary shelter, and terrace farming projects, I knew I would get the chance to see a new side to this region of Morocco.

About one hour into the drive, my surroundings drastically changed as we climbed higher and drove deeper into the mountains. Although I was amazed and impressed by the sheer size of the mountains surrounding me, my immediate feelings were of isolation. When I saw the small villages nestled in the valleys and winding roads laid across the steeply sloped mountains, I wondered how people got by living in an area so hard to access.

These villages are also vulnerable to the natural processes of the earth, particularly earthquakes. I could only imagine during the recent 2023 earthquake that shook the Atlas Mountain region how the sky would seem to be falling in as rocks from the mountains rain down and funnel into the valleys.

The village of Timchi is one of many examples of villages still feeling the effects of the 2023 earthquake. Our goal in this village was to monitor the provision of temporary shelters for the people living here, temporary shelters necessary due to the destruction caused by the earthquake.

I learned and saw that even when necessities as important as homes were destroyed, even when water infrastructure was critically damaged, there was a resilient refusal among the Timchi people. Where does this sense of courage to stick to one’s values, traditions, and culture, even in such hard times, come from? Walking throughout Timchi, guided by community leaders and followed by curious kids, it was clear that the people of Timchi highly value the cultural and spiritual importance of their land.

In this value is where their desire for sustainability lies. There is an understanding of all the ways in which land and people can provide for each other so long as the relationship is mutually beneficial.

This idea was reiterated to me as we continued our drive up the rocky steep road to Agouns, only to be held up with a flat tire. In order to still meet with the community members, we continued the journey on foot. I was humbled as I slowly and breathlessly climbed my way up the hills of the village, something that the people of Agouns do everyday with ease. As I walked, I passed the rows and rows of terraces dug into the sides of the mountain for farming of corn, onions, apple trees, and other crops that Agouns farmers cultivate.

Once again, this village exemplifies the practice of adapting to nature in order to continue living in a place of deep-rooted importance. When this type of connection to land exists, it in turn breeds sustainability and resilience.

Encouraging a deep connection with land to communities and nations around the world in order to promote sustainability may not always be the most realistic path to achieving true sustainability. If I learned one thing from my field visits to Timchi and Agouns, it is that people have different relationships to their environment, different levels of connection to their land, and value different aspects of the human-nature relationship.

For some people, it is simply the beauty of their surroundings that inspire them to protect the environment. Personally, the beauty of my own home is one of the biggest things I cherish, and this translates into wanting to preserve that beauty through sustainability. At the same time, some people may value their environment solely because of what it provides for them while still recognizing that they need to maintain it in order to benefit from it.

In the end, these differences are inconsequential if the outcome of sustainability is the same. Therefore, the key to promoting sustainability lies in understanding what people value most about their environment. Only then will individuals or communities feel the motivation or passion to protect and preserve their environment.

KiranJohnson Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/07/2024

Success Story: Sanad Association launched its community initiative

Two years ago, Halima, 52-years-old, had a severe headache. She lives in the Dakhla municipality. “As all the women do, I took some medicine that we have usually in our home and I drank some traditional drink. The pain didn’t stop but it increased day after day,” she said.

Hamila’s headache continued like this for a week. One day, “I lost concentration, then found that I had a cancer which needed an urgent surgery,” she explains. The surgery was successful, and now Hamila advises all women to never ignore their health problems.

She is now participating in a program with 84 other women from Dakhla, run by the Sanad Association and funded by the Middle East Partnership Initiative. In Arabic, “sanad” means to support or to be someone that can be leaned on. The association has taken on this role by providing accessible, close healthcare services for marginalized people, like these women, through this community initiative.

The association aims to protect the rights of women and promote their status within society. This includes, but isn’t limited to, social justice, equality in the right to economic and social participation, and raising awareness of women' s rights, combating sex-based discrimination and all forms of violence that prevent women from participating in public life and decision-making.

Four days of workshops were conducted in the two centers of the L’entraid Nationale. Nurses led these workshops, with a focus on healthy lifestyle and diseases that women are vulnerable to, like chronic illnesses, sexually transmitted diseases, high blood pressure, diabetes, skin diseases, and stress aggravation. Prevention of these conditions, as well as treatment and the follow-up procedure with doctors were also discussed.

Participants were given time to share their experiences and ask questions about their healthcare. This platform also enabled the nurses to hear about these womens’ experiences with healthcare in the past, enabling them to better understand how they can minimize fear and anxiety during check-ups.

Through community initiatives like this, women gain knowledge to control their own lives: they know what to do and where to go when they need medical help, and how to set boundaries. By empowering them and providing the know-how, women gain the autonomy to work independently, make choices in life and in society.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/22/2024

Kiran Johnson

The students gathered in a circle around a foot-deep hole in the earth. Majda Stitou, Facilitator in Psychosocial Empowerment at the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), held a sapling, explaining how to place the tree into the hole and pile soil around it in a way that would retain water. The circle of children around her tightened as they watched with wide eyes.

On Monday, January 15th, community members of the Ameghrass commune, in Amizmiz Dnasa, School groups Agni Unity, and the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) volunteers came together for HAF’s 2024 annual Tree Planting Day.

Community members dug holes for the transplanting of the saplings, HAF members showed the students how to plant them, and then the students were then given free reign to plant the trees and bury their roots.

I was initially tasked with taking photos of the event. I captured one photo of a group of children leaning in around one kid, who was scooping dirt with a shovel. Another photo of multiple kids holding a single sapling, each with one hand, as they slowly lowered it into the ground. Eventually, I got pulled into the organized chaos and kids gathered around me as I shoveled soil around a sapling.

I was surprised with how eager to learn about the trees these students were. They had listened with focused faces as Stitou explained the role that the trees played in the carbon cycle. Seeing their enthusiasm filled my heart with hope: If kids already know and can learn this easily to care about the earth, then our planet is in good hands.

Among all the negative environmental discussions that circulate the news and flood the internet, experiencing this environment and community development action firsthand reinvigorated me to be part of sustainable change. The environmental problems we face feel so large and looming, but focusing on creating local, community-level differences makes these issues seem more manageable. And, in the end, these actions add up to equal large, longer-lasting changes that will benefit the planet and its people.

Review from Guidestar

Bouchra Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/15/2024

Out of Difficulties Grow Miracles

Bouchra Zine
HAF Program Coordinator


In April 2023, and at the request of Hassan Belhcen who is the Director of the National Park of Khenifra, a group of women from Merdhal Amane village of the Aguelmem Azegza municipality in the province of Khenifra joined HAF’s Family Literacy Program (funded by the E.U.). They were a group of 30 enthusiastic women whose dream was to be economically active and help their families to live a better life.

In Aguelmam Azegza culture, women are generally expected to suppress their points of view. They have to obey others’ orders and do all the housework. That’s why as the first step to get to know the ladies more and discover their skills and needs, the HAF team facilitated participatory empowerment methods in the Merdhal Amane village to find out the essential priorities and challenges faced by the women. It was also a great chance to encourage them to speak up and share their opinions confidently, the very thing that was previously forbidden. After community planning, and because the women were illiterate, they were then engaged in HAF’s literacy classes to learn some basics of Arabic, counting, and writing to prepare them to eventually start their business.


As the literacy classes progressed, the participants applied their new skills to create their own cooperative. The women of Merdhal Amane had confidence in their capabilities but they were afraid to begin the work due to their lack of knowledge about the cooperative’s laws and techniques. This prompted the team to ask for the professional assistance of the ODCO (Office Du Développement et Coopération). Within a week of the initial request, a representative of the ODCO of Meknes City conducted a training to inform the women about the cooperative, its legal context, and how to make it a successful endeavor. The women were very excited to learn more about the inner workings of their future business. They had many questions, demonstrating their motivation and excitement to work hard and improve their situations. They also received much support from Ms Majda Dalal, the Marketing Consultant, who encouraged them in their journey and gave them plenty of information on the marketing techniques that would make their business successful.

In September 2022, it was time for the Women’s Empowerment workshops. Thirty participants benefited from IMAGINE, a four-day workshop focusing on seven key areas: Emotions, Relationships, Money, Work, Body, Sexuality, and Spirituality. This workshop empowers women to voice their opinions, be more assertive, and discover their own wants in life. After the workshop, the women’s vision for their business became clear. They created an agricultural cooperative to make couscous and products based on cereals. However, they decided to study more before starting the work to guarantee success.

Before officially launching their cooperative, the women’s wish was to benefit from technical training by an expert on making couscous. That’s why Ittou Amou, the President of the Yamna cooperative, was a great choice. She welcomed the idea, and with two other members of her cooperative, she joined the team to work with the Merdhal Amane cooperative in producing couscous and some traditional cereal products. The women of Merdhal Amane were happy to be taught by other women who had walked the same path to become one of Morocco’s most successful and famous cooperatives. Thanks to Mr Mohammed Lamane and the women's own determination, they are no longer just a group of beneficiaries; they are legally and officially a cooperative. They named it based on their village to ensure people knew about them and their origins.


To help the women accomplish their dreams, Mohammed sought support from several donor departments and governmental and non-governmental agencies to finance their cooperative. Merdhal Amane received acceptance from the Regional Office of Agriculture of Khenifra and gained support amounting to 350,000 MAD of machinery necessary for their work.

The story of Merdhal Amane confirms that the impossible is just a rumor and that a strong will can make any dream a reality.

Review from Guidestar

elfatiminouhaila Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/13/2024


“Down syndrome is a distinguishing mark that makes a person unique.”


By Nouhaila Elfatimi, HAF program assistant


This phrase at the beginning of our story alludes to a journey full of challenges and new experiences. It suggests to the reader what the story will revolve around. What will we talk about?
The starting point begins in the town of Imin T’ala, where we visited as a team for psychological and social support. This village’s infrastructure was completely destroyed by the Al Haouz earthquake. The scene makes us think about the past, present, and future of the town and its residents and opens a door to exploring human emotions and experiences in light of tragedy and destruction.
The HAF team intends to ease the process of psychological and social reconstruction for the affected townspeople. The discussion will be about the impact of natural disasters on mental health and how psychological and social support can help overcome difficulties, building hope and renewal.
There is no life without pain and hope. These emotions are part of a symphony that makes life. Every town has its own story. The earthquake is not the only reason for pain and hope in the villages. It is possible that there were other circumstances and hidden challenges behind what they experienced recently. Every town has an exceptional story.
As a team with different tasks, some of us work with the women of the town, but my job is to run workshops for the children. When I received them into their room designated for various enjoyable workshops to overcome the psychological pain they experienced when they were so young, I asked a child his name. His mother, who answered me, said his name is Ayoub, he cannot speak, and he is approximately fifteen years old. So I said to her, “Okay, leave him here so that the children can participate in the workshop.” She replied with hope, “I do not want to hear any words that will bother me from the mothers of the other children. My son never goes out and does not play with anyone. He is a bit violent.” My answer was rest assured, everything will be fine.
I had an idea in advance about him, how I would care for him, and the immense responsibility I had. Relating with children with Down Syndrome who exhibit violent behavior requires a deep understanding of their needs and a sensitive and balanced response. It is first necessary to remember that violent behavior may be a way to express their needs or their inability to communicate effectively. We must adopt an attitude of patience and understanding and try to direct the child towards positive alternative behavior. This is the approach that I took throughout the four days. I integrated it with the children, despite the difficulty of some situations.
It is natural that it is something new and different for Ayoub because he had not had much contact with other children. He played and participated in creative activities. His presence was very special. He was just as compassionate despite his sudden mood swings and as smart despite his difficulty in understanding. He would arrange the figures with each other in the same color and shape with great precision. He worked with high concentration, despite the impaired vision he suffers from.
He does not know how to cheat. This group of children is usually characterized by honesty and integrity. Despite everything that Ayoub endures, he was trying to make some movements in order to bring joy to the lives of the other children, which made them feel happy and like they belonged with him. When the children saw his positive interaction and his many attempts to communicate and participate, communication between them and Ayoub increased, which enhanced the feeling of acceptance in the group. This positive interaction strengthens social relationships, helps build self-confidence, and enhances the feeling of solidarity.
Although he was not able to speak, or in more correct terms, he did not receive the necessary care to develop his speech, he would repeat some of the words that the children say or that I said, such as “toy,” “you are beautiful,” and “good.” These are all motivational words that decorate the hearts of children. During the workshops, I was working hard to change the stereotypical idea that the village children had about him. He is not an “idiot.” He is a child who did not find the environment and care necessary for him and many children with Down syndrome, because awareness and acceptance of such cases in such areas are seemingly nonexistent. Although there are no centers to receive and support children with such differences, it is necessary to educate these communities in order to increase the level of acceptance and support in society.
From my experience, I have found that including these children in daily activities and providing a supportive environment can have a profound impact, improving their quality of life and enhancing their abilities. In addition, awareness and education in communities about Down syndrome and other differences are extremely important to promote understanding and acceptance.









Review from Guidestar

NizarBellamqaddam Advisor

Rating: 4

03/12/2024

Tree Distribution in Doukkala, Casablanca and Berrechid
By Nizar Bellamqaddam
HAF Tree Monitoring Officer

We are grateful for our partners, Reforest, and our shared commitment to planting 500,000 trees together in Morocco.

Among a myriad of challenges faced by local farmers, the decline of the regional beet industry cast a long shadow of adversity in Casablanca-Settat. Once a cornerstone of the economy, the departure of this industry left behind a void that reverberated throughout the community. The loss of livelihoods and economic opportunity was deeply felt as families grappled with uncertainty for their future.

Moreover, this shift in demand exacerbated existing environmental pressures. The land, once fertile and abundant, bore the scars of overexploitation. The relentless extraction of groundwater to sustain the demands of industrial agriculture caused the water table to plummet. The repercussions were felt far and wide, as once-thriving farmlands withered under drought and depletion.


The farmers in Casablanca-Settat refused to succumb to despair. With resilience and ingenuity, they rallied together, seeking innovative solutions to restore the balance of their fragile ecosystem. They transitioned to olive and fig trees, which require less water and support the local ecosystem, reducing land degradation. Through sustainable farming practices and watershed management initiatives, they are working tirelessly to replenish aquifers and revive the land, breathing new life into their cherished homelands.

The road to recovery is fraught with obstacles, and progress can be slow and arduous. Yet, with unwavering determination and a steadfast commitment to their shared vision of a sustainable future, the farmers pressed on, undeterred by the enormity of the task before them. Their collective efforts bore fruit as the land began to heal: the waters flowed freely again, nourishing the soil and sustaining life in all its forms.



These farmers emerged as stewards of the land, guardians of a legacy that transcends generations. Their resilience is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, capable of overcoming even the most daunting of challenges. And as they looked to the horizon with hope in their hearts and dirt under their nails, they knew that together they could weather any storm and forge a brighter, more sustainable future for themselves and their children.

Mohamedehaf Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/29/2024

Tree planting initiative by the High Atlas Foundation under the slogan “Every student has a tree”
Planting trees and promoting the culture of planting among younger generations
By Mohamed el khabbaz/Program assistant.
On January 15, the High Atlas Foundation celebrates the National Tree Planting Day, as an embodiment of the importance of afforestation and the Foundation’s role in promoting sustainable development. On this basis, all of the Foundation’s employees conduct practical field workshops on afforestation in educational institutions and with cooperative societies as well as farmers.
We decided to plant trees in one of the educational institutions located in Ait Oulal in the Meknes province, “Sakia El Hamra Cooperative School.” This is done through coordination with the director of the institution and all parents and guardians of the students. Under the slogan “Every student has a tree”.
As a first step, we delivered fruit trees (olive, carob, and vine) to the school.
On Monday morning, after arriving at the institution, I dug a group of holes in cooperation with the students, and then I conducted a workshop on the importance of afforestation, its benefits, and its role in preserving the environment and ensuring environmental balance and sustainability.
With the students’ songs and the national anthem, we began the planting process, and the tree was named after the student who helped plant it.Then we watered the planted trees
This activity coincided with the Foundation’s celebration of the Amazigh National Day and the recognition of heritage and cultural identity as a form of introducing, preserving and sustaining heritage.
In short, distributing fruit trees to schools in Morocco is an important initiative through which the High Atlas Foundation aims to preserve the environment and promote the culture of planting among younger generations. Fruit trees are an important source of air, water and biodiversity.

A workshop on the importance of planting for the students of the Sakia Al Hamra cooperative in Ait Oualal, Meknes Province















snehakhan Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/12/2024

Reflections on World Interfaith Harmony
By Sneha Khan, Marrakech

I come from Toronto, a city often referred to as the most multicultural metropolis in the world. With around half the population born outside the country, there are over 200 ethnic groups and more than 140 languages spoken in the city. Living here since the age of four, I’ve been exposed to many different cultures and religions. Although I was born into a Muslim family, living in such a socially diverse hub has taught me the importance of learning about other religions to truly appreciate and celebrate interfaith harmony in the world.

Walking through my neighbourhood in Toronto, I see our Sikh Punjabi neighbours helping the elderly Muslim Pakistani couple living across from us mow their lawn. And when Ramadan comes around, the Pakistani neighbours offer their traditional iftar food to all of us on our street, regardless of our background. They share an integral piece of their religious and cultural tapestry as an expression of gratitude for our collective support for one another in this little community.

Throughout my experiences of learning about other religions in Toronto, I’ve been to many Durga Puja and Diwali events at temples with Hindu Bengali family friends, as well as Easter vigils with Jamaican and Chinese Christian schoolmates. I draw inspiration from my Jewish teachers at school, who have taught me about Hanukkah traditions and the painful history of Jewish persecution. Every day, I learn from my Muslim hijabi colleagues and their difficult experiences existing as visible religious minorities in an increasingly hostile world. I admire my Filipino Catholic friends who are on their respective religious journeys to love themselves and find community despite the colonization and proselytism their families have faced.

Each experience has revealed the enlightening nature of different religious communities consistently operating from a place of love for all humans and the desire to help neighbours. Recognizing the vital role of religion in the world is essential. Regardless of one's background, every human deserves respect as they navigate their individual path of understanding and critically contemplate their place within their faith.

Initially proposed in 2010 by King Abdullah II and Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad of Jordan, World Interfaith Harmony Week falls in the first week of February every year and aims to promote solidarity between all people regardless of their faith. This week highlights the need to foster peaceful living by encouraging individuals and communities to share spaces and resources harmoniously, reducing the potential for conflicts that may arise from differences. The encouragement of dialogue and understanding paves the way to tolerance towards one another and the mitigation of religious tensions due to misunderstandings or misinterpretations.

In an increasingly interconnected world, interfaith harmony is especially essential for global cooperation. It encourages nations to collaborate on shared challenges, such as climate change, poverty, and public health, recognizing that solutions often require united efforts.

In the context of international development, interfaith collaborations across the world often focus on social and environmental sustainability. This collective effort can lead to initiatives that positively impact communities and contribute to the overall well-being of society.

For example, when the September 2023 earthquake hit the High Atlas Mountain region here in Morocco, many religious organizations were the first to come to the aid of the Moroccans affected (the majority of whom are Muslim). With the generosity of important Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian donors, the High Atlas Foundation was able to distribute key resources and amenities to distressed communities in rural areas.

This cultivation of social unity is also reflected in HAF’s various multicultural cooperation projects. In particular, the House of Life project facilitates the free loaning of land adjoining Jewish burial sites to establish organic fruit trees and medicinal plant nurseries to benefit Muslim farming communities. Morocco has a robust history of interreligious cooperation that is frequently overlooked in contemporary discourse.
These ongoing HAF initiatives bring together individuals from multiple religious backgrounds to collaborate on the shared goal of improving local communities and their environments. Through these projects, participants work side by side, regardless of their religious affiliations, to plant trees that will provide food, shade, and environmental benefits for years to come.

Tree planting is quintessentially a universal part of the human experience and an act of faith, as respect for nature is paramount in many world religions. For example, caring for a tree is seen as sadaqah in Islam, while in Judaism, trees are regarded as the “pinnacle” of the plant world. The Tree of Life archetype has existed across various ancient mythologies, such as within early Dharmic, Mesopotamian, Greek, Scandinavian, and Germanic religions. The tree motif occurs culturally everywhere, making it clear that over time, our human ancestors have consistently placed immense importance on communal care for the environment.

By engaging in this collective action of tree planting, participants build bonds of trust and understanding that transcend religious divides and foster unity and common purpose. The fruits of these collaborative efforts extend beyond the act of planting trees. As the trees grow and flourish, they become literal symbols of the interconnectedness of humanity and the shared responsibility we have to care for the earth and one another.

This past Interfaith Harmony Week, I found myself reflecting deeply on the rich cultures and religions that I've been fortunate to experience both back home in Toronto, and here in Morocco. Interfaith harmony isn't just a moral imperative—it's a practical necessity. It promotes international cooperation and empowers communities to address shared challenges, from environmental sustainability to social justice.

As religious organizations came together to provide aid to communities after the earthquake here in Morocco, the power of multifaith action grounded in compassion and solidarity was very well illustrated. The same goes for HAF’s ongoing multifaith tree planting initiative, which celebrates the special longstanding relationship between Muslim and Jewish communities historically living together here in Morocco.

Exploring interfaith relations involves acknowledging the various interconnections and entanglements that exist between every religion, much like the roots and branches of a tree, ultimately realizing that all humans depend on the same vital resources and share the same search for meaning in this world, helping one another along the way.

Artwork by Smita Mahmud (Marrakech, 2024)

Sneha Khan and Smita Mahmud, fourth-year students of International Development Studies from the University of Toronto, are currently interning at the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech, Morocco.

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Tumsy Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 1

02/10/2024

I am a leader of the Karawari Tropical Vanilla Agriculture Project in Karawari, area of Midel Sepik Region of East Sepik Province of Papus New Guinea. The project is estabpished to help improve the lifly hood of the poor people in the very remote part of the country.
We are looking for partners or Dorners to fund the project. We can use the funds to implant the projects.
We vanilla farming group.

nouhailaelf12 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/09/2024

Sidi Ali Oufares: Where Nature, Culture, and Creativity Converge

By : Nouhaila Elfatimi
HAF Program assistant

Sidi Ali Oufares is a new site for the psychosocial empowerment teams. In this unique town, the beauty of the rocks and the magic of science are embodied in every corner. Nature remains an inspiration for the art made here, reflecting the history of Amazigh communities living in harmony with the natural environment.
The cross-fertilization of cultures in this town shows pride and mutual respect among its residents, as they reflect tolerance and peaceful coexistence between different races and cultures. Although the town was affected by the Al Haouz earthquake, the people’s warm welcome was characterized by comfort and strength, as if they were able to overcome their ordeal with a positive spirit and enthusiasm. How can these wonderful people who were affected by the earthquake have this inner strength and ability to welcome guests with an open spirit? This reflects their determination and persistence in building a strong and cohesive community.
In our meeting with the townspeople, we learned about their lives and histories as we began organizing artistic workshops for religious children. The kids shone with their enthusiasm and creativity as they colored and drew pictures, played with dough, and arranged puzzles, all while socializing with their friends in an atmosphere full of songs and fun.
During these four days, children noticeably appear in two groups: one group heads to school to continue their learning, and another group heads to the psychological support room to enjoy moments of rest and entertainment, which helps them overcome the psychological effects of the earthquake. During these four days, the collective spirit and cooperation among the children emerged as they exchanged ideas and skills between school classrooms and the psychosocial support room through positive social communication, showing that children can support each other and benefit from activities that contribute to enhancing their psychological well-being and personal development. Although these children were working diligently at school, they found a haven in the psychological support room to enjoy moments of joy and smiles.
We heard musical chanting and ringing laughter in this town, where the artistic workshops constituted a platform for the creative expression of children as they set out with joy and enthusiasm to explore their artistic talents and skills, which enhanced interaction and communication between them.
Our trip to the town of Sidi Ali Oufares was not just a visit but rather an inspiring experience rich in detail. We continue to explore this amazing world, longing to see more beauty and unique stories around every corner.

Review from Guidestar

mcreel Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/25/2024

Trees, Community, and Climate


By Michaela Creel,
Marrakech, Morocco

Monday, January 15, 2024, kicked off the community affair of tree planting. To maximize the scope of impact, High Atlas Foundation (HAF) staff and volunteers split up and traveled to locations across Morocco: Cadi Ayyad University, Azmour High School, Wlad Azzouz Wa Koba Primary School, and more.

In each location, community members joined HAF to help with each step of planting, fostering the valuable connection between HAF and the people we work with. At Wlad Azzouz Wa Koba primary school; the planting day went beyond the community as a father joined his young daughter in tree planting. As the man planted trees, his daughter watched, inspired to follow suit. These interactions fuel the initiatives of HAF, encouraging local role models to advocate and act for environmental change.



Upon my arrival at the primary school, I could immediately feel the students’ excitement as they crowded together, buzzing as we began bringing out the materials for the day’s tree-planting activity. As one staff member began corralling the children with a playful call and response activity, a few students and teachers helped HAF staff fill up the water pails. As students and HAF members joined hand in hand in a circle, HAF staff Mustapha Tarhbaloute began to explain what the tree planting would look like. However, his explanation went far beyond simply the steps of tree planting and the basics of why it is important.

With the students' attention, Mustapha engaged them in a conversation about climate change, seeing who could name natural disasters, leading to a discussion about how Morocco is impacted by certain catastrophes. Listening to Tarhbaloute and watching the kids’ reactions quickly became a highlight of my day. Seeing the kids get excited learning about climate change prompted enthusiasm from HAF staff and community members alike, creating the perfect environment for a fun and productive tree planting day.



Split into small groups so each student could clearly see each step, each spot was carefully dug, allowing enough room for the sapling to grow. Towards the end of our time at Wlad Azzouz Wa Koba, the girls noticed that the HAF and community members digging these holes had all been men. After bringing this to attention, the women staff, volunteers, and locals took turns digging. From this, I was reminded how the missions of HAF are all intertwined and that without the empowerment of girls and women, success will be limited.

By the end of our time at Wlad Azzous Wa Koba, the head of school planted the final tree and gave us parting words of gratitude and hope for the future. As HAF members, students, and local community members said goodbye, I was left thinking of how an act as seemingly small can spread so far. In my group alone, there were individuals from all around Morocco, the United States, Australia, the Netherlands, and Lebanon, making this a local act with a truly international impact.

Michaela Creel, an undergraduate student studying International Affairs and Cultural Anthropology at Northeastern University and currently an intern at the High Atlas Foundation.

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oscar.klein Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/25/2024

Cultivating Sustainable Futures: A Holistic Approach to Development

By Oscar Klein
HAF Intern / Austrian Service Abroad

In the heart of Morocco's scenic landscapes, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) endeavors to create a lasting impact on both nature and communities. As an Intern of HAF from Austria, the experience of visiting the nursery in Akrich, where organic trees flourish amidst Jewish burial sites, evokes a complex array of emotions. Surrounded by thousands of growing tree saplings destined for neighboring agricultural communities, there is a palpable sense of peacefulness and harmony. However, the stark reality quickly emerges – these trees face an uphill battle for survival in the face of record-high temperatures and water scarcity.

HAF's commitment to sustainable development goes far beyond the nurturing of tree nurseries. With nine nurseries containing over 2.3 million trees, the organization recognizes the multifaceted nature of community empowerment. Women's empowerment takes center stage as a catalyst for a more collaborative and socioeconomically integrated future. Through initiatives like the IMAGINE workshops, Legal Clinic program, and Family Literacy program, HAF has been able to touch the lives of thousands of women and girls in Morocco.

Amidst these initiatives, the core of HAF's work lies in planting and distributing trees, providing rural communities with the means to diversify crops and explore higher-value products. Beyond the potential for increased revenue, trees contribute to stabilizing eroding areas, providing shade, improving soils, and storing carbon. In the 2022-23 season alone, HAF supported the planting of one million trees, benefiting 5500 farming families.

Morocco, like many regions, faces the grim consequences of climate change, exemplified by an increase in wildfires. HAF, in partnership with the Moroccan National Agency of Water and Forest and local communities, is actively working to rehabilitate agroforestry systems in areas devastated by wildfires. The goal is ambitious – to plant 15 million trees on 51,173 hectares, restoring forests and agricultural orchards.

WE4F, a joint international initiative, plays a pivotal role in supporting organizations like HAF, and we are profoundly grateful for the invaluable support from its esteemed donors. Through generous contributions from partners such as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), the European Union (EU), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Netherlands, the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad), Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), WE4F empowers innovations that unlock missing inputs, finance, technology, and markets for farmers around the world. This support is crucial for achieving climate resilience and reducing CO2 emissions in the agricultural sector.

In the face of climate change and recent seismic events, HAF remains committed to sustainable development. The importance of adapting methodologies to enable communities to thrive in their unique ways cannot be overstated. The journey of challenges and triumphs, made possible by WE4F, underscores the urgency of collaborative efforts for a functioning future.

As one sits in a nursery in Morocco, it is a universal truth that similar scenes unfold in nurseries worldwide. Each community adapts methodologies according to its values, priorities, and goals. The common thread is the shared goal of sustainable development – a world where nature and humanity coexist harmoniously. HAF's journey, documented for WE4F, becomes a testament to the power of collective action in the face of global challenges.

#WE4F #BMZ #EU #Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Netherlands #Norad #Sida #USAID

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Cpantelick Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/17/2024

“All life is interrelated”: MLK, the principle of Interrelation and Environmentalism

By Charles Pantelick
HAF Intern

On the day of remembrance of Martin Luther King and the ideals he espoused, it is valuable to reflect on the power of his ideas and words. Dr. King’s orations rallied the public and united diverse peoples, groups, and communities to pursue a common goal of combating societal challenges that directly or indirectly affected them. Even when a particular hardship does not impact one group, he reminded us that it is the collective duty of all people to rise together to combat it. This fundamental principle of interrelation is the essence of boundless communal action and solidarity. Expounding on the topic of interrelation, in 1967, Dr. King gave five lectures, “The Trumpet of Conscience,” under the CBC Massey Lectures, an annual Canadian broadcasting special. In his final lecture on Christmas Eve, Dr. King said, “It really boils down to this: that all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly” (King, “Peace on Earth,” 1967).

Understanding the interconnectedness of people and problems worldwide fundamentally changes one's perspective. No problem exists in a vacuum; thus, understanding Dr. King’s principle on interrelation helps us comprehend that issues of injustice have a ripple effect. When a problem occurs in one realm, it can often touch different, disparate areas of the world. Conversely, solutions can travel over time and space to mitigate turmoil in individuals and communities.

Turning to our modern-day environmentalist movements, one can clearly see how Dr. King’s interrelation, unity, and equality ideals provide sustenance and convergence. A fellow civil rights activist, James L. Farmer Jr., vividly applied the notion of interrelation in the context of the environment: “[I]f we do not save the environment and save the Earth, then whatever we do in civil rights or in a war against poverty will be of no meaning, because then we will have the equality of extinction and the brotherhood of the grave” (Farmer).

Tree planting campaigns fully embody Dr. King’s principle of interrelation. Planting trees can help solve environmental injustice and create a virtuous cycle that remedies other intractable problems plaguing vulnerable or under-resourced communities. In this regard, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), fulfills a vital role. By following a participatory development process created through invitation, interfaith nurseries, distribution, reforestation, and monitoring, communities can counteract issues surrounding the environment and socio-economic challenges. HAF’s partnering communities see the multifaceted benefits of tree planting that can target multiple injustices simultaneously. HAF believes that bringing communities together through collective care for the trees allows Moroccan citizens to work together despite differences in religion and gender. Trees benefit the environment by improving soil fertility, air quality, and water retention while helping prevent erosion, acting as windbreaks, providing shade, and reducing the harmful effects of climate change. The benefits do not stop with the environment; communities can reap monetary benefits by selling the products from the trees. Planting trees has a positive ripple effect in communities, from clean water initiatives to women’s empowerment. Bringing the community together to plant and maintain trees creates a platform to address other systemic issues. Through tree planting, communities can target their interrelated problems and reap the multifaceted benefits of overcoming them.

On this day of remembrance for MLK, one can not help but be awed by his legacy but also be mindful that change does not happen on its own. First, a multi-front approach must be taken to truly vanquish global injustice, targeting all kinds of interrelated injustice. Second, all people, even those indirectly affected, must be engaged in eradicating injustice. One among many examples of MLK’s efforts in this regard occurred in March 1968, when he supported the sanitation workers’ strike in Memphis, Tennessee. The strike protested the pay and working conditions differences between Black and white sanitation workers. Black workers were subject to polluted air and water but also to hazardous chemicals, while white workers were not. When Dr. King joined the protest, he organized demonstrations that raised awareness of racial and financial inequality alongside the environmental inequality involved in the workers’ plight. Although Dr. King did not live to see the fruits of his labor, he recognized the importance of viewing issues of inequality from multiple perspectives to understand their interrelation better.

Without justice in all areas of life, the world can not achieve lasting and effective equality. Simultaneously pursuing environmental justice and striving to mitigate other inequities is paramount to ensure lasting positive change for all.

Charles Pantelick is a freshman at Colby College in the United States majoring in Government and Economics, interning at the High Atlas Foundation Marrakech, Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

Safa.ague General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

12/26/2023

On the Brink of Earth

By Safa Aguerjout
Psychosocial empowerment Facilitator

After three months have passed since the devastating earthquake that occurred in the region of Al-Houz and other affected areas on September 8, 2023, with a reported toll of 5,500 injured and 2,900 fatalities, including 86 individuals from Douar Amkdoul in the municipality of Talat N’ayacoub in the Al-Houz province, among them 21 children. Each person affected by this tragedy has lost more than one family member, whether from their immediate or extended family.


From a distance, it may seem as if life is back to normal and everything is fine. However, each step forward reveals shocking scenes that make it apparent that the earth has split open and swallowed everything in its path.

During our interactions with the community members, we have come to realize the vital importance of providing psychosocial empowerment. This support is offered through workshops organized by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with Project HOPE. The aim is to help women and children affected by the earthquake regain a sense of normalcy despite the deep cracks left by this disaster—a task that cannot be fully restored within just four days of a workshop.


The psychological condition of children in this region is extremely challenging, and they are in desperate need of special support and follow-up due to the traumatic experiences they have endured at such a young age. During my conversations with them, I was struck by their maturity as they described the severity of what they witnessed, especially Amina, who lost Two of her brothers. She would even imitate her brother's cries from under the rubble to some extent. Life moves on unaware of what she has been through, as well as her separation from her best friend Zakia, who is nine years old. Every time she tells me about Zakia's actions or words, it seems as if she is trying to hold onto a memory that she fears will fade away.

The workshops serve as an opportunity for individuals to receive much-needed emotional guidance and assistance. They create awareness about psychological well-being and the importance of addressing mental health issues in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. It is a platform for individuals to share their experiences, express their emotions, and learn coping strategies.

The workshops also emphasize the role of community support and resilience. By coming together, sharing stories, and supporting one another, affected individuals can begin to rebuild their lives and find strength in unity.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the healing process takes time and ongoing support. While the workshops provide initial guidance, long-term efforts are needed to address the lasting effects of the earthquake on individuals' mental well-being.

As we continue our work with the community, we remain committed to providing sustained support and assistance as they navigate through this challenging period. Together with our partners, we strive to restore hope, rebuild lives, and contribute to sustainable development in the region affected by this earthquake.

Review from Guidestar

OumaimaRiad Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/25/2023

Empowering Civil Society with University Engagement: Insights and Advocacy

By Oumaima Riad
HAF Volunteer

On December 16th and 17, 2023, the Training of Trainers (TOT) program on "Promoting Civil Society-University Engagement" began its 4th and 5th training sessions. The program, organized by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in collaboration with the University of Cadi Ayyad and the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Marrakech, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), commenced under the guidance of the esteemed Professor Mr. Mohamed Ben Talha. This session's focus is on "Public Policies and Advocacy Strategy."

The day began with a warm welcome and introductory remarks by the Program Manager, Mr. Abdellah Laaboudi, setting the tone for the upcoming sessions. Professor Ben Talha, an expert in the field, led the participants through a comprehensive exploration of advocacy, covering its definition, various strategies, advocacy campaign intricacies, and different approaches. The morning session included spirited debates and insightful discussions that laid the groundwork for further deliberations. In the afternoon, the focus shifted towards a deeper understanding of the reasoning behind advocacy efforts.

Participants learned about the levels of advocacy and identified the key elements for a successful campaign. Professor Bentalha provided an extensive overview of the conditions and rules that support a sound advocacy strategy and the steps involved in formulating an effective plan. The interactions between Professor Ben Talha and the participants were highly engaging, with attendees expressing gratitude for the valuable insights gained.

As a culmination of the two-day, participants were divided into groups and tasked with drafting a petition addressing a specific societal issue. This activity aimed to apply the knowledge gained throughout the two days and develop practical skills in advocacy strategy. The collaborative efforts of the participants showcased the immediate applicability of the concepts discussed. In summary, the two-day sessions in the TOT program on "Promoting Civil Society-University Engagement" were a resounding success. Professor Mohamed Ben Talha's expertise, combined with the enthusiasm and active participation of the attendees, set a promising precedent for the rest of the training session.

Integrating theory and practical exercises ensures that participants not only understand the complexities of advocacy but also gain hands-on experience in applying these principles in real-world situations. The program holds great potential in empowering a group of trainers capable of fostering meaningful civil society engagement through effective advocacy initiatives.

The two-day training session concluded successfully, leaving a lasting impact on the participants. The collaborative atmosphere fostered a sense of community and engagement among representatives from various organizations.It is expected that the knowledge and skills gained during this TOT session will have a positive impact as participants return to their respective roles, promoting civil society-university engagement and contributing to the formulation and evaluation of effective public policies. The commitment and dedication demonstrated by all involved, along with the practical knowledge shared, ensure that the outcomes of this training will resonate positively in the realms of civil society and public policy advocacy.

Review from Guidestar

elfatimi Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/27/2023

Cultivating Harmony:
The Revitalization of Akrich through Shared History and Environmental Stewardship
By Nouhaila ELfatimi
HAF Program Coordinator
Morocco is characterized by its cultural and historical diversity. This land is marked by the presence of various religious and cultural groups, including the Jewish community, which is a vital part of the social and cultural fabric of the Kingdom. The Jewish community in Morocco has a long and inspiring history that spans across two millenia, telling a story of constructive coexistence and interaction between this community and Moroccan society.
The Jewish presence in Morocco made significant contributions to shaping Moroccan identity, becoming integral to daily life, the economy, and civilization. This influence is evident in many cultural aspects. Moroccan cities bear witness to the existence of their ancient synagogues and historical quarters that narrate tales of shared life between Jews and Muslims. This is particularly evident in the city of Marrakech, especially in the village of Akrich, which had a profound impact on me during my visit. Its Moroccan Jewish history is clearly visible as an inseparable part of the village’s heritage.
When I stepped into the Akrich Jewish cemetery, I felt like I was embarking on a journey through time, with graves and tombs where the Cohen family was buried, recounting stories and memories that span centuries. The spirituality in this place heightened, and I realized the importance of preserving the shared cultural heritage and respecting others, sparking an unparalleled curiosity in me, as if my eyes were opening doors to a mysterious world of history and culture.
This curiosity stemmed from my deep desire to understand the story of this place, carrying within ancient events and diverse experiences.
Among the graves of the cemetery, I felt a vivid translation of the Jewish history of Akrich, as if the ancient stones were telling me stories about the lives of individuals who contributed to building this community. I wondered about the historical events that took place in this location and the names engraved on the tombstones.
This led me to explore the corners of the cemetery carefully, pondering the life stories of these individuals until it became a focal point for hundreds. This sacred place serves as a pilgrimage destination for the Jewish people, guarded by the Abderahim Al-Hameen family, who have inherited this responsibility from his grandfather and father. This family has witnessed the developments of this sacred place for nearly 100 years.
When I met him, his face harmonized with the roots of the place, as if he were a part of the living history that this cemetery carries. The conversation began simply about the daily aspects of his work as a cemetery guard, but it quickly turned into a journey through the years and the transformations of the cemetery since its establishment. He spoke about the times when the cemetery was crucial for the Jewish community, pointing to the period when the cemetery was restored in 1990 and how it has been visited since that time.
He talked about the efforts made to preserve this place as part of the local heritage, and his words transported me back in time, allowing me to see vivid images of those periods. Mr. Abderahim reflected deep nostalgia and respect for the cemetery's history and the efforts aimed at preserving this shared cultural heritage between moments of decline and the revival of this cemetery.
In 2012, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, the President of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), visited the cemetery. He played a prominent role in revitalizing the Akrich Jewish cemetery, transforming it into a vibrant and environmentally active place. This inspiring man led pioneering efforts to contribute to preserving the cultural and historical heritage of the region. With a clear vision for positive change, HAF, the Moroccan Jewish Community, and local partners inaugurated a nursery adjacent to the Akrich Jewish cemetery in 2012.
Life and growth flourished in this place, becoming a symbol of coexistence and renewal. Plants and trees grew, reflecting the philosophy of life and hope for survival. As the days passed, the nursery expanded, benefiting public schools as well. Donations of various seedlings contributed to creating an eco-friendly atmosphere at the schools, enhancing environmental awareness among students and encouraging them to participate in planting and caring for plants. This donation diversified the school environment, improving air quality and the aesthetic appearance of the school.
The nursery also transformed into a center for international students to learn about different faiths and ethnicities in Morocco, most recently from the University of Virginia’s Darden business school. The story of the Akrich nursery serves as a symbol of intercultural communication and understanding between Jewish and Moroccan people, fostering regular visits and knowledge exchange. In the context of social impact, a women's cooperative for making traditional Moroccan carpets called "Zarbia Ashbarou" emerged. When delegations visit the nursery, they also learn about the dedication and strength of rural women capable of working and investing. This cooperative not only provides income for local women but also contributes to the preservation of heritage.
This nursery not only enhances communication and understanding among community members but also represents a symbol of collaborative work and positive interaction between different communities. As a Muslim, I felt proud to witness joint efforts to improve living conditions and support traditional crafts.
The nursery has become a hub for development and the stimulation of the local economy, bringing invaluable benefits to the village of Akrich. Among its key aspects is the transformation of infrastructure, providing modern roads and potable water, making life easier and more comfortable for the village residents. Improving infrastructure has a positive impact on the quality of life and promotes sustainable development.
The efforts led by Dr. Ben-Meir reflect his deep commitment to achieving sustainable development and promoting cultural communication in an environment where history and the present uniquely blend. The curiosity that overwhelmed me to learn about the history of the Jewish cemetery in Akrich made me understand that ancient places carry stories worth exploring. Every place holds a unique history that deserves reflection and contemplation.

Review from Guidestar

Bahajjou Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/11/2023

By Youssef Mazdou, HAF Program Assistant / Mohamed Bahajjou, Trainee at the legal clinic in Marrakech

Mobile Clinic Addresses Property Disputes in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, Marrakech


In line with its objectives, the High Atlas Foundation, in partnership with the Legal Clinic at the Faculty of Law, Economics, and Social Sciences in Marrakech, and in collaboration with our partners CSOs, the International Academy for Training and Support, organized an interactive meeting as part of the project to Promoting Civil Society University Engagement funded by the National Endowment for Democracy. This meeting took place on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at the Dar Al-Jamaiat in the New District of Sidi Youssef Ben Ali.
The Mobile Legal Clinic provided a new opportunity to bring legal assistance closer to vulnerable groups by visiting various locations in the Marrakech-Safi region. The event in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali was attended by various groups seeking free legal consultations, which aimed to promote legal awareness, knowledge of rights, and responsibilities within the community. The meeting primarily focused on addressing the real estate fragmentation issue, particularly the "Bustan Al Wahat in Sidi Yousef Ben Ali," along with various legal aspects. Law students from different specialties participated in the event.
In the field of insurance, presented by student Yassine Belkhadir, the topic was addressed by listening to the residents' concerns and raising several questions. These questions were answered within the session, especially those related to vehicle insurance, including property insurance. The legal consultations covered topics such as how to activate the contract and the extent of insurance coverage. The key question revolved around insurance coverage during accidents or similar situations.
In the field of real estate, students Mohammed Bahajjou, Ayoub Ait Yahia, and Sayf-Eddine Jmahri tackled an issue of utmost importance related to real estate and its challenges. As known to all, real estate concerns people before their birth, during their lives, and after their passing. Real estate plays a pivotal role as it is the cornerstone of the transition to property.
This initiative deserves broader implementation in the future as the community faces a complex legal and practical problem. The victims numbered around 300 individuals who purchased apartments in Bustan Al Wahat in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali. Each case is unique given the varied circumstances of each beneficiary. Law students from the Legal Clinic specializing in real estate helped to establish a legal framework for the beneficiaries regarding their rights and responsibilities.

The core issue revolves around the non-delivery of apartments to the beneficiaries. The meeting began with an open discussion involving the beneficiaries, relevant stakeholders, and those with vested interests in diagnosing the problem, understanding its development stages, and defining the legal aspects. It started by highlighting the legal foundations, including Law 107.12 regulating properties under construction and other related texts, such as Laws 25.90 and 12.90 governing development and property divisions, as well as the Property Rights Code. It's noteworthy that since June 2011, customary contracts in real estate have been eliminated, and only authorized entities, including notaries, agents, and lawyers allowed to appear before the Court of Cassation, can draft contracts. Various other conditions were detailed in Article 4 of the same Code.
Additionally, the contracts that bind property developers and beneficiaries must include a set of legal conditions outlined in the specifications outlined in Law 107.12, which regulates properties under construction. The issue of changing the legal status of the property by the developer and its impact on the rights of consumers was also discussed. Various questions were posed by the community, especially considering the large number of beneficiaries, approximately 300 individuals. The concern lies in the relationship that ties them to the property developer.
Some of the legal questions raised were as follows:
Is it legal to demand expenses related to the file from the property developer?
Is the beneficiary or property buyer obliged to pay the syndicate fees proposed by the property developer, and can they compel another beneficiary to resort to a specific notary?
Is the right of withdrawal possible, and can it be done after the completion of the work?
What protection does the customary contract offer?
What legal procedures can be employed to protect the property rights of beneficiaries?
What types of compensation can be claimed for delivery delays?
What is meant by a precautionary constraint, and what are its risks?
Can one beneficiary transfer their rights to another party, and how can this be done?
Is the contract concluded between the property developer and the beneficiaries legally valid?
Can the property developer send the funds paid by the beneficiary through a judicial representative?
Does the report prepared by the beneficiaries with the property developer have any protective power, and what are its limits?
Can the terms of the specifications be amended during the sale of the property under construction?
The meeting addressed the issue of property fragmentation that has not yet been delivered to the beneficiaries. It's worth noting that the issue of the properties in Bustan Al Wahat in Sidi Youssef Ben Ali is currently under discussion with several responsible authorities for urban development and housing, including a representative of the local authorities.
Regarding the legal status of these restrictions in the land registry, it was explained that property rights remain subject to the outcome of these precautionary constraints. The flexibility to act on the property is present as long as the precautionary constraint registered in the land registry remains unresolved. The power of this precautionary constraint lies in the fact that at any moment, the beneficiary could face a judicial ruling to evacuate the property since the holder of the constraint is the owner of the property and all its contents, even retroactively.
The meeting saw enthusiastic communication with the beneficiaries and the provision of answers to all raised questions, along with detailed explanations and potential solutions. Several recommendations were made, such as proposing the resolution of disputes through arbitration. Other recommendations included contacting various official bodies, such as the main representative of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development or one of its deputies, monitoring the developments of the case that concerns the community within the Department of Urban Planning in the Marrakech Safi region, communicating with the beneficiaries regarding any developments in their case. The meeting also advised avoiding recourse to the judiciary.

Review from Guidestar

Aguerjout Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/07/2023

Psychosocial Empowerment Workshops

Aguerjout Safaa
Facilitator of the High Atlas Foundation


The earthquake in the Al Haouz and surrounding provinces caused profound loss. NGOs mobilized their resources to provide vital assistance to the affected families. The High Atlas Foundation established partnerships with international organizations, including Project Hope. Together, we launched psychosocial empowerment sessions with communities, as we continue to distribute essential supplies, such as food, blankets, and tents, and assess and implement water infrastructure projects.

Psychosocial empowerment comprises a series of support workshops aimed at healing the emotional pain and trauma caused by the crisis. As part of a collaborative effort, 4-day workshops were introduced to the affected areas, including Tikste, Tinmel, Tizgharine, Ait Ayoub, Azro, Ashbarou, Tafza, Tagherghis, and Tifkritt. A total of 279 women and girls benefited from these workshops.

Recognizing HAF’s commitment to serving to restore the emotional balance of families, we provide parallel care of school-age children. This was particularly important due to the disruption of regular schooling caused by damaged infrastructure and school buildings awaiting repair. Approximately 186 children, aged between 4 and 11, both boys and girls, benefitted from this initiative.

Upon our initial encounters with women in these areas, grief and pain in their eyes were evident. Their faces were swollen from mourning over the lost relatives and neighbors. The landscape was dominated by damaged homes, rickety fences, and scattered furniture. It was difficult for anyone to witness the extent of devastation, with the memories of these events deeply etched in the minds of those impacted.

Upon our arrival in Tinmel, we were greeted by Ms. Widdad, who guided us to the school where we met with women who were desperately seeking support. Among them were those who had lost their entire family and those who had lost their main sources of support.

The first workshop centered on themes of mourning and surviving disaster, evoking most deep emotions. However, as the facilitators began their discussions, the woman regained composure and expressed their readiness to share their experiences.

Fatima shared her story, saying, "I don't know how I survived the wreckage and the sound of the earthquake still didn't make my head apart, wherever I went, I heard that sound." She continued, “the sound rarely leaves my head and it causes me pain in my whole body, wondering when that pain will end.” Rashida added, "I lost my son who was the age of flowers, how can I live with the situation?"

The tragedies these women experienced were heart-wrenching, and words cannot capture the extent of their suffering. And so while we cannot alter reality, the aim of these workshops is to offer hope with these women. The workshops seek to encourage them to believe that the future can hold better days. While the material losses cannot be fully compensated, we can gain mercy and work towards supporting these individuals in their recovery.

The workshops were designed to explore the psychological trauma experienced by the women; not to rekindle the painful memories, but to assess the impact of the trauma on their well-being. The trauma of the earthquake affected every woman differently. Each woman has varying degrees and types of trauma based on their personal experiences. Each woman has unique ways of processing trauma. Given the diverse reactions to trauma, facilitating a space for all to feel comfortable expressing their feelings is challenging, and imperative.

In contrast, children responded more positively to the workshops. They actively engaged in activities such as drawing, coloring, and games that involve numbers and letters in Arabic. While schools remained closed, it was essential to create a suitable learning environment for these children. Through their engagement at the workshops, it was evident that the children held significant hope and aspirations for a better future, despite the challenging circumstances. This observation highlighted the resilience of children in coping with crises compared to adults.

The project of psychosocial empowerment recognizes that the road to recovery for those who have lost their loved ones and homes will be neither swift nor easy. But it is necessary to sustain to help these families recover their lost self under the rubble, which has not yet been recovered even though they are alive. The project will require sustained efforts and support to help these families regain their sense of selves and rebuild their lives, a task that remains ongoing.



Review from Guidestar

Aloys Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/02/2023

Hamid's Lasting Legacy: A Tale of Selflessness in the Face of Tragedy

In Temsult, there was one man who encapsulated the very essence of community living: Hamid. He had spent his entire life in this picturesque village, dedicated to its people and their well-being. His old, weathered car became an emblem of hope and connectivity, for he was not just a driver but a lifeline for all those who depended on his services.


Hamid was the kind of man you could simply call, and he'd be there, ready to help. He was an unwavering pillar of support for the community, always willing to assist with a heart full of generosity. It wasn't just goods and belongings that Hamid transported; he carried the dreams and hopes of those he served.


He was more than a good man; he was an exceptional human being. Selflessness flowed through his veins, and his actions spoke louder than words. Hamid's wife resided with his father, and they eagerly awaited the arrival of a new life into their family, for she was pregnant at the time.


As we walked through the devastated remnants of Temsult, it was Hamid's brother who guided us, providing insight into the village Hamid had held dear for 35 long years. There was a sense of melancholy that hung heavy in the air as we listened to the tragic story of Hamid.


The man's courageous attempt to save his pregnant wife had cost him his life when a massive chunk of debris struck him in the face. He had fought valiantly for survival, but in this remote and isolated land, help was too far away. The heart-wrenching truth is that these villages are a world apart from the assistance of modern civilization and Essaid, our guide, wept as he recounted the harrowing tale.


Amid the ruins of Temsult, Hamid’s brother found the strength to thank us, expressing his deep gratitude that we had come to bear witness to their tragedy. He wished for the world to know that the man they had lost, Said’s dear friend and his own brother, was the most celebrated person in Temsult. His words were a poignant reminder that Hamid was an institution unto himself, offering his help when he had almost nothing to spare.


Hamid's story wasn't just one of sorrow; it was an ode to the enduring power of compassion and selflessness. It was a testament to the unwavering spirit of humanity, even in the face of overwhelming adversity. Though Hamid was no longer with them, his legacy continued to inspire, a beacon of hope for the people of Temsult and a shining example of the incredible impact that one person's kindness could have on an entire community.

Review from Guidestar

bernhardfritz Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/02/2023

Resilience and Unity: Jewish and Muslim Communities Come Together Amidst Adversity in Akrich

Today, we embarked on a journey to Akrich, a cluster of villages nestled just 30 minutes from Marrakech. This region had recently been struck by a devastating earthquake, leaving a profound impact on its communities. Accompanying us were three representatives from the Moroccan Jewish Community who are part of the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). The earthquake had left a trail of destruction, collapsing houses and compelling the local populace to fashion makeshift tents for shelter. Despite the harsh circumstances, the warmth and sincerity with which the communities received us was truly heartwarming.

As we ventured deeper into the villages, we were shown the remnants of their once intact homes. Witnessing the shattered structures and rooms, we could not help but share in the palpable grief and sorrow that hung in the air. One poignant moment came when an elderly woman, tears in her eyes, led us to her completely demolished house. Her anguish was heart-wrenching.

In a beautiful display of hospitality, we were graciously invited by the local community to share a moment of respite. Many of them had gathered in a tent erected by the roadside, a humble space where they came together despite their dire circumstances. Here, they extended to us the invitation to partake in tea and Msemen, a delightful Moroccan bread. It was a testament to the indomitable spirit of these people, who, despite facing adversity, radiated warmth and kindness. The group conversation was about family, upbringing, identity, gender, sources of joy, foods of the world we wish to eat, and new birth.

A member of the Jewish Community / JDC accompanying us remarked, "Morocco is a truly unique country when compared to other nations that once had significant Jewish populations. While there are now only a few thousand Jews in Morocco, the Jewish culture here is not only acknowledged but also deeply respected and diligently preserved by the Muslim communities."

Our dialogue with communities moved from appreciating our shared past to the present focus: meeting overwhelming needs. The people need and want tents at Akrich and in every direction of the High Atlas region, and we are mobilizing to provide these materials. This past Monday, the third day following the catastrophic quake, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) sent several tons of food supplies to the Akrich area. Overall, HAF has distributed 166 tons of food and supplies to 4,257 families located in 50 municipalities.

Later in the day, we paid a visit to the community tree nursery supported by the HAF, a place with a remarkable history. This nursery sits on the grounds belonging to the Jewish Community of Marrakech, near the tomb of Rabbi Raphael Hacohen, a sacred site that is lovingly tended to by the local farmers. In a poignant tribute to this Jewish cemetery, a prayer room has been established, serving as a testament to the lasting harmony between the Jewish and Muslim communities in this region.

Akrich, Morocco is not just a place on the map; it is a testament to the resilience of Moroccan communities coming together in the face of adversity. It showcases the enduring spirit of unity and mutual respect between the Jewish and Muslim people in this remarkable corner of the world.

Review from Guidestar

Connor_HAF_Volunteer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2023

By Connor Dunne, HAF Volunteer Intern

Can Carob Trees Support Rebuilding in the Moroccan Mountains?

On September 8, 2023, Morocco experienced a 6.8 magnitude earthquake, the largest in its modern history. Communities across the High Atlas Mountains were devastated, with thousands of lives lost and more than 50,000 houses destroyed. These communities have lost much of their property and possessions and have limited economic opportunities support with rebuilding. While the forces of nature were the cause of this vast destruction, they can also be harnessed to help rebuild these communities.

One of the most powerful forces of nature is trees, and the carob tree, which has been growing productively for millennia in the across Morocco and the Mediterranean, is the perfect nature-based solution to spur rebuilding after the earthquake. Known for its versatility and resilience, the carob tree can help bring back economic opportunity to the resilient mountains.

The carob trees have been economically useful since ancient Rome. Carob seeds were used as a form of measurement due to their stable weight, which led to a standardized method of determining the purity of metals such as gold. Today, the carob tree have more uses than ever including food products, ranging from chips to ice cream, and a variety of cosmetic and pharmaceutical products.

National authorities already understand the value of carob trees and are supporting projects to cultivate this super species. The High Commission of Waters and Forests has prioritized planting carob trees to promote reforestation and has partnered with communities and Moroccan NGOs to set aside unused plots of land in various communities where the carob tree can be planted. One area where there is a plan underway to harness carob trees is in the Takerkoust region.

The mountainous climate of Takerkoust is perfectly suited to host the carob tree. Carobs can grow in difficult positions such as sloped hillsides in the mountains and sandy or arid soils. Carobs also require very little maintenance once mature. Carob trees will produce fruit for decades, offering a new potential stream of annual revenue to the community. The Moroccan government’s plan to work with local NGOs and the community members will offer jobs and hope to residents of Takerkoust.

Carob cultivation is the ideal way to help spur development in these communities to fuel economic opportunities and overall rebuilding. In order to grow carob trees on the large plots of land, communities will have to install water systems to nourish young carobs and hire gardeners to maintain the land. Preparing the land for cultivation, installing water systems and hiring local experts as gardeners will bring many immediate jobs to the community.

Alongside immediate opportunities, the carob cultivation will offer jobs and income for generations to come. Once these trees are in full fruit production, cooperatives in the region will have a new stream of income. A single mature carob tree can produce as much as 100 kg of carob seeds per year, which are currently selling at over 25 Dirhams per kilogram. NGOs and community partners can work together to plant thousands of carob trees in Takerkoust with government support, which would offer millions in revenue for these communities over time and would help families rebuild in the short term and prosper long term.

Alongside offering both immediate and long-lasting economic benefits, proposals to plant carob trees in mountainous communities would help improve water infrastructure in these rural regions. In Takerkoust, the installation of the wells and solar powered water drip systems that would help nourish carob trees could also be used as a source of drinking water for the community. Furthermore, these irrigation systems can be harnessed to help rebuild the community terraces and seguias that were impacted by the earthquake. In time, the development of these irrigation systems can help the agricultural production of many plants and animals across the entire community.

Now more than ever, as drought and arid land plagues plant cultivation across Morocco and, as mountainous communities suffer from the most devastating earthquake in generations, Morocco should invest in sustainable and long-term economic solutions. Working in partnership with local communities and the Moroccan government, local NGOs are uniquely positioned to plant the seeds of this sustainable development opportunity. The carob tree’s versatility and economic benefits are the perfect combination to help Moroccans recover and rebuild their infrastructure. Takerkoust, which saw so much devastation, is the perfect place to implement this carob cultivation project.

Image 1: HAF employees planting young carob trees at a local nursery.
Image 2: A HAF greenhouse growing baby carob trees

Review from Guidestar

YOUSSEF01MAZDOU Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/05/2023

By Youssef Mazdou, HAF Program Assistant

Cultural Heritage Exploration: Unveiling Morocco's Rich Diversity and Coexistence

On August 29, 2023, I participated in a field trip to Marrakech with my colleagues from the Dakira team, supported by the American Society for Overseas Research (ASOR), which collaborates with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and is involved in documenting diversity sites in Morocco.

We began our journey with our representative of the International Academy of Training and Accompaniment at the Koutoubia Square and the grandeur of the Saadian Tombs, which are remnants of the Almohad dynasty, reflecting the urban beauty of that era. This wasn't my first time in the square and the city's alleys; in fact, I had visited them many times before. However, today was different, and it sparked my curiosity to learn more about the newer part of the city. During our trip with diverse groups of generations, I was confident that this visit would be interesting because we would uncover the history of the city and its magnificent places that reflect a kind of shared memory and values of tolerance.

Starting with the Jewish Tower in the Mouassine neighborhood, our Mr. Mohammed Saad El Khibri informed us that the Jewish Tower, or Beit Al-Yahudiya, is a place associated with a widow who lived during the Saadian dynasty. Jews lived in Marrakech before the appearance of the Almoravid dynasty, and at that time, they did not have a specific neighborhood. In the year 1557 AD, Sultan Al-Saadi Abdullah Al-Ghalib, by the order of God, decided to establish a Jewish neighborhood to separate them from Muslims. They moved to the new neighborhood (Mellah), which formed a second Jewish community after the one established for them in the city of Fes in 1438 AD. This became a prominent space for peaceful coexistence between the Islamic and Jewish faiths.

As the events unfolded, in the context of coexistence, we discovered the history of the first church in Marrakech. Documents show that Christianity in North Africa dates back to 180 AD, and after the appearance of Islam, the Christian church began to decline in North Africa and Morocco. Christianity in Africa persisted at least until the Almoravid and Almohad periods.

In the 15th century AD, Christianity revived in North Morocco, and in the 19th and 20th centuries, the number of Christians multiplied. Around 1913, Father Apollinaire Colombi opened a small modest church in Marrakech dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels in Darb Al-Naqous. It closed its doors in 1961 and moved to Gueliz in 1927/1928, becoming Notre-Dame des Apotres.

Today, Morocco is home to a large number of Christians of European, American, and African origins who freely practice their rituals in their churches. This has made Morocco known for its coexistence and tolerance among different religions.

With the events surrounding coexistence, our attention turned to one of the historical palaces in the city known as the Bahia Palace. Here, the story took a different turn and took a path filled with love and peace. Our guide shared that the Bahia Palace is named after a prominent figure in the Alaouite dynasty (1894 to 1908) named Ahmed ben Moussa ben Ahmed Al-Semlali Al-Sharqi Al-Bukhari, known as "Bahmad" (born in 1840, died on May 13, 1900 AD). He named the Bahia Palace in memory of his wife, "Bahia," known for her love and devotion to her husband. Bahmad wanted the palace to be an expression of his love for her and his loyalty to their marriage. However, fate prevented him from seeing the palace completed as he passed away while the construction work was still ongoing. It was not easy to win the heart of a man with a sharp temper and emotionally reserved, but Bahia's bond with "Bahmad" turned him into a romantic figure and a sovereign ruler.

The journey didn't stop there but headed towards a sacred place in the Mellah district, which is considered the home of the Moroccan Jewish community in the old city. Salat Al-Azzama Synagogue was built in 1492 and designed in the beautiful Moroccan-Andalusian architectural style with a harmonious blend of white and blue colors. It is part of a complex of buildings surrounding a central courtyard with balconies and a fountain. Additionally, there is a women's section on the upper floor that displays various models of Moroccan women's clothing.

Mr. Kobi Ifrach, the caretaker of Salat Al-Azzama, shared an intriguing and interesting story about the Moroccan Jewish community and his personal experience growing up in the Mellah of Marrakech. While listening to him, I felt that his story transported me to Morocco's past when Muslims and Jews shared the deeper meaning of "Tamghrabite" (Moroccan identity). I was greatly moved by his way of speaking in the Darija language, which reflects his Moroccan identity. He also shared stories about the Jewish people who first came to Morocco after World War II and the establishment of the synagogue after Morocco's independence. He showed us the prayer spaces for men and women. Despite being in the same prayer hall, they are separated by a wall, similar to how Muslims pray in mosques.

Mr. Kobi explained that we cannot talk about Morocco's memory without mentioning the Moroccan Jewish component, which is well-reflected in the kingdom's architecture, cuisine, music, clothing, and more. At that moment, I realized that the Moroccan heritage, both tangible and intangible, is like a bird that cannot fly without its Jewish wing.

After this fruitful journey through the city's streets, which was marked by the spirit of shared memory, values of tolerance, and cultural diversity, our steps were directed, under the guidance of Mr. Mohammed Saad El Khibri, towards storytelling sessions led by Mr. Ibrahim Daladali. During these sessions, we touched upon the authentic and rich Moroccan folk tales with the art of storytelling, accompanied by Ms. Hanaa El Karchi and her exemplary ideas in crafting traditional artifacts and preserving them from disappearing. The sessions were also enriched by workshops conducted by the team from the Great Atlas Foundation, led by Mr. Mohammed Chadli, a field coordinator for the Memory program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

Mr. Mohammed Chadli's workshop focused on cultural heritage and sustainable development. He explored the role of both intangible cultural heritage and tangible cultural heritage, including historical and archaeological sites, artifacts of all kinds, and submerged heritage, emphasizing their significance in preserving the diverse cultural heritage of Morocco.

Another significant part of the program was a workshop titled "The Use of Modern Open-Source Technologies and Software for Documenting Morocco's Diverse Cultural Heritage," led by Mr. Abdelkarim Ouguinaz, a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) specialist at the foundation. He guided us on how to use the Kobo Toolbox data collection application, with a particular focus on a targeted cultural heritage site. The exercise was enjoyable and highly beneficial for us. Mr. Ouguinaz emphasized that this skill could be applied in other locations for data collection and the preservation of Morocco's multicultural heritage, as well as mapping it.

These field visits and training courses are not just about documenting heritage and culture; they can also be used to attract tourism. They can serve as an inspiration to visit areas and landmarks that embody this wonderful cultural heritage and promote cultural tourism in Morocco. In this way, they contribute to enhancing cultural understanding and coexistence in Morocco and shining a spotlight on the cultural diversity and shared heritage that distinguishes this magnificent country.

Overall, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and its partners aim, through these visits and training, to develop the capabilities of youth in the fields of technology and cultural heritage preservation. They also aim to raise awareness about the importance of preserving cultural heritage as an essential part of Morocco's diverse and rich identity.

Review from Guidestar

1

Maxfield Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/28/2023

The Paradoxical Powers of Consensus

In contexts with a strong diversity of thought and background like Morocco, creating development projects that will be accepted by the population can be extremely difficult. How can one project simultaneously address the needs of such varied groups? Organizations like the High Atlas Foundation have found an unlikely solution in the form of consensus decision making, where they are seemingly doing the impossible. By bringing diverse groups together and increasing the challenge of the already difficult process of consensus building, the High Atlas Foundation has been able to create more sustainable outcomes in the long run. How does this happen, and why aren’t more organizations using consensus?
Well, compared to other methods of decision making, consensus seems to have a relatively negative reputation. Forbes Magazine published an entire article tearing it down, the Harvard Business Review called it "excruciatingly slow", and Psychology Today questioned whether consensus or even agreement is really needed to make good decisions. Consensus is seen as too slow, too inconsiderate of individual differences, and ultimately not effective. However, coming to a consensus before making major decisions, while painful at first, remains a powerful tool by giving stakeholders the opportunity to decide what is most important to them. Having this extra information allows for alliances that would have at first seemed unlikely and creates a lively debate that can spur innovation more than a unilateral decision ever could.
Critics of consensus argue that consensus often ignores the individual preferences of participants. This argument suffers from a serious flaw: it assumes that information on individual preferences is immediately available in the process. Behavioral scientists have argued that preferences are formed during the decision-making process and that certain cognitive biases prevent us from knowing or accurately articulating our individual preferences. The consensus method accounts for this by giving time for preferences to fully develop and by rigorously and repeatedly checking our cognitive biases against the challenge of public debate. This information allows for the creation of alliances between stakeholder groups in a way that is simply impossible without the challenging process of building consensus. With a better idea of what is truly important, groups can more easily focus on their core values as opposed to surface-level differences. Participants will continually try to innovate and adjust to align their goals with those of the other participants in a way that simply does not happen in a faster process like a unilateral decision or a vote. In short, the debate and slowness of consensus could help lead to decisions that better address the true preferences of participants instead of their initial preferences, even if it can’t meet everyone’s preferences fully.
There continues to be a fierce philosophical debate about the tension between the individual and the collective, whether it be the social contract of enlightenment thought, the class upheaval of Marxist thought, or somewhere in between. The consensus process finds itself at the center of this tension, as it is the process of making the collective from a variety of individuals. There is no way for consensus, or any group decision-making method outside of a dictatorship, to always produce a final decision as proven in the famous Arrow Impossibility Theorem. But, while consensus cannot solve the collective-individual dilemma per se, its ability to collect accurate information about what participants truly value can be invaluable to finding synergies between individual and collective priorities, not only synergies between different individuals.
There are some situations in which consensus is truly impossible, and in those moments even consensus-oriented organizations like the High Atlas Foundation use a voting method to make a final decision (albeit a more informed vote than if it were simply voted on at the start). But while consensus does not always produce a result, the process to get there is worthwhile. Ultimately, consensus is slow, challenging, and inefficient, but that is exactly what makes it such a vital tool in today’s development landscape, especially for diverse countries like Morocco and those across Eurasia.

Maxfield Evers is a third-year undergraduate at Princeton University and is a writing and analysis intern for the High Atlas Foundation of Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

Bouhlala Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

06/05/2023

University Legal Clinic in Fes Links Academic Work and Community Practice
By Safae Bouhlala
HAF Program Manager, Fes


Students learn about the participatory approach at the School of Critical Thinking program, May 2023. Photo: HAF


"This program has inspired me to better serve my community by listening to their needs and speaking about their rights, and I encourage students to take part in community dialogue."
– Student clinician with the Legal Clinic Program in Fes

One of the most effective strategies for creating distinctive university programs involves bridging the gap between the classroom and the community. In Fes, the High Atlas Foundation’s Legal Aid Program is facilitating civic engagement for university students and increasing equitable access to legal aid in Moroccan communities. This unique partnership provides a much-needed link between academic theory and practical application; students are given the opportunity to directly apply concepts from the classroom while making a tangible difference in underserved communities.

HAF has implemented legal aid clinics in Fes and in Marrakech, and both clinics have greatly improved access to legal aid and information for marginalized individuals, particularly for women. Partnering with universities has provided an excellent avenue for expanding the educational experience of students as they adopt a "learning by doing" approach, seamlessly catalyzing technical practices and data analysis in their context.

The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fes aims to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage the community civically and economically. Since the program’s inception in 2019, the clinic has trained 231 master’s and doctoral students of law (with an equal percentage of women and men) to administer legal aid and facilitate capacity building with community beneficiaries in the Fes-Meknes region of Morocco.

The program was first established as a pilot project in 2019 as a collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes. From 2020 to 2022, the program has continued to expand its concentration on entrepreneurship.

The Fes Legal Clinic is currently training its fourth cohort of 138 students in various disciplines. During the program, these students will take courses in migration, family law, small business law, interpersonal and participative communication, project planning and operational procedures. Unlike a traditional curriculum, however, students in the cohort will forge partnerships with their communities as they engage with an immersive legal aid program that allows them to immediately practice what they learn.

As we work toward increasing legal access for those who experience barriers to justice, it is imperative that we equip our students with the skills they need to become civically engaged assets to their communities. With the HAF program in Fes, two outcomes are accomplished simultaneously through transforming education and reducing barriers to legal aid.

Gender-based community evaluation methodology training with student clinicians, April 2023. Photo: HAF

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#HAFLegalAid

#A citizens' initiative for active citizenship

The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fes aims to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.

Over the four years since its inception, the program has trained 369 (50% women, 50% men) master’s and doctoral students of law to administer legal aid and facilitate capacity building with community beneficiaries in the Fes-Meknes region of Morocco. In that time, student clinicians have worked on a total 267 case files pertaining to entrepreneurship, immigration and asylum, family mediation, psychological support, human trafficking, employment, and real estate. Additionally, 256 have benefited from the establishment or growth of 39 private income-generating projects and entities following entrepreneurship training and mentorship.

The program was established first as a pilot project in 2019 as a collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes.

Review from Guidestar

HWeiner Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/02/2023


Turning Numbers into Stories



Hope Weiner
HAF Volunteer Fes Legal Clinic, May 2023

We all have the ability to improve someone else’s life every day. This can be as simple as flashing a smile to a stranger on an overcrowded bus or supporting a local childrens’ sports team. However, there are also ways to strategically improve the lives of many people through participating in organized projects. The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is mobilizing communities to implement projects that increase equitable access to Morocco’s legal services. Projects on this scale, however, require a larger investment of resources in order to provide the services and programs included.

Many of HAF’s projects rely on the generosity and support of foreign donors. Because these organizations do not always have the opportunity to see such projects firsthand, the donors rely heavily on what grant applications and interim reports to understand the vision, mission, progress, and impact of a project. Ultimately, much like the beautiful carpets that flank the narrow alleys of Fes’ famous Medina, the job of a good project coordinator is to weave words and numbers together to bring the project to life on the page.

In Fes, I had the amazing opportunity to support HAF’s Legal Clinic in Fes –the Clinique Juridique de la Faculté de Droit (CIFD) – by drafting a grant proposal for a new project in Oujda and supporting PHD Students and Clinic Volunteers from the Legal Clinic at Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Fes with understanding the fundamentals of proposal writing and reporting.

The session, which was part of a very full enrichment seminar that the students attended during the second week of May, was Co-Led by Sara El Ouedhiri, a PHD student, and one of the leaders on the Legal Team. The group of some 20 students were given a briefing about the basic structure and reasoning behind grant proposal content and project updates before being divided into four groups to engage in a practical exercise to simulate the planning process.

The purpose of the practical exercise was to demonstrate the importance of integrating and applying writing and reasoning skills to a standard project proposal. I can happily declare that these students “ROCKED IT” (I am from New York, after all! And proper English is a stretch for me too) as they not only quickly understood the reasoning but went the extra mile (or kilometer) and came up with innovative variations on projects to meet civic and social needs. After getting a chance to watch these students in action, I have no doubt these students are ready to make their communities a better place.

P.S. WE DID SOME YOGA!

In order to be strong for others it is important to make sure you are taking care of yourself as well. The hardest thing about delivering services to vulnerable communities is that you cannot help everyone and sometimes you will fail. Regular volunteers from the legal clinic hear the hardest stories from clients who have experienced extreme situations that extend beyond Morocco’s borders. A consistent, simple yoga practice can give clinic practitioners, or even clients, an opportunity to literally pause and breathe when in the midst of a high stress situation to collect their thoughts, manage stress, and process difficult information.

At this point anyone might wonder what some random chick from New York City was doing in Fes in the first place. Well! I was there to teach yoga at a beautiful Riad in the city’s Medina and then came across HAF in late April when I realized my position at the Riad would allow me some time to volunteer during my stay. Two weeks after facilitating the grant writing workshop, I returned to the University to lead a short yoga program. This practice was filled with much needed laughter, and will hopefully be the first step for these future leaders and innovators to maintain their own equilibrium along the difficult path to social change.


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#HAFLegalAid
The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fes aims to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.

The program was established first as a pilot project in 2019 as a collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes.

lydiagrossman Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/18/2023

Lydia Grossman, Intern

It’s impossible to travel to Morocco without encountering the Argan tree (Argania Spinosa L.) or its products. Morocco’s multipurpose Argan trees are known around the globe; particularly for Argan oil, which is used in cosmetics and cooking. While argan oil only emerged as a worldwide household name in recent decades, the argan tree has a long-standing cultural and social significance to rural communities in Morocco.

Today, argan trees are a symbol of resilience that further multiple sustainable development goals. Not only do they provide income to marginalized populations, but they also combat climate change and symbolize Morocco’s cultural heritage. As the world celebrates the International Day of Argania on May 10, we highlight the economic, environmental, and social significance of argan trees to Moroccan society today.

While argan products have long been used for medicinal and cooking uses by rural communities, argan oil’s more recent status as a hot commodity on the global market has fueled the growth of argan tree farms and the formation of women’s cooperatives that process the oil and undertake other income-generating activities. Women’s cooperatives, which are largely made up of indigenous Amazigh women, have played a key role in fueling Moroccan rural development and advancing the role of women in society. Cooperatives give rural women, who traditionally have not worked outside of the home, the opportunity to make income for themselves and thus serve as a source of empowerment for women. Many cooperatives also offer childcare and literacy workshops as a benefit to members.

Argan trees also serve an important environmental purpose in Morocco. The trees thrive in harsh conditions, making them well adapted to environmental fluctuations which are typical in Southwest Morocco and have increased significantly due to global climate change.

The trees’ deep root system and resilience to drought mean that they have been key in combating erosion and desertification in the region, thus preventing advancement of the Sahara desert. Furthermore, argan forests work in tandem with the traditional pastoralist systems (don’t forget about the tree-climbing goats!), thus providing dual economic and environmental benefits to the region.

While the importance of argan trees to sustainable development in Morocco is clear, some researchers have criticized the national strategy towards developing the argan oil industry as prioritizing commercialization over local ownership of argan production. Furthermore, climate change and overexploitation threaten the longevity of the argan forests. Looking forward, it will be important to ensure that local producers, particularly women, have a voice in shaping future developments in the argan oil industry and in the protection of argan forests.



HAF has made Argan a central part of its work by planting trees and working with women’s argan oil cooperatives around Morocco in partnership with international organizations including FRÉ Skincare, UNDP, and Ecosia. The organization’s presence in the Marrakech-Safi region is advantageous, due to the province’s high demand for argan planting projects.

In the Khat Azakane commune in Oulad Talha, a total of 6300 argan trees have been planted by HAF, generating an additional source of income for the local community, increasing employment and productivity, and creating a basis for future social development. This momentum carries into surrounding communities such as the Ejdour commune where HAF is aiming to bring back the argan ecosystem that used to thrive many years ago.

A new HAF initiative in partnership with FRÉ Skincare, is addressing this need through dividing 200 hectares of land into planting space for about 31,500 argan and 65,000 caper trees. For these local communes, the trees provide ecological services which benefit local farmers, and their implementation helps to lessen the negative impacts of climate change, such as drought, erosion, desertification, and high temperatures.

Reflecting on the past and engaging in future initiatives, HAF has confidence in the investment of argan for sustainable community development. As we celebrate the cultural, economic, and environmental significance of Argan to Morocco, we look forward to seeing how Argan continues to shape human development in Morocco in the years to come.

Review from Guidestar

JenniferSopoci Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/02/2023

I read a thought provoking opinion article about how the recent drought (last 5-7 years) has negatively affected life in Morocco more than the Covid-19 pandemic. Knowing how much the pandemic affected my life and people around the world, this observation really struck me. Countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) are some of the most vulnerable in the world to the effects of climate change. The drought that Morocco is experiencing is the worst in decades and the IPCC predicts that drought conditions and temperatures will continue to rise in the MENA region for the foreseeable future. The drought affects every Moroccan through food system strains (and price increases) and directly affects the agriculture sector. Moroccans do not have the luxury of thinking about how climate change will affect just their future. Potential catastrophic climate change is their reality right now. They are in need of innovative and proactive solutions with the support of government and non-governmental organizations. The farmers of the Bio-Agri Atlas cooperative of Ouled Mbarak in the Beni Mellal region are to be commended for their eagerness to learn, adapt, and solve issues on their farms related to drought. I am honored to have been invited back to Ouled Mbarak to facilitate a workshop on Climate Smart Agriculture.

Climate Smart Agriculture contains many of the same principles as organic and regenerative agriculture, which was the focus of my last workshop in 2021. This visit gave me a chance to see if the farmers had been able to adopt any of the practices we discussed during the last workshops.

The effects of the drought were very visible. Many olive and citrus trees were dry and weathered. Farmers talked of their decreased yields in olives specifically resulting in very high prices for olive oil in the country - almost double from the previous year. Due to the increase in drought intensity over the last two years farmers had not been able to take many steps toward implementing organic agriculture practices on their cash crops. In fact, farmers that rely on rainwater and irrigation from the dam (that has been shut off to irrigation due to insufficient water levels) have not been able to plant many or in some cases any cash crops with their return on investment being little to none. Many farmers are unable to provide enough sustenance and income through farming and have left to find work in bigger cities, leaving farms sitting fallow. In fallow fields soil structure and nutrients are lost and erosion increases quickly.

During the workshop we spent considerable time talking about cover crops and no-till methods that could be used that are low in cost and can provide much needed nutrients to the soil. We also talked about cover crop residues, specifically leaving the winter wheat residue (stalks) after harvest in the ground and directly seeding the next crop (corn, beans, alfalfa, etc.) into the wheat residue when it is time to plant. No-till agriculture is an older method of farming that has been lost world wide as our farms have grown in size to feed a growing population. Tilling the soil with machinery became the fastest and preferred method of preparing the soil. Additional time saving methods of adding nutrients through chemical means and reducing crop diversity in favor of subsidized monocrops have also contributed to soil that is devoid of microbial life and organic matter. The soils in Morocco naturally have very little soil structure and are extremely susceptible to erosion through wind and water. When land is deep disc tilled there is a net loss in organic matter and soil microbes which are necessary for building a soil structure that can sustain plant life - even in drought conditions. A return to our ancestral methods of no-till farming and cover cropping is necessary for soil health and thus healthy crops. This will not only increase the fertility of the soil and boost crop production, but these steps will also sequester carbon from the air and return water to the water cycle for more predictable weather patterns. In the workshop we talked about the role of agriculture in climate change and how we can help as farmers. As farmers we have the power to significantly reduce climate change just by caring for our soil in a more holistic way. Caring for the soil this way will also help increase our yields and reduce the effects from severe weather.

Also at the workshop, the regional representative from the Department of Agriculture was present, which was very valuable to the participants. He was able to talk about the use of wells to withdraw groundwater for irrigation and what the possible long and short term groundwater and thus community impacts may be from this method. We discussed the need for a more coordinated effort of withdrawing groundwater and the Moroccan ancestral methods of khettara. The Department of Ag representative was also able to provide detailed information about applying for drip irrigation financial assistance incentives through the government’s Green Morocco Plan followed by a discussion of the barriers for applying.

I was honored to be able to visit a local farm of a farmer that attended the workshop. He graciously walked us through his land showing us his solar-powered well. The constant source of irrigation water has meant that his farm has suffered less than neighboring farms without a well. His well tended farm and garden was incredibly diverse in its plant and tree species and honestly one of the most beautiful I’ve seen. I was delighted to share a couscous meal with the team under the shade of a large carob tree! Discussion, research, and community engagement surrounding groundwater wells for irrigation seems to be of utmost importance for Morocco.

Aziz Taouri is a farmer and community leader in Ouled Mbarak who works tirelessly to improve his community through partnerships with national and international organizations, latrine projects at schools, homestay coordinations with the Semester at Sea program, helping establish and support cooperatives, and so much more. Aziz coordinated the cooperative of farmers for the climate smart agriculture workshop and also arranged a meeting for us with the Sultan Moulay Slimane University climate change researchers. These phD researchers are studying how climate change is affecting the surface water in the region’s watersheds. They are also bringing awareness to their research with public events and informational sessions. This research is the first for this Beni Mellal region and is vitally important to understanding the impact that climate change is having on the region and the country. The researchers expressed limitations in publishing, resources, and funding to properly continue and possibly expand their research.

Nothing quite fills one with hope as spending time with young children. We were invited to attend a primary school with an ecological focus to see their campus and plant some trees and aromatic plants with the students there. We met with the teachers and administrators beforehand and I was humbled by their dedication to the children and their emphasis on environmental education. One teacher had been teaching for 41 years! When we met with the students to plant a carob tree I was amazed at the knowledge of these students! At 11 and 12 years old they knew about soil erosion from water and wind and how trees help hold the soil in place. They knew the type of tree we were planting just by looking at the sapling. They also knew exactly how to plant a tree and what all the parts of the plant are called. They are the future of Morocco and our world. It is so important that these future generations know about the natural world, problems in our environment, and how to think about ways to solve these problems. These kids are problem solvers, eager to help their home and their world. The future looks very bright for Morocco with these kids as its leaders.

I was invited to participate in “Environmental Days” at the Sultan Moulay Slimane University School of Human Resources and Management organized by the environment club at the university. This group is dedicating their free time at school to learning about environmental issues and how to bring awareness to these issues at their school. Errachid Montassir with HAF talked about what HAF does in Morocco and challenged them to think about what “environment” means to them. I was able to speak about my schooling, my time in the Peace Corps in Morocco in 2004-06, my agricultural and environmental education experience since then, and finally my time volunteering in the Farmer-to-Farmer program. They had provoking thoughts and questions about the differences between American and Moroccan agriculture, and what they can do to combat climate change in their everyday life. They asked me why I keep coming back to Morocco. The answer was simple - it’s the people. They are warm and welcoming, eager to learn from me, and I from them. The generations of agriculture in their families and communities is a wealth of knowledge and I learn so much with every visit and conversation. The participatory approach to community development works well in Morocco because the people care deeply for their country and their fellow Moroccans. I am honored to be a part of it. I also love speaking Darija with Moroccans, playing soccer with them (Sir Team HAF!), and learning from them. Their simple lifestyle that focuses on relationships and taking time to enjoy the important things like eating good, wholesome food with friends and family warms my heart and fills me with hope for the future. I honestly cannot wait to return again.

Review from Guidestar

rachelbartkowski Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/20/2023

Rachel Bartkowski
Marrakech, Morocco

My entire life I’ve grown up with the consistent pressure to figure myself out. As I near my final semester in university, I naively thought I’d have all my questions answered by now. I don’t. This pressure of urgency has always loomed over me, and as I transition into an adult, I’ve always felt like time is running out and I’m far behind on the path to figuring myself out. Little did I know that attending a High Atlas Foundation IMAGINE workshop in Ighil n'Oumgoun would bring an enlightening change in perspective to these concepts.

I approached this program a bit nervous because I wasn’t sure what to expect, but excited to visit Tinghir Province and experience a new side of Morocco and Amazigh culture. We were welcomed with open arms and affectionate hospitality by the residents of Ait Daoud. The countless hugs and cups of tea eased any anxious thoughts or uncertainties I had and made me feel right at home, surrounded by caring women.

For the next four days, we gathered with our group of about 25 women, huddled in a circle around a small heater, and bundled in blankets and jackets to withstand the cold. I observed IMAGINE leaders Safae Ben Karroum and Fatima El Mrini guide and support the village women through concepts of positivity, confidence, motivation, and self-love. They effortlessly connected with the local women, creating a beautiful space of trust and vulnerability; sharing their own stories and in turn giving others a voice to share theirs. The fervor and passion that Safae and Fatima spoke with was contagious, an incredible display of the potential young women hold to be leaders of change in the community.

Throughout the week, women of all ages stood up to share their dreams in life; visions of becoming a pastry chef, a teacher, a seamstress, a wedding coordinator. When asked why they hadn’t taken the next step in these aspirations, the women described the only role they knew and were conditioned to fill; the role to maintain the home, raise their children, and obey their husbands. When the concept of starting a women’s co-operative in the village was proposed, they expressed feelings of inadequacy and hesitation in the possibility that they might not succeed. Touched as the women shared their worries, their vulnerable honesty reminded me that when it comes to considering our present and future roles, feelings of insecurity and fear are universal.

As IMAGINE spotlights, these emotions are catalyzed by the worldwide barriers women encounter in social, economic, and political spheres. However, what is also fundamentally universal is the strength of the feminine experience and the innate ability of women to understand and support each other through community. Safae and Fatima emphasized that personal growth through confidence and self-love is intricately linked to the external support of other women who can guide, encourage, and advocate for each other. They explained that a women’s co-operative would help break gender norms by increasing representation of women in spaces outside of the home and shift the idea of “strength in unity” into an economic reality for the women of Ait Daoud.

The observation that struck me most significantly was the wide age range of women attending the workshop. Each woman, young and old, had the opportunity to detail her ambitions and was given guidance on how to move from stagnancy to fulfillment of her dreams. Discussions were a level playing field regardless of life experience or the number of years lived on this Earth. It really struck me; there is no age limit to understanding your potential and the journey of self-actualization has no expiration date. Watching women decades older than me find the spark to change their lives, verbally manifest their goals, and commit themselves to a new journey made me realize it’s never, ever too late to grow into yourself and your purpose.

My week at the IMAGINE workshop in Ait Daoud certainly created a paradigm shift in what it means to me to figure myself out. Watching young women enthusiastically outline their aspirations inspires me to continue experiencing life in its most energetic and dynamic state. And watching older women excited to finally commit themselves to their goals reminds me that it’s impossible to fall behind on the path of self-discovery. I have no doubt that women around the world have encountered the same stifling beliefs as me. But the strength found in a community of like-minded women who have the courage to forgo societal rules and achieve their goals is emboldening. To observe and experience the transformation IMAGINE initiates is important for all women, no matter what stage of life you are in or how far you may feel you feel from fulfilling your purpose.


Rachel Bartkowski is an Intern at the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech and an undergraduate student at Northeastern University studying Biology, Human Services, and American Sign Language.

Review from Guidestar

1 Youssef.Mazdou98

Youssef.Mazdou98 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/08/2023

By Youssef Mazdou, HAF Program Assistant


Teaching English with students at University Cadi Ayyad


In January 2023, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), in partnership with the Faculty of Legal, Economic and Social Sciences of the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech and the Legal Clinic Association for Studies and Research, organized weekly English classes for a group of students. The initiative is part of a program for promoting civil society-university engagement which is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy.
Two interns from HAF, Yvette Broex and Dávid Engelputzeder, are providing instruction with the students. It was the first time that HAF provided English classes at the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences and it has proven to be a great experience, showing how HAF´s partnership with the university can grow.

Legal clinic students from various disciplines participate in the lessons which focus mainly on developing language skills that students can use in their professional lives, primarily covering reading comprehension and conversation. To improve their speaking and writing abilities, students talk about movies and write about their personal experiences. Developing these crucial skills will be very helpful in their professional life but also in other areas of personal growth.
Considering the important role youth development plays in achieving sustainable development in Morocco, HAF strongly believes that teaching languages with legal clinic students - and literacy as HAF does with members of rural women’s cooperatives and their children - is an integral part of enabling them to follow their aspirations and achieve their goals.

I realized that I, myself, was eager to improve my English. I believe that learning this international language will open up many opportunities for me and help me advance my professional career and reach my potential. The classes organized by HAF were the ideal place to do so as I acquired valuable educational vocabulary and I was able to take my English to the next level. Working with other students and the enthusiastic HAF volunteers as well as seeing how English classes can have a big impact on the professional career of students motivated everyone to do their best.
With the support of the mentors the students of the legal clinic in Marrakech were able to improve their written and verbal skills in English by a lot. They were very happy that we came and they would like us to come back to practice speaking English with them. Them taking the initiative to try to continue the lessons showed that they really enjoyed the classes and that they are eager to develop themselves, their knowledge and their community.

The objective of the English classes remains to help students of the legal clinic achieve their academic and professional goals. Providing guidance and knowledge to a group of non-native English speakers is of educational value and it is an example of how HAF and its partners in Morocco promote sustainable development and help people reach their full potential.

Review from Guidestar

1 Youssef.Mazdou06

Youssef.Mazdou06 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/08/2023

By Youssef Mazdou, HAF Program Assistant

Tree Planting Day: Let's plant together

The sun was shining and there was a sense of hope and anticipation that filled the morning of Monday, January 16th. It was the third Monday of January, which is the day the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) celebrates its annual tree planting day by planting different sorts of fruit trees and herbs in all of Morocco. The day was established in 2014 when HAF celebrated planting one million tree seedlings. Since that first tree planting day, HAF has gone on to plant three million more trees with farmers, schools, and community groups, and it currently maintains 15 tree nurseries with local communities in Morocco and partners around the world.

Together with Mr. Larbi, HAF´s agroforestry advisor, Mr. Mohamed, HAF´s financial manager, and Saman, a volunteer from Austria, I visited the two villages–F’tala and Tadmamt in the Asni commune, located in the Al Haouz province, about 60 kilometers away from Marrakech. We were accompanied by Ms. Kabira, the president of the ISHAM Agricultural Cooperative, who drove us through the twists and turns of the road in the mountains which she knew so well.

Filled with optimism, we arrived at F’tala amidst the beautiful landscapes of the High Atlas Mountains and started planting trees. Together with members of the community, we planted approximately 100 olive, 10 fig and 10 pomegranate seedlings. Planting trees plays an important role in counteracting climate change and its consequences, such as erosion and desertification, improving the quality of agricultural lands, and strengthening local cooperatives and the rural economy.

We finished the planting process with a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment, but our trip was not finished yet as we went on to visit the tree nursery in Tadmamt, which was established in 2012 through a partnership between HAF, the Water and Forests Department, and the United Nations Development Program.

The Tadmamt nursery is picturesque, nestled in the mountains. Three different types of tree saplings are grown there: walnuts, cherries, and almonds. Abdellatif, who is in charge of the nursery, explained that the plants are irrigated with a drip system with water from a large basin nearby. Once the saplings are grown and ready, they are distributed to local farmers and their families and local communities as part of HAF´s tree planting campaign. The Tadmamt nursery represents an ideal environment for trees to flourish and, like the rest of HAF´s tree nurseries, it is continuously monitored by the HAF team.

The sun has set in Tadmamt and HAF´s tree planting day is coming to an end. Today has once again shown how HAF´s continuous work and effort to offer people opportunities to improve their lives and increase the income and social and economic status of marginalized villages is paying off and how planting trees can help achieve that. But perhaps the most important take-away from today is that there continues to be a high demand and a lot of suitable space for the planting of fruit trees in all of Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

1 Mounia.bammadi1

Mounia.bammadi1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/07/2023

من إعداد مونية بمادي طالبة بماستر القانون الإداري وعلم الإدارة، وطالبة بالعيادة القانونية بمراكش.
لقاء تواصلي بين جامعة يشيفا الأمريكية و طلبة العيادة القانونية بمراكش

طلبة جامعة يشيفا مع طلبة جامعة القاضي عياض في تدريب التخطيط التشاركي
نظمت مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير بمراكش يوم 13-1-2023 لقاء تواصليا في إطار تبادل الثقافات والأديان بين كل من طلبة الجامعة الأمريكية اليهودية يشيفا الواقع مقرها بمدينة نيويورك، وطلبة العيادة القانونية بالجامعة المغربية القاضي عياض بمراكش، كان هذا اللقاء عبارة عن زيارة لمشتل في قرية أقريش بنواحي مدينة مراكش ، والتي يوجد بها أقدم المقابر اليهودية التي يصل عمرها ل 700 عام.
حيث وصل طلاب العيادة القانونية بمراكش باكرا للمشتل وتم استقبالنا من طرف رئيس مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير السيد يوسف بن مير، و المشرف على المشتل السيد عبد الرحيم بداح.
وأثناء انتظارنا لوصول طلاب جامعة يشيفا قمنا بجولة سريعة للتعرف على المشتل الذي يضم العديد من الأغراس والأشجار من نوع الخروب والرومان وغيره... وتم الحديث أيضا عن طريقة زرعه والظروف الطبيعية التي يجب أن تتلاءم مع كل نوع لتعطي ثمارا أكثر.
بعد ذلك قمنا بعمل جلسة شاي إلى حين قدوم الطلبة الآخرين حيث استقبلناهم واستقبلونا بكل فرح وفي جو يسوده السلام والحب والاحترام كنتيجة طبيعية للعلاقة التي تربط بين المسلمين المغاربة ويهود العالم خاصة وأن أغلبهم من أصول مغربية.

تم تقسيم الطلبة من كلا الجامعتين إلى مجموعات من أجل القيام بورشة تشاركية لتبادل الثقافات حيث كانت أغلبها متقاربة وبعدها تم تقديم كلمة ترحيب باللغة الإنجليزية باسم العيادة القانونية بمراكش لطلبة الجامعة يشيفا في حين استهل الخطاب من طرف أستاذ باسم طلاب الجامعة الأمريكية يشيفا حديثه عن سيدنا إبراهيم عليه السلام، وكان أجمل ما قيل في هذا الحديث: أن هذه الجلسة التشاركية لا تجمع بين مجرد أشخاص آدميين عاديين، بل تجمع بين سلالتين سلالة إسحاق من جهة، وسلالة إسماعيل من جهة أخرى، وأن عبر الماضي يجب أن نتمسك بها في الحاضر من أجل ضمان استمرارها وبناء مستقبل أفضل.


By Mounia Bammadi, a master's student in administrative law and management science, and a student of the legal clinic in Marrakech.

A communication meeting among students of Yeshiva University and Cadi Ayyad University

Students of YU with students of CAU in training participatory planning
On January 13, 2023, the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech organized a participatory meeting within the framework of the exchange of cultures and religions between students of the Yeshiva University, located in New York City, and students of the Legal Aid Clinic at University Cadi Ayyad in Marrakesh.

This meeting consisted of a visit to a community tree nursery in the village of Akrich, on the outskirts of Marrakech, which contains a 700 year old Jewish cemetery.

When the students of the legal clinic in Marrakech arrived at the nursery, we were received by the President of the High Atlas Foundation, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, and the nursery supervisor who is also the cemetery’s guardian, Mr. Abderahim Baddah.

While we were waiting for the students of Yeshiva University to arrive, we took a quick tour to understand the work of the nursery, which includes tens of thousands of tree saplings, including carob, fig, and pomegranate. There was also talk about the method of planting it and the natural conditions that must be appropriate for each type to give more fruits.

After that, we enjoyed tea until the arrival of the other students. We welcomed them and they welcomed us with joy and in an atmosphere of peace, love and respect as a natural result of the relationship between Moroccan Muslims and world Jewry, especially since a number of them are of Moroccan origin.
The students from both universities were divided into groups in order to conduct a participatory workshop, exchanging about cultures.
After that, a welcome speech was given in English on behalf of the Legal Clinic in Marrakech to the students of the University of Yeshiva, While the speech was initiated by a professor on behalf of the students, speaking about our Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him.
The most beautiful thing said in this speech was: that this participatory meeting does not bring together just ordinary people, but rather brings together two strains: the lineage of Isaac, and the lineage of Ishmael on the other hand, and that the lessons learned in the past must be adhered to in the present in order to ensure its continuity and build a better future.


Review from Guidestar

1

EmilieC Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/01/2023

Nature, Culture, and Art in Akrich and Achbarou

This week, we had the great opportunity to visit one of the High Atlas Foundation’s 15 tree nurseries as well as the town’s women’s cooperative. We were joined by Nancy and Lucy, two friends of HAF who came to Morocco from the United States and were enthusiastic to visit the countryside and meet HAF’s partners.
Our first stop was Akrich’s Jewish Cemetery and tree nursery, located in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. As the location of a Jewish saint’s tomb, Rabbi Raphael Hacohen, and the resting place for many Moroccan-Jewish people, this 700 year old cemetery is an especially peaceful and beautiful place.
More than 10 years ago, HAF had the wonderful opportunity to develop its organic tree nursery project by partnering with the Jewish Community of Marrakech-Safi and creating an agricultural space adjacent to the burial site. This partnership was the first of many between Moroccan Jewish and Muslim families with HAF to develop inter-religious community relations through tree nursery projects.
The location’s wide empty terraces provide the perfect place to grow saplings and plant trees. Due to the elevation and colder and drier climate, the nursery mainly grows trees for the southern and mountainous regions of Morocco. We happened to come there when they were preparing to transplant carob and olive trees to nearby farmer families, both species that thrive in the Atlas Mountains.
On the second leg of our tour of the town, we stopped by Aboghlo Women’s Cooperative and learned about how the cooperative uses their artisanal knowledge to develop their business and hone their weaving skills. It was really impressive to see that all of the rugs are completely handmade and the materials, such as wool and dye, are all sourced from local places and 100% natural.
While the women are working at making rugs, their time at the women’s cooperative provides a time for self care and socialization as well. The women explained that they take care of their households at home in the morning, come to the cooperative in the afternoon, and then take care of their children when they come home from school. The cooperative gives them a moment to meet each other and take some time for themselves during the busy day.
Aside from their artisanal craft, these women spend time learning at the cooperative. In the past, they had benefited from one of HAF’s IMAGINE women’s empowerment workshops. With that boost of confidence and self-reflection, the women continue working with HAF to learn entrepreneurial skills, take literacy classes, and discover themselves further as individuals. It is always impressive to see how such a simple concept, like taking an introspective empowerment course, can lead to such growth and long term benefits in any community.

Review from Guidestar

2

Abdellah LAABOUDI Advisor

Rating: 5

01/30/2023

Nezha Mojahid: An Entrepreneurial Success

Nezha, a young Moroccan woman hailing from the mountainous regions of Taounate, has overcome numerous struggles to reach the success she enjoys today. She has always believed that the reality of rural women in the mountains is a difficult one, characterized by marginalization and dependency despite the central role they play in local development. With this in mind, Nezha set out to empower rural women and showcase their importance both within and outside the household upon completing her university education.

As a biology graduate, Nezha’s connection to the land only grew stronger during her studies. Determined to uplift the status of rural women and bring recognition to their vital role in the community, Nezha dedicated herself to promoting local products, which she considers to be the backbone of her hometown. Through her volunteer work in civil society, Nezha participated in various activities and initiatives aimed at empowering women and promoting natural, local products. However, her journey was not without its challenges.

Despite facing discrimination and societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles, Nezha persevered, and her hard work paid off when she was accepted into the "Engaging Underserved Communities in the Fez Region through Legal Aid, Awareness-Raising, and Socio-Economic Integration" program, which was implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of Law in Fez with funding from the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). This program not only provided Nezha with the legal, social, and economic knowledge necessary to take her community development efforts to the next level, but also with a support system and a community of like-minded individuals who were equally passionate about making a positive impact.
After benefiting from several training sessions in entrepreneurship as part of the program, Nezha launched the Zahrat Alchamal cooperative. The cooperative membership includes four women and three men, and its goal is to involve rural women in the local production cycle of many regional natural products, including their valorization and marketing.

Nezha’s enthusiasm and dedication have led her to participate in several trainings that have changed the course of her thinking and the direction of her project, including courses on leadership skills and management, funding opportunities, tax incentives for cooperatives in Morocco, and social media and e-marketing management.

Nezha's story is one of success, thanks to the support of the program, which has helped to improve the social and economic situation of some of the region's vulnerable communities by providing free legal aid and training in entrepreneurship as a means of civic and economic participation. The program has trained 231 students (51% female, 49% male) in master's and doctoral programs in economic and social law, enabling them to provide free legal aid and facilitate capacity building for beneficiaries from various communities in the Fez-Meknes region of Morocco.

The true allure of this program, as articulated by Nezha, lies not only in its ability to impart training and acquire knowledge, but also in its unwavering commitment to provide ongoing support throughout the crucial stages of business development. This includes providing guidance in areas such as digital marketing, seeking funding opportunities, and continually striving to foster the growth and advancement of the cooperative enterprise with the ultimate goal of transforming it into a thriving company.

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This mentorship and accompaniment toward the realization of income-generating projects are part of The program “Engaging Underserved Communities in the Fez Region through Legal Aid, Awareness-Raising, and Socio-Economic Integration” implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez and with funding from the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.

2 Jaouhar

Jaouhar Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/28/2023

Ali is a 42-year-old personal development coach, a graduate in Energetic Massage Therapy, and Founder of the 17th Sense Wellness Center.

His story is a fantastic illustration of hope and tenacity. He is an inspiring role model for any young person who wants to start a business. Ali entered the world of work in 2006 as a sales consultant in a call center. Since then, he has continued to grow and learn the ins and outs of his job. Nevertheless, despite the financial stability that his job provided him, he was not satisfied. He felt a significant void eating away at him that nothing seemed to fill.

"I was doing my job mechanically just to support myself," Ali recalls."The call center was like a morgue for my dreams and ambitions. I lost them in the tumultuous din of the phone calls." The constant stress and overbearing monitoring of his time and tasks on the part of his superiors, along with the heavy workload, took a toll on his health and psyche, and he eventually experienced a devastating burnout.

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you can get back on track, as the saying goes. The burnout he felt was enough to persuade him to launch his own project and free himself from the constraints of working a nine-to-five job. As such, he decided to open a wellness center.

Aware of the difficulty of this task, Ali equipped himself with patience and his abundance of experience and began his entrepreneurial journey. To develop the 17th Sense brand, he started by offering trainings and coaching in wellness, and he invested everything he had in the massage therapy business.

On July 23, 2022, Ali commenced entrepreneurial coaching from the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fez as part of the "Engaging Underserved Communities in the Fez Region through Legal Aid, Awareness-Raising, and Socio-Economic Integration” program, which is housed at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University, implemented by the High Atlas Foundation, and funded by the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative. The coaching represents a turning point in his life and an important source of support for his wellness project.

During the training and coaching sessions, Ali acquired legal and financial information to help him launch his business. He also had chance to build his soft skills and management competencies, which enhanced his sense of legitimacy and self-confidence in launching his initiative. After receiving one-on-one mentoring and training in digital marketing and financial management, Ali completed his business and financial plan and started assembling the administrative paperwork required to obtain legal status and commercial registration for the wellness center. He has also received additional training to obtain funding from the Intilaka and Forsa programs.

The High Atlas Foundation program team is still working with Ali today, supporting him toward the launch of his business while also assisting with developing the wellness center’s website and strategizing for its enhanced visibility on social media platforms. "I will always be grateful for this program, which I hope will endure for many generations to come," he says.


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Mentorship and accompaniment toward the realization of income-generating projects were part of the program “Engaging Underserved Communities in the Fez Region through Legal Aid, Awareness-Raising, and Socio-Economic Integration” which was implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez and with funding from the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). The program aimed to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.



Review from Guidestar

3 HASNAEELKARFA

HASNAEELKARFA Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/26/2023

Hasnae: A Student Leader Success Story
Hasnae provides pro bono legal assistance at an outreach event in Sefrou for cooperative members, April 2022. Photo: HAF
“The legal clinic has made a great difference in my life, contributed to my growth, and made me what I am today, which I was not before the program.”

We have now known Hasnae for one year as a student at the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences and as a member of the Legal Clinic program. She is now 24 years old and in her first year as a PhD candidate researching human trafficking in the Moroccan Penal Code. After her completion of the program, we can testify to her distinguished, active participation, engagement, and integrity. Her distinguished commitment and contribution to the program have afforded her the respect of the Legal Clinic membership, professors, trainers as well as local, national and international partners.

As a student legal clinician, Hasnae has proved to be an active, engaged, and committed participant during a variety of socio-cultural, civic, and academic activities and events, such as trainings, seminars, conferences, study days, and beneficiary consultations, even as a trainer and member of organizing committees. During these activities, she has demonstrated quick and great evolution and improvement. She has demonstrated very good communication skills as well as beyond-expectation academic and personal qualities. This has been attested to by her maturity, sense of critical thinking, flexible attitude, and eagerness to get involved in learning experiences and activities in an independent way.

“The legal clinic has made a positive impact in both my personal and professional life. The program taught me more about myself, my competencies, and my studies and allowed me to put them into practice.” For Hasnae, the legal clinic student training she participated in as part of the program helped her improve the skills she had, acquire new ones, and become a better student, citizen, and human being.

Hasnae’s is an example of the positive impact the program has had. The training inspired her to select her research area and topic of her PhD thesis as human trafficking in the Moroccan penal code because this issue is one of the program’s concentrations.

Due to her excellent performance within the program, she was invited for a job interview at the European Council, which was successful. She began working for the Council as an expert in a project on the mechanisms of the orientation, advocacy, and protection of victims of human trafficking.
Hasnae participated in the International Women's Day workshop organized by the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fes on March 8, 2022. Photo: HAF

The skills she gained as a student clinician allowed her to participate in a study day organized by the Moroccan parliament on youth participation in politics and public policies. In the same context, she participated as a facilitator in the training offered by the legal clinic program to civil society associations in Sefrou and Oulad Tayeb on women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship.

According to Hasnae, youth are change agents and future leaders who will reinforce and maintain our national identity, diversity, and openness, and they will contribute to the sustainable development of our country. To this end, listening to youth voices and taking them into consideration would help us to take up the ever-changing challenges that define our present time and will continue to define the future. She believes that involving youth in decision-making and other civic activities, such as those successfully organized by the legal clinic, would certainly develop them as effective, responsible, and well-informed citizens.

“I would like to express my deepest thanks and the sincerest gratitude to all members of the Legal Clinic, to all professors and experts and partners who have made a difference in our lives, contributed to our change, and have made us what we are today,” remarks Hasnae. “The training, activities, and events in which we have been engaged, and, more importantly, the pedagogies used, offered us learning-by-doing experiences and allowed us opportunities to learn the values of teamwork, individual and group responsibility, endurance, competition, diversity, a sense of culture and community, and the values of mutual respect and tolerance.”

Hasnae continues to reflect, “Those activities offered us real and relevant opportunities to reinforce our coursework and to develop our academic and personal skills and apply them in a real-world context, which has enabled us to become lifelong and life-wide learners. Participation in the program has also increased our sense of engagement and belonging to the faculty and university.”


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The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law (Clinique juridique de la faculté de droit - CJFD) in Fes aims to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.

Over the three years since its inception, the program has trained 231 (50% women, 50% men) master’s and doctoral students of law to administer legal aid and facilitate capacity building with community beneficiaries in the Fes-Meknes region of Morocco. In that time, student clinicians have worked on a total 267 case files pertaining to entrepreneurship, immigration and asylum, family mediation, psychological support, human trafficking, employment, and real estate. Additionally, 256 have benefited from the establishment or growth of 39 private income-generating projects and entities following entrepreneurship training and mentorship.

The program was established first as a pilot project in 2019 as a collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes. From 2020 to 2022, the program’s continuation and expansion to include concentration on the promotion of entrepreneurship was funded by the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).


4 Soufiane_10

Soufiane_10 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/25/2023

Soufiane: A Student Clinician Success Story

“Joining the legal clinic was the best decision I made in 2022. It has greatly contributed to my academic and professional growth.”

Soufiane is now a 26-year-old legal clinician trainee with a master’s degree in business law. During the second year of his graduate studies and last planned year of formal education, he felt the need to deepen his knowledge and sharpen his skills to better face the job market, be ready for the post-graduate world, and feel more legitimate and confident. As such, he applied to be a part of the Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law (CJFD) in Fez.

From the beginning of his tenure with the “clinic,” he made a good impression and easily stood out through his commitment, participation, and curiosity. He put his heart and soul into the program’s activities and participated ardently in all of the organized events. The experience allowed him not only to perfect his knowledge of the law and to satisfy his unquenchable thirst for learning by offering him a myriad of fruitful and eclectic activities, such as study days, practical workshops, and field trips, but also to perfect his public speaking and oratory skills through debate and moot court competitions and, finally, to enlarge his professional network and to meet new people.

“It is a complete, qualitative, and no-frills experience,” says Soufiane. “The legal clinic is an absolute godsend that allowed me to think outside the box and learn the law by doing. And all for free. What more could you ask for? I would do it gladly if I had to do it again.”

According to Soufiane, his integration into the program was the turning point in his academic and professional life.
First, he succeeded in joining the Youth Parliament of Morocco, occupying the position of legal assessor since his first participation and being elected as a Minister for the next legislature, which will take place in July 2023. He claims to owe much of his success in joining the inner circle of young Moroccan parliamentarians to the “clinic” and the various skills he learned as a student clinician.
Secondly, his interest in defending the cause of women increased tremendously after meeting and assisting women who have experienced abuse and gender-based violence during his year as a student clinician. Wanting to do even more to help them, he created, with several of his peers, an association called eve4ever to improve the status of Moroccan women and promote their socio-cultural and economic condition.

Even in light of his notable success, Soufiane does not claim it for himself. He always insists on expressing his gratitude and appreciation to all those who helped him along the way. “Being a clinician is more than an experience. It’s a valuable identity that sticks with us, makes us proud, and helps us shine in all areas,” he says.

The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law (Clinique juridique de la faculté de droit – CJFD) in Fes aims to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.
Over the three years since its inception, the program has trained 231 (50% women, 50% men) master’s and doctoral students of law to administer legal aid and facilitate capacity building with community beneficiaries in the Fes-Meknes region of Morocco. In that time, student clinicians have worked on a total of 267 case files pertaining to entrepreneurship, immigration and asylum, family mediation, psychological support, human trafficking, employment, and real estate. Additionally, 256 have benefited from establishing or growing 39 private income-generating projects and entities following entrepreneurship training and mentorship.
The program was established first as a pilot project in 2019 as a collaboration between the High Atlas Foundation and the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fes. From 2020 to 2022, the program’s continuation and expansion to include a concentration on the promotion of entrepreneurship were funded by the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Soufiane speaks during a field trip to Sefrou to train members of various cooperatives, May 2022. Photo: HAF

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories
3

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/12/2022

Mentoring: A Challenge for Clinicians, A Boon for Beneficiaries

By Soufiane Mouhsine, Legal Aid Clinician 2021-2022 and second year master’s student in business law at FSJES Fes

Often, project designers are full of ideas, but they find themselves hindered by a lack of means, support, and guidance to pursue and achieve their goals. To enable them to proceed with greater clarity and efficiency, the members of the legal clinic and entrepreneurship program in Fes visited the communities of Sefrou, Azrou and Ifrane for two days each in order to follow-up and support eight program beneficiaries following previous learning and training activities.

The mentorship and accompaniment portion of the program is being implemented in two distinct phases as described below.

1. Follow-up and Personalized Accompaniment

Mentors adopted an iterative and co-constructed approach with each participant that is both participatory and individualized in order to meet each project at its own unique state of progress since projects are in their infancy while others are in more advanced stages.

The needs of the project leaders are diverse and eclectic. Some need assistance to build a digital presence, and others aim to provide in-depth legal information to their own constituents and communities. Some aim to expand and broaden their fields of activity and make new partnerships and collaborations, and others seek stability and financial independence.

The accompaniment of the beneficiaries was also structured in two phases:

- Needs Qualification: Clinicians, acting as mentors, conducted individual, exploratory, and in-depth interviews with each beneficiary to understand his or her needs and gather the information necessary to implement an accompaniment plan. This was an opportunity for each beneficiary to explain challenges they are facing, such as financial difficulties, managerial, or administrative issues.

- Accompaniment: Immediately after the preliminary interview, the clinicians and mentor provided responses to the questions posed, many of which were related to the legal aspects of project implementation.


2, Training Plan Implementation

Most beneficiaries have expressed their desire to learn and deepen their knowledge on subjects related to their fields of activity (i.e., law 12-112 on cooperatives, digital presence, protection of intellectual property rights) and also in terms of administrative formalities, information, and orientation, advice on establishing a project, management, financing, and other legal and fiscal matters.

These trainings will facilitate the acquisition of contextualized skills in order to increase the performance and profitability of projects.

The series of trainings is expected to be implemented very soon. The clinicians are now in the process of agreeing upon the modules and the duration of the trainings, and planning according to the availability and mobility of the beneficiaries.

Beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the accompaniment and mentoring missions, noting that the coaching allowed them to clearly define their development ambition and meet an operational need of their organizations.

This mentorship and accompaniment toward the realization of income-generating projects is part of a program implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with the Faculty of Legal, Economic, and Social Sciences at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Fes and with funding from the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) to elevate the status of youth, women, and underrepresented communities by providing pro-bono legal aid and entrepreneurship training as a means to engage civically and economically.

Face to Face Mentorship with beneficiaries: Advisory and Legal Consultancy. Photo: Safae Bouhlala/HAF.

Review from Guidestar

1

HAMZAOUI General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

01/24/2023

The High Atlas Foundation: A Living Instance of Multiculturalism for Sustainable Development
Dr Afaf HAMZAOUI
Department of English,
Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences,
Ibn Zohr University- Agadir, Morocco.


On the 9th of December, 2022, I visited the High Atlas Foundation (HAF). It was my first visit to the Foundation. I have never forgotten that day. Before I went to the foundation, I was all the time thinking about the building, the people who are working there. All the time I wondered to know about it though I had some information through the HAF foundation’s website. But I had a strong feeling that I had to pay a visit to the High Atlas Foundation because of its noble and human objectives realised by the High Atlas Foundation’s staff and president, Dr Yossef Ben-Meir, based on sustainable development in Morocco. Its work is based on participatory approach, which makes local populations participate in their communities’ development needed projects.
I have first known about the High Atlas Foundation in the 16th January, 2017, during the annual celebration of Planting Day that took place at a high school where I was working then. That was the first time I met Dr Yossef Ben-Meir and since then we have become close friends, but though we have kept in touch via emails and phone calls, I have never visited the Foundation because of my work. I followed all the High Atlas Foundation’s activities via all means of media, Facebook account, YouTube channel and other means available means because I believe in HAF’s traced sustainable development objectives and projects. For all these reasons, I have all time that interest and curiosity to visit the foundation. It was a dream like for me. Finally, as I mentioned at the beginning I visited the foundation last December.
Arrived to Marrakech a day before, I phoned Dr Ben-Meir to inform him about my arrival to the city and to agree about the time of my visit to the foundation. Eventually my dream is realised. We agreed that I could come to the foundation at 01h00 p.m. on the 9th of December, 2022. Arrived to the institution, I was firstly received warmly by Dr Ben-Meir. He was too kind. He presented every member of the foundation to me. My first remark is that the High Atlas Foundation’s building is very simple and modest in comparison to the huge work they are doing all over Morocco. The wall’s colours are simple reflect a warm peaceful energy and the offices of the staff are modest as the people working in them. The High Atlas Foundation’s staff reflects one of its main principles supporting cultural diversity. The people working at the foundation are all sincere and nice. They all belong to different ethnic groups and different religious backgrounds. They are Americans and Moroccans, Jewish, Christians and Muslims, speaking various languages: English, French, Hebrew, Amazigh and Arabic. This variety mirrors their cultural diversity; which is amazing. Belonging to different cultural and religious backrounds for one unified nobel objective that is mainly helping and sustaining other communities in need of help and such projects. They all respect each other’s cultural backgrounds. When I arrived there was a Friday prayer, and I noticed that there are some members of the staff who were preparing themselves to go for Muslim Friday prayer. Again, they don’t work on Saturday respecting Shabbat Day, Jewish Sacred day. Also Sunday is a day off respecting Christians. It was really noticeable to me that the staff of the High Atlas Foundation was working at ease because while the president of the foundation was moving around presenting me to his staff I noticed an exchangeable respect but still friendly relationship between Dr Ben-Meir and the staff. There is trust among all of them because his office was all time open even his closet; we went out and he didn’t close his office. He has just mentioned that we were out and came back at 03h00 p.m. Personally, I have really appreciated the relationship between him and other members of the foundation. They were all working together as a beehive and that is one of the main causes of HAF’s prosperity as a Non-Profit Organisation. There is a mutual respect though the multicultural characteristics of the foundation’s components.
Since my visit to the High Atlas Foundation, I have a strong feeling that I should participate and help at least in one of the foundations cultural and sustainable development noble projects. I wish to pay another visit to the foundation in the future.


Review from Guidestar

cheikh Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/18/2023

HAF Takes A Step in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab Region

Cheikh Akmach
Site Coordinator

As a young man who seeks to make a positive impact in my region, I believe in the ability of youth in preserving Moroccan natural resources, and this would be possible by empowering and accompanying them until they become responsible and visionary leaders.

Since 2000, HAF's mission has been promoting sustainable development in Morocco through agriculture, women’s empowerment, and education.

Following the same strategy, HAF is in partnership with the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI). A new project will be implemented in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region titled “Institutionalizing Participatory Governance the Dakhla Oued Ed Dahab region, which will work with 150 participants from civil society and government in the area to benefit from a series of training workshops that will improve their ability to design social, economic, and environmental projects that respond to local community needs.

The team responsible for this project assembled on the 4th of November, 2022, to attend the 6th Edition of the International Forum for Small Enterprises. This event was marked by the presence of many key players in the region and other national institutions.

Hana Ezaoui discussed the HAF project with Mr. Consul of the Union of Comoros

The event comes as a continuation of the country’s strategy of supporting and pushing people to become entrepreneurs by offering various initiatives like Mobadara and Forsa.

Having received an official invitation from the event organizers. We attended this forum as one of our initial partnership-building steps in the city. Our goal is to build a network with the region’s civil society associations, and this event was a highly supportive beginning in this regard.

Our Project Manager asked questions to the speakers' panel in the evening; she introduced HAF with conviction and great belief before asking her question, which led us to get many contacts who simply got interested in our projects and like to know more about it just because of the persuasive way our project manager talks.

The HAF Team in Dakhla attended the International Forum of the TPE

We have gotten to exchange business cards with civil associations that are focused on different domains. Some pursue sustainable community development, some focus on economic initiatives and entrepreneurship, and others are dedicated projects owned by women’s groups.

Surely, with such a noble mission handed to us, we are working to adapt to this new environment and to embrace cultural diversity.

Finally, I think that this is a good first step for us because the name High Atlas Foundation rolled like thunder in this forum. We have gained momentum that will propel us forward. I feel that this forum gave us a great opportunity to see closely how much the project we work on - participatory governance - is needed in the region.

Participatory governance is all about local communities and sectors working together for the betterment of us all. If we want to make the project a success, we need to start with this inclusive and an integrated and welcoming mindset.

Review from Guidestar

rachel.bartkowski Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/18/2023

By Rachel Bartkowski, HAF intern

January 16th marked HAF’s Annual Tree Planting Day, with thousands of trees being planted in a variety of different sites in Moroccan communities. As a new volunteer at HAF, such a hands-on day in the field made for a very exciting first day. It was an honor to be able to join this long-standing project that centers around environmental sustainability and engaging the community.

Our team was guided by HAF’s Program Director of Community Tree Planting and Tree Monitoring, Said El Bennani. Additionally, we joined forces with around fifteen employee volunteers from Intrepid Travel, an adventure travel company. Our team drove south of Marrakech, through the mountains into the Aghbalou community in Setti Fadma. As our van slowly drove up the mountainside, it was remarkable to see such beautiful views of the region.
Looking out the window, we were able to observe several trees that had previously been planted and were doing well. When we reached our site, we met with Aghbalou locals who also joined in the tree planting. From here we began the process of digging the hole, strategically placing the tree sapling, and watering the surrounding area. Between the Intrepid volunteers, HAF staff, and community members, we were able to plant about fifty carob trees along the mountainside.

It was a wonderful sight to see all different companies and groups coming together for the purpose of tree planting around Morocco. Initially, to me it seemed unusual for a tourism company such as Intrepid to partner with HAF to engage in tree planting. However, an Intrepid employee shared an important point; if there is no effort to improve Morocco through the lens of agriculture, sustainability, and tree planting, there will be no Morocco to share with visitors and tourists! This point certainly broadened my perspective on the intersectionality between the work of seemingly different institutions and the potential of corporate social responsibility. Since Intrepid leads tours focused on responsible travel and environmental accountability, such partnerships have the capability to enrich Intrepid’s practices and spread awareness of HAF’s work. Trip leaders are now able to take their new understanding of tree planting benefits on their tours, incorporating environmental sustainability into the tourism experience they curate.

Collaboration with the local community members was another piece I found crucial in creating sustainable ways to improve the region. It was encouraging to see the work they had already accomplished and that their partnership with HAF was continuing to create planting opportunities. Overall, it was truly a pleasure to join alongside so many different institutions with the common goal of tree planting and improving the land in Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

hajar Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/10/2022

التاريخ: شتنبر9ء10ء2022
عدد المشاركين:19 مشارك
المكان: مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير
بقلم هجر لحضيري

في اليوم التاسع والعاشر من الشهر الجاري على الساعة التاسعة صباحا. نظمت مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير
ورشة تدريبية تمكينيه الهدف منها الانتقال من الكفاءة الشخصية نحو الكفاءة الاجتماعية. كانت المرة
الأولى التي أتيحت لي فرصة حضور تدريب من هذا النوع، حيث تعرفت على أناس جدد من ولاية جهة
مراكش وأيضا رؤساء بعض التعاونيات التي تهتم بالصناعة التقليدية، وكانت فرصة للتعرف عن كثب
على بعض أعضاء فريق مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير الذين اشتغل معهم خلال مدة تدريبي بالمؤسسة.

التدريب كان تحت اشراف الأستاذة فاطمة الزهراء العريبي، الذي استهلته بالترحاب بالحضور الكرام،
ثم إعطاء نبذة عن البرنامج وأهدافه وتأسيس الجهاز المفاهيمي بدأ من مفهوم'؛ حد النمو'؛ مرورا من
الانتقال من النظرة الباثولوجية الى الرؤيةـ ومن الساكن الى العضوي وصولا الى مبادئ التجلي
والاظهار.

من خلال التمارين التفاعلية والتأملية استطعنا بلورة روية شاملة على مجموعة من الجوانب في ذواتنا
وسبر اغوارها واستكشاف دوافع النمو لدينا وتقدير مكامن القوة.

علاوة على دالك، كانت فرصة لي في معرفة جانب من شخصيتي، وبعض الأشياء التي يمكنني ان اعمل
عليها لتكوين وتطوير الشخصية التي ارغب فيها. كما شهدت عدة تغيرات بفضل هذا التكوين عن طريق
الحوار مع المشاركين والمشاركات، اذ يدأت تتجلي لي ملامح رؤية ومبتغى معين بشكل تدريجي
وتسلسلي. الى جانب دلك قمنا بجلسة حوار متكونة من طرفين للتحدث والانصات الى الاخر وتنظيم
العلاقة مع الغير بعيدا عن المصالح الشخصية. وكدلك تطرقنا لمعرفة لغة الجسد هل في حالة جيدة ام
مشبع بالإرهاق والطاقة السلبية.
و في الختام قمنا بالتعرف على لعبة السلام التي تؤدي الى الكفاءة الاجتماعية و التي اصبحت عضوا
فيها من اجل خلق تغير إيجابي شخصي و مجتمعي.

Review from Guidestar

Kawtar7 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/31/2022


Experiencing the World as Miss Universe Morocco

On my way home, the taxi driver told me about the soccer game he had been watching. The team he was rooting for had lost. I, in turn, told him about the event I had just attended, explaining that after 43 years of absence, Miss Morocco was now back on the map of the Miss Universe competition. When I shared with him that I came in second place, he, strangely enough, informed me that I may be called to represent Morocco in case of injury involving the first place winner. I immediately discarded the idea, as I did not wish such a thing upon Fatima Zahra, the newly crowned Miss Morocco. She carried the title beautifully, and we were all so proud of her. I arrived home and continued my night telling my aunt and mother about the emotionally-charged experience I had during the pageant, feeling as if my grandmother was hovering above me the entire time.

Call it a premonition or fate - the taxi driver’s words later became a reality, which meant I was going to Israel to represent Morocco during the Miss Universe 2021 competition. Life’s events are not as arbitrary as they may be perceived, after all. Although Fatima Zahra’s injury was unfortunate, I think that it served to teach us different lessons. She kindly expressed her trust in my abilities, her benevolent candor highlighting her inner radiance. Today, she continues to personally and professionally blossom, and it has been a true pleasure witnessing it from afar.

Not everyone was supportive. The political climate around Israel and Palestine has always been delicate, and the subject's fabric is still very fragile. As such, when the Miss Universe event location was announced, people immediately began to express discontent on social media. At the same particular time, the political relationship between Algeria and Morocco was also sensitive, and my grandmother’s Algerian roots created an additional issue for some people. As soon as I was announced as the newly crowned Miss Morocco, a video depicting me sharing my grandmother’s life story in order to demonstrate the power of choice provoked a public debate about my legitimacy as an ambassador of Morocco.

My name seemed to suddenly appear in the news as some journalists evidently sought to commodify the story. Others working in the media described the phenomenon as a strategic maneuver to generate more “buzz” - a publicity stunt. On the other side of the screen, I continued to ponder the notion of identity.
Jerusalem is described as the city of peace, yet it holds the pain and passions of diverse peoples. We walked along its storied streets marked with remnants of religious patrimony, a pattern of temples, churches, mounts, and mosques across its surface, mapping something like a constellation. This route of sacred sites held more than nominal significance for me. As my ears rang to the greetings of “shalom” and “salam,” I wished for just that: peace.

With over one million people in Israel being of Moroccan Jewish ancestry, I was frequently approached by individuals who proudly expressed their families’ Moroccan origins. They generously offered me tokens of appreciation, including my evening gown and various foods as well as smiles, hugs, songs, dances, and cheers, sharing a deeply rooted sense of amity. With a declining Moroccan Jewish population, its stories felt like echoes of a distant past. I had educated myself and was aware about this history of my country, but the experience of being exposed to the number of people who came to me and expressed how widespread the Moroccan Jewish past is remembered and celebrated was eye-opening and wonderful.

One evening, Miss Universe 2020, Miss USA, Miss Israel, and I all had the pleasure of dining at the home of the mayor of Eilat, Eli Lankri. His wife, who was contagiously jolly, had prepared an array of familiar dishes—couscous and shebakiya among them. The melodies of an oud accompanied us as we spoke of the childhood memories the hosts had formed in Morocco.


Stories that came into being long before my existence were intergenerationally transmitted so that what had previously felt like echoes of the past instead took shape as symphonies. While in Israel, I became fascinated by the land, by its juxtaposition of faiths, by the fact that the nearby Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth. I contemplated that maybe, just maybe, this mix of the high and low has created a unique midpoint, one that celebrates difference, coexistence, and understanding.

Growing up, I attended an American school in the morning and returned home to speak Darija and French. I then extended my academic journey in France while pursuing an anglophone program. Exploration was my native language, and the cultural dichotomy I grew up in was where I felt most comfortable. The people I met during my stay, though they had not been to Morocco in years, considered themselves to be as Moroccan as any other Moroccan citizen. So, how does one measure Moroccanness?

For me, being Moroccan means to have the ability to hold space for two. Being Moroccan means to have freedom inculcated in our biological blueprint. Adorned with colorful intricacies, our tables, tapestries, ceilings, floors, and living rooms continue to celebrate our innate vibrance. The Moroccan man walks to the end of his sentences with hope and gratitude. The Moroccan woman wears courage on her sleeve as she gracefully embodies liberty. Morocco is where despair surrenders to faith and where cynicism is traded with a wise smile or a warm piece of homemade bread - empathy being the currency.

--

Kawtar Benhalima is the Miss Universe Morocco 2021 runner-up. She is an avid philanthropist, artist, and entrepreneur who has co-created a jewelry line with her sister. She earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from ESSEC Business School in Paris and has been involved in the world of expression and celebration of identity since the age of 7. Ms. Benhalima has worked with various Moroccan associations advocating for education and distribution of goods to people in need, including as a volunteer with the High Atlas Foundation. Today, she works with a French marketing agency and looks forward to pursuing a graduate degree in the field of communication.

Review from Guidestar

Souad Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/18/2022

By Souad Al Khadiri

The “Self-Empowerment" workshop was organized as an outcome of the partnership between the High Atlas Foundation and the European Union. It targeted the Douar of Tachedirt, Asni Commune, in the Al Haouz Province. Attended by 18 women, the workshop focused on developing women’s capabilities through individual and group practical exercises, including themes that will help women develop themselves within the society they live in.
The workshop adopted a standard learning method among the participants based on understanding and focusing on their knowledge. On the first day, the participants were introduced to the meaning of self-empowerment. It is noticeable that these participants, at their young age, showed an apparent discrepancy in their level of understanding despite them dropping out of school. The participants realized that, as much as they were able to do so, they could increase their confidence and strength to set realistic goals for their self fulfillment.
After the prayer break, we explored the motives of their development and conducted an exercise called the Internal Soil Test. Amina El Hajjami presented the inhibited convictions of women, emphasizing that they can be stronger, emphasizing that they should be changed. The second day began with a general assessment reflecting on the first day, which was successful due to the outstanding participation of the women in evaluating the experience. This day’s activities included identifying and searching for sources of personal strength through a room-visualization exercise, followed by a tunnel exercise to free emotions. This exercise aims to help us understand and acknowledge our feelings, which helps us eliminate the issue of mixed internal emotions. The day was concluded with the exercise of self-love, where the participants were asked about their achievements in their lives. One woman said she had been able to climb the top of the Likemt Summit above the Tachedirt village. Another mentioned that she had been able to climb to the top of Okaimeden Mountain, while another said she was constantly cleaning the mosque. The women were also asked about the most courageous work they had done. One participant stated that she had been able to save her nephew and called an ambulance. During Eid, they also used to prepare desserts free of charge for their neighbors, and they gave other heart-warming answers.

The third day was like the other workshop days. The women of Tachedirt were asked what they had learned the previous day of the workshop. After this, we focused on two crucial axes of human life, starting with the body. The facilitator explained a body dialogue exercise consisting of questions to ask one’s body in order to better understand what it feels most. Through participant responses, the women were encouraged to give comfort and attention to their bodies, which is unusual for women in villages. We ended our last day by discussing the work, with Amina El Hajjami linking it to the cooperative project they aim to establish. On the last day, we focused on analyzing and discussing the remaining axes. The first was money. This workshop was finished with an assessment executed by the participants on this
day.

At the end of the workshop, the participants expressed gratitude, remarking that this workshop would be an essential step to fulfilling their wishes. We concluded the workshop by distributing the certificates in an atmosphere that showed how close we had become to each other during the workshop.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/11/2022

Une approche participative au village Achbarou:

Souad El Khadiri,
Field Coordinator

En vue de collecter les données relatives à l’approche participative dans le village Achbarou qui fait partie de la commune rurale Tameslouht, province Al Haouz, une réunion communautaire a été réalisée le 04 Février 2022, avec les femmes de coopérative “Zrbiat Achbarou”, par l’équipe de la Fondation du Haut Atlas, dans le cadre du programme d'alphabétisation familiale à Marrakech-Safi, financé par l'Union européenne.
Notre premier objectif de cette mission est d’expliquer aux participantes le but et les grands axes de ce projet qui concerne essentiellement de l’alphabétisation et les aider à renforcer leur capacité à gérer la coopérative d'artisanat.
Nous avons travaillé avec deux groupes, le premier ce sont les femmes qui font partie de la coopérative “Zrbiat Achbarou”, le deuxième ce sont les nouvelles femmes qui ne savent pas exactement ce qu'elles veulent faire. Pour la première, nous avons travaillé sur les priorités et les besoins de la coopérative et comment l'aider à devenir une source de revenus pour ces femmes avec l'aide de l’analyse de SWOT et le diagnostic participatif.
Après nous avons travaillé avec les femmes restantes d'une autre manière, notre objectif principal était de guider ces participantes pour qu'elles trouvent ce qu'elles veulent faire dans la nouvelle coopérative qu'elles vont créer, de quel type elle s'agit et si leur choix est approprié à leur situation et conditions.
Notre mission est terminée à Achbarou, et nous espérons avoir réussi à mettre en œuvre au mieux cette approche participative.

Review from Guidestar

KhadijaA Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2022

Women’s Empowerment at the Heart of Imagine Workshops

By Khadija Amahal, Program Associate, Center of International Private Enterprise


A group of women participate in an Imagine Workshop in the Ait Oum El Bakht commune, Khenifra province, as part of the Family Literacy program implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region and financed by the European Union. Photo: HAF

I was very fortunate to attend the Imagine workshops that took place in Ait Oum El Bekht, between the 20th and the 23th of September. The workshops I attended are some of many that are targeting 400 women in the region of Beni Mellal-Khenifra that aim to promote literacy among women and empower them. I went to the workshops with the intention of being an observer and learner, and quickly found myself part of a second family that hosted me and welcomed me as if they had known me for years.
The four-day workshops carry a mission of empowering women and raising their awareness about topics they often discuss but have little credible information around, topics they know nothing about, and others they are not encouraged to talk about because of culture and taboos. Since the first meeting, I had a feeling of security and belonging with the organizing team, the beneficiaries, and the local partner. How couldn’t I when everyone was willing to make everyone’s experience enjoyable and meaningful? I got the chance to relive memories of spending family time in my father’s hometown where the community’s priority was showing hospitality to guests and bringing enormous joy and comfort to their hearts.
To me, the Imagine workshops are not only an opportunity to learn new things and unlearn misconceptions about different topics. Imagine workshops are an opportunity that every woman deserves to benefit from at least once in a lifetime to reconnect with her inner soul, build her self-confidence, get inspired, and show true emotions. The safe space that was provided to the beneficiaries since day one was fascinating. In a world where people are more and more cautious about keeping their true feelings and secrets to themselves, I was surprised by the women’s capacity to trust us and show their true emotions. We laughed and cried in an accepting environment dominated by appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity at hand.
One of the main criteria that made my experience remarkable and unforgettable is joining the amazing team of superwomen who organized the workshops. I am forever grateful to Bouchra, Sanae, Ilham, and Fatima for their incredible efforts to make the program as successful as it was. The amount of effort, attention to detail, and passion for the work they do will always remain a source of inspiration to me. When the workshops ended, we went back to our place of accommodation, and that’s where another enjoyable experience started. I never felt like a stranger among these ladies. They welcomed me and considered me as one of them.

I am very touched by the experience because I am always advocating for women’s empowerment and the urgency of having women supporting one another. Imagine workshops provide exactly that: an enabling and encouraging environment where women grow, learn, feel empowered, and get inspired.

Khadija (center) participates alongside other women in an Imagine Workshop in the Ait Oum El Bakht commune, Khenifra province, as part of the Family Literacy program implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in the Beni Mellal-Khenifra region and financed by the European Union. Photo: HAF

2

yvettebroex Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/06/2022

HAF Volunteer Visits Amazigh Women’s Cooperative

In early September, I visited the women’s Tamount Ntourite cooperative in Tourite village (Mzouda commune, Chichaoua province) with staff from the High Atlas Foundation’s program Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F). We spent two fascinating days with the Amazigh women who live in this small village as they participated in a training workshop.

The women of this cooperative are responsible for production of thirty different types of couscous. They only started to sell their products ten months ago, and already these are being promoted in different areas of Morocco.

When we arrived at the village on the first day, the women seemed a little shy and introverted, but their warmth towards us was apparent nonetheless. The women represent their culture in beautiful ways. For example, they wear skirts in various patterns and materials on top of their normal clothes, which is very common for this area. It was also explained to me that this area is well known for the traditional weddings and birthing procedures, for which people from all over Morocco travel to this area to experience.

Their president is a very welcoming and energetic woman. Her gratitude toward the other members of the cooperative was obvious, and the members clearly feel the same towards her. From the beginning of the workshop, the women laughed together and with the people from HAF, which created a very nice environment.

The first day of the workshop focused on how to improve their cooperative, especially improving the management structure (i.e., creating a client list, and so on), one of the women’s goals. But one of the important aspects, according to the president, is the fact that their purpose is not solely to earn money. The cooperative offers the women the opportunity to grow, and it offers them a change of scenery from their daily lives. This was illustrated by one of the younger members describing the cooperative as ‘an addiction’ (in a positive sense, of course).

They discussed the challenges they have faced, such as some of them being illiterate, the costs of materials and transport, and difficulties in getting certain certificates to sell their couscous in Moroccan stores. However, they aim to improve their skills and expand their knowledge.

In the past, going to another village would have been a big step; however, because of the cooperative, they are not holding back from taking these steps anymore. It is very clear that the women work closely together, characterizing it with phrases like “working hand in hand” and “everybody completes each other.”

When we returned to the village the next day, I received a different kind of welcome, with the women opening up more because of the previous day’s activities. They had made a very beautiful skirt for me and dressed me in traditional jewelry, which was a very special experience.

On the second day of the workshop, the expert trainer focused on different strategies for solving the problems faced by the cooperative. Exercises helped them make a distinction between urgent tasks and other ones, and organize their budget.

After spending two days with the Tamount Ntourite cooperative, I felt that they are very welcoming, kind and motivated women. It is clear they are very proud of their culture, as they should be!

Review from Guidestar

1

LoriBlue Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

09/13/2022

Replenishing the argan forests, together
by Jude Jacob
https://www.freskincare.com/blogs/the-fre-life/replenishing-the-argan-forests-together

FRÉ's One Set, One Tree Program means that for every skincare set or bottle of argan oil you buy, FRÉ plants an argan "Tree of Life", to help replenish the endangered argan forests and support women who harvest argan oil in Morocco. Thanks to you, our amazing community, we have planted a total of 63,000 argan trees in Morocco since FRÉ was born 6 years ago.

To plant trees in Morocco, we partner with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), an NGO that works hard to preserve the natural heritage of Morocco. The organization sets strategies and projects for the purpose of promoting tree planting, especially the argan tree, due to its importance and status among Moroccans.

Reforesting the Safi region
Together with our partners at HAF, we are now working on a new project to reforest the Safi region of Morocco. We will be planting argan and caper trees across 40 hectares of land this coming October. These two trees are native to Northern Morocco. Planting these trees will benefit the local ecosystem and socially and economically empower the Tularuz women’s cooperative that will harvest the argan oil and capers.

The magic of argan
Argan is the heart and soul of all FRÉ’s products. It’s a uniquely nourishing ingredient harvested from resilient trees that weather the most extreme climates. Scientifically known as Argania Spinosa, it is the only type of argan tree around the world; it’s a tree endemic to Morocco that has great biological, nutritional, socioeconomic, and ecological value.

In Morocco, argan grows mainly in the Essouiera region, close to the coast. We are now working to restore areas of argan forest that have been damaged by deforestation. In addition, we are planting argan trees in communities. One of the challenges in Morocco is that communities have large tracts of land, but don’t have the irrigation infrastructure and investment ability to plant thousands of trees.

Irrigation to transform the region
Currently, FRÉ is investing in 40 hectares of communal land in the Safi region of Morocco. Young trees will be planted in the area and need to be irrigated until they reach maturity. The key is bringing water to the area. First, HAF assesses where to build a well together with the Provisional Office of Hydrology. At this stage, the participation of the local community is essential, proving their interest in the project. Once the plan is established and a well is dug, the next step is to install a solar water pump system and build a basin to contain the water. Finally, the young trees are moved from the HAF nurseries to their new home on the communal land and a pipe pressure drip system is set up to irrigate them.

The wonderful thing about argan is that you only need to irrigate the trees for the first few years. When they are around 5 years old, they become self-sustaining and can live 250 years in the arid Moroccan climate. The idea of this project is to place the well and the basin in a location where the water can be redirected to another large plot of land, around 40 hectares, once the trees in the first area have been irrigated. This project will plant and irrigate 8,000 argan trees together with medicinal plants to provide additional revenue for the Tularuz community. In turn, these plants will inject nutrients into the soil and regenerate the biodiversity of the region.

Empowering women
Traditionally in Morocco, the harvesting of argan oil is done by women and the agriculture is done by men. However, in this irrigation project, all aspects will be done by women, which will require providing the women with skills training. A new women’s cooperative will be built and launched in Tularuz and up to 25 women will be trained and empowered with an INSPIRE workshop. The workshop deep dives into confidence and self-belief, relationship to self, body image, relationship to money and more. The goal is to concretely establish a new cooperative to manage the trees that will be planted as well as to give the women the tools to plan for the cooperative’s future growth and development.

Unlike providing trees to individual villagers, planting trees and creating cooperatives provides enormous benefits to the local community. It increases girls participation in education, it means more food security and it means women are more involved in community decision making. In addition, once the argan is ready to harvest, FRÉ will purchase the oil directly from the cooperative, creating an ongoing source of income.

The development of the argan forests in Morocco provides nutritional, socioeconomic, and ecological benefits to the local communities. Young argan trees need consistent irrigation for 5 years until they reach self-sustaining maturity. Irrigation infrastructure, which is expensive and technical, is the basis for the trees’ growth and profound change in the local communities’ development. Insufficient funds often limit communities’ abilities to build irrigation infrastructures, but thanks to FRÉ and to you, our wonderful community, the Tularuz irrigation project is underway.

Review from Guidestar

5 HassanAHMATAY

HassanAHMATAY Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/05/2022

The Aboughlou Cooperative: Women Let Their Hands Speak

When I remember my visit to the Aboughlou Cooperative as a volunteer for the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), it is immediately the very beautiful smiles of the women of the cooperative that come to mind and the pride declared in their eyes.
On that summer Saturday morning, staff members for HAF, Hajiba, Safaa and Omar, who are responsible for supervising the cooperative, accompanied me to visit the women of Aboughlou.
We took the road towards the cooperative—the road to Ourika, the road of a thousand and one gardens. When we arrived we really appreciated the warm welcome of all the cooperative team, who were quite nice.
The cooperative was built in 2015 with eight women at the beginning, and has grown thanks to HAF, who devoted all of its efforts to support and encourage these women with training and counseling workshops. The women appointed Lalla Rachida as president, and they all started working on local organic products, such as couscous, Moroccan cakes and other items.
And thanks to these efforts and also to the united commitment of all the women, the cooperative has been able to establish partnerships with national and international organizations and have its products certified by the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA) and involved in major exhibitions in Morocco and elsewhere.

My visit to the Aboughlou Cooperative was different from what I expected. I was really surprised to see how well the cooperative is developed in all dimensions (through organization, work strategy, and even the sophisticated and refined packaging of the products provided) and how confident and proud lalla Rachida was of her collaboration with HAF, which has enhanced the cooperative to its current level.



2

kf7sjf Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2022

On Wednesday, June 29th, I attended a virtual Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) workshop on how to use the SDG Impact Assessment Tool. SDSN member organizations from around the world, including the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), were invited to participate in this two-hour long workshop and familiarize themselves with the online tool. Although I am generally not enthusiastic about lengthy Zoom meetings, the opportunity to represent HAF in this workshop was one I refused to miss. I have extensively researched the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as a part of my undergraduate capstone project and still have unanswered questions regarding the United Nations’ assessment of sustainable development. When the CEO of HAF, Yossef Ben-Muir, offered me the opportunity to attend the SDG Impact Assessment Tool workshop on behalf of the organization, I eagerly accepted as it was a chance to get some of my lingering questions answered.

According to the 2022 Sustainable Development Report, the Middle East and North Africa are only on track to reach two of the seventeen SDGs by 2030. Every other region in the world is experiencing widespread underperformance in the SDGs as well. In my capstone project and with my work for HAF, I am driven by the question: What is responsible for this trend of underperformance? Further, what can sustainable development organizations like HAF do to improve their impact on the SDGs? And to what extent is the United Nations, the most influential intergovernmental organization, at fault for the world’s alarmingly poor SDG performance? The most convincing explanation I have found lies in the assessment of sustainable development progress. This entails how civil society organizations, like HAF, alongside other stakeholders evaluate their contributions to sustainable development progress in addition to how the United Nations monitors and measures SDG performance. While the SDG Index, for example, attempts to provide an accurate, numerical representation of each country’s progress towards reaching the SDGs, the metric is flawed by data gaps and inadequate indicators. Other official dashboards and reviews are similarly hindered. The SDG Assessment Tool, however, provides a potential solution to limitations in measuring sustainable development progress and helps further standardize the assessment of sustainable development. With a rigid, systemized, and accessible way for entities to track their impact on the SDGs, data collection expands and groups can more effectively align their work with the SDGs, thus ultimately advancing sustainable development. Before the workshop I thought to myself, “Maybe this is the saving grace for reaching the SDGs!”

I joined the Zoom meeting for the workshop a few minutes late. I had to scramble to find Wifi and a quiet place to set up my laptop as I had been attending another conference at University Sultan Moulay Slimane. Once I finally entered the call, I felt a wave of relief. Then, I quickly noticed that there were much fewer attendees than I had expected - the original registration email noted a cap of sixty attendees; there were around twenty on the call. Truthfully, it was somewhat disappointing seeing fewer participants than expected, especially as I recognized the potential of the SDG Impact Assessment Tool. Some of this disappointment eventually dissipated when other attendees began asking questions about the tool and sharing where they were from. Oslo, Mexico City, and Atlanta were some of the places represented in the workshop. The exciting mix of backgrounds and perspectives made me optimistic about the reach of the tool.

As the workshop went on, a handful of questions were asked to the SDSN facilitators about the usefulness of the SDG Assessment Tool in relation to their institutions or organizations. Most responses were vague. I believe this is partly because the SDG Assessment Tool is open-ended and its application varies by case, and partly because the SDG targets themselves can be vague and ambiguous. Personally, I found some ease in mentally connecting the usefulness of the SDG Assessment Tool to the activities of HAF. This ease is largely attributed to my prior knowledge of the SDGs and the inherent straightforwardness of connecting a sustainable development organization to their sustainable development impact. Once we transitioned to the small group exercise portion of the workshop, one of my group members still struggled to realize how her university would benefit from using the tool. The sample case we examined focused on the SDG impact of a city council’s decision, which provided our group little clarity on applying the tool to the work of a private organization. When an SDSN facilitator joined our breakout room, our group prompted him for clarification on how the SDG Assessment Tool can best be used by universities and civil society organizations. Again the answer was vague. This led me to question if this version of the tool really can be used by “anyone who wants to learn more about their impact on the SDGs.”

By the end of the workshop, I developed a fair grasp of the SDG Assessment Tool. My main takeaways were that such a tool will promote sustainable development, but the current version needs refinements to be more clear and systemized. The SDG Assessment Tool will encourage groups to critically assess their SDG impacts and strategize how to improve them, especially as the tool requires users to consider indirect and direct impacts and provide explanations for their impact on all seventeen goals. Additionally, I believe that the tool can be improved by providing specific direction to different user groups through outlining relevant examples, indicators, and activities. I firmly believe that the SDG Assessment Tool can be the saving grace for SDG advancement, but adjustments need to be made to position it as an easy-to-use and attractive resource for all users.

Review from Guidestar

3 CyrenaMatingou

CyrenaMatingou Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/05/2022

Cut, Fit, Stitch: From Ourika to the OR
Cyrena Matingou, HAF Intern and University of Virginia Student

We spent two days this week in the mountains of Ourika Valley on vast plots of land. On Tuesday, we were more engaged with the tree planting team, and I genuinely felt I was helping further HAF’s mission, but Monday presented me with an invaluable learning experience. Abdeljalil Ait Ali introduced us to the farmers working in the area and informed us that we would learn about the specific irrigation practice used on the plot of land and how fruit-bearing carob trees are produced. This was my first in-person exposure to farming, a vocation I knew required diligence and dedication, but the level of precision I saw on Monday’s trip amazed me.

When we reached the top of the hill where the trees were being planted, the terrain was rocky and dry, so the young carob and almond trees were hidden from my sight. It took the trained eye of the community partner to point out the holes with saplings in them, waiting to be watered and grafted. The farmer squatted down next to a carob tree and explained that it had grown for about three years without any fruit, an indicator that the plant was male. He then pulled out some branches cut from a female tree and a clunky handheld tool. At first glance, it reminded me of a can-opener, but I soon realized the purpose of the device. I squatted down in the dirt to get a better view, disregarding the cleanliness of the slacks I carefully laid out the night before. I noticed how the device pierced the plant as the cut was made and asked to take pictures of the tool to understand how it worked. I was enthralled as he removed a triangular piece of the branch, then made a corresponding incision was made on a branch of the plant in the ground. The cuts were clean, and everyone in my group audibly “WOWWW”ed when he put and taped the two parts together; they fit like puzzle pieces.

When I first heard that we were grafting trees, my mind went back to my medical summer camp during high school when I learned about various surgical techniques and practiced dissecting pigs. Most people would say that being a surgeon is a job that requires more skill and attention than farming, and before this trip, I would have, too. However, the day in Ourika Valley opened my eyes to how trivial of a comparison this is. Surgery or farming? Spending the day in an operating room or in the intense Moroccan heat? Instead, it is more productive to consider the similarities between the occupations. Both require a skill set of physical stamina, attention to detail, long-term planning, and adaptability. A field of trees could flourish despite inadequate environmental conditions. A patient having undergone multiple unsuccessful surgeries could make a shocking recovery. Both rely heavily on careful forethought and monitoring of their practice, but have elements of chance – or possibly miracles.

I’ve spent the majority of my life in an academic bubble. While eternally grateful for the gift of a formal education from primary school to university (and graduate school, Inshallah), I’ve realized that I comparatively have much less knowledge of life outside the classroom. Besides limiting the breadth of information I have access to, not having these experiences also prevents me from making connections between ideas and practices that span across different spheres of life. Despite learning about how plants can be manipulated to produce fruit in my introductory biology class, I would not have made the connection to surgery without examining the shears and seeing the care the farmer took when he placed the two branches together. Perhaps the most important similarity between these two fields is the ultimate goal to serve their community. While there are practical differences between these two fields, this is a unifying and leveling idea. Everything else falls away when you realize sustaining life is at the center of farming and surgery. Keeping this simple fact in mind will be crucial to grounding myself as I pursue a career in medicine by emphasizing that I should not value my hard work over someone else who is working towards a similar goal of serving those we care about.

Review from Guidestar

2

Noureddine- Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/04/2022

نورالدين الباهري
كأس شاي بطعم الهوية
تأتينا الذكريات من حياتنا على أوتار التجارب الجديدة ، بعضها يسحبنا إليها لأجل العودة لتخيل سحرها مرة أخرى والتنقل بين لحظاتها الفريدة والمميزة ، لا شبيه لها ، لا في تفاصيل كبيرة ولا صغيرة ، يسهل تمييزها وفرزها من بين الذكريات. هذه تجربة أمُرُّ بها مع فريق مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير التي نظمت رحلة استكشافية جديدة ـ على الأقل بالنسبة لي ـ ، كان مقصدها باتجاه نواحي المدينة الحمراء "مراكش" في طريق مؤدِّية إلى جماعة "تامصلوحت" على مناطق تتناوب وتتلاحق فيها السهول والهضاب نحو منطقة اسمها "أقريش". كانت نقطة الانطلاق من بيت مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير في شمس الصباح التي أعلنت احتضان اليوم بكل صفاء والجميع مستفيض بالفضول لمعرفة المجهول ، دارت عجلة يومنا هذا ودارت معه عجلة الحافلات مطلقة إشارة البداية ، وانطلقت معها دردشات مطوّلة حول المكان المنشود وألحان الموسيقى تلون أجواء الرحلة أو تقلل وحشة الجلوس وحيدا ، وأقلام تلتقط الذكريات وعيون متأملة لضفاف الطريق ، طريق استمرت بعد خروجنا من المدينة على شكل خط مستقيم قليل المنعرجات والمنعطفات إلى حدود منطقة أقريش التي فيها توقفت العجلات على سهوبها معلنة عن وصولنا وقد سبقها أطفال القرية باستقبالنا وهم عائدون من المدرسة ، وبالمثل استقبَلنا المكان بجماله الأخاذ في مجال مفتوح واسع الرحاب مع سماء زرقاء خفيفة الضباب ، لتبدأ بعد ذلك الذكريات تُلتقط هذه المرة بالهاتف من بعثة الطلبة الأمريكيين التي صاحبتنا في الرحلة تعبيرا واضحا منها بجمال المكان.
افتتح السيد رئيس مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير "يوسف بن مئير" بكلمات ترحيبية بدايةً ، ثم بكلمات تلوح بمعانيها وتكشف لنا هوية المكان الذي يحتضن مشتلا جميلا خاصا بمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير ، مشتل له إخوة في جميع أنحاء المملكة المغربية ، كلها موجهة بكل عزم للمساهمة في الحد من التغير المناخي. أما مشتلنا الجميل هذا والذي يقع بمنطقة أقريش فله خاصية مميزة وفريدة ، وهي أنه يحتضن جزءً لا يتجزأ من تراث المنطقة ، ضريح يهودي مع مجموعة من القبور التي دَفن فيها اليهود موتاهم في مرحلة من محطات الزمن ، وأكمل السيد المسؤول عن المشتل ما بدأه السيد "يوسف بن مئير" بتعريفنا بقصة المشتل والضريح التي كانت مثيرة للاهتمام ، فعائلته لها تاريخ في هذه الأرض ، وهي التي جعلت المكان حيا لا يزال صامدا ليحكي قصته ، عبر تلاحق أجداده وعلاقتهم المتلاحمة والوطيدة باليهود.
استمررنا في التوغل شيئا فشيئا داخل الضريح المتدرج ، كل درجة نخطها تقع أعيننا على قبر أو قبرين في اليسار ومثلها على اليمين ، كل قبر يحمل كلمات تكشف نفسها باللغة العبرية تمنيت لو استطيع سبر أغوارها لتحكي لي قصة كل واحد من هؤلاء الناس الذين دفنوا هنا. وهكذا تابعنا جولتنا في المشتل إلى أن وصلنا إلى أسفله حيث يتواجد فيه الضريح داخل غرفة يسكنها وبالضبط في واحدة من زواياها ، تحيط به صور من كل جدار لأشخاصَ يهود تُشعرك صورهم بأنهم أشخاص لهم تاريخ عظيم للطائفة اليهودية رغم أني أول مرة أرى صورهم ، ولا معلومة قد مرت في ذهني عنهم. وفي هذه الغرفة بالذات شكل موكب الرحلة حلقة من كل الأعراق والأجناس والديانات للاستماع إلى حكاية تأخذنا من الحاضر إلى الماضي مع أسئلة أو أجوبة من الحضور تُلوّح من هنا وهناك ، تجيب أو تضيف قصةً إلى قصة أخرى ، يربطها جميعا الشبه أو المثل بقصة المكان ، تغني النقاش وتطرح أبعاد جديدة للتأمل.
ومع تاريخ الضريح الذي أخدنا معه إلى ماضي المنطقة ، ها نحن نعود إلى الحاضر للاستمتاع بجلسة شاي مع الأصدقاء ، جلسة شاي فريدة من نوعها ، بل يمكن أن نطلق عليها تناول كأس من الهوية ، وقصدي هنا هو أن في جلسة الشاي هذه ، رافقها مائدة حوارية طُرح فيها سؤال دسم جدا وهو: ماذا تعني لك الهوية عبر تناولك الشخصي ؟ سؤال بعث في الحوار فرصة للتعرف على أفراد الرحلة على اختلاف أعراقهم وألسنتهم المتنوعة. تَمّ تقسيمنا لمجموعات مختلطة ومتنوعة من كل فرد مختلف عن الأخر ، تنطلق منها الخلفيات والمرجعيات الخاصة ، ووُزِّعت الأقلام والأوراق للتعبير عن الإنتماء ، ويُكْتَب للقلم أن يتبنى هوية كل مجموعة ، و قُدِّر للورقة أن تعلن عنها ، وفُرِضَ على كأس الشاي فوق كل مائدةٍ أن يستمع ، ثم بدأت الهويات تتكلم والأذان تستمع : تاريخ وأصولٌ تَحْضر ، ودينٌ ووطن يُعْلَنْ ، وعِرقٌ وقبيلة تُمَجّدْ ، وتجارب وأحداث تُسطّر ، والعديد والمزيد من الآراء كلها نحتت في كل فرد منا على ما هو عليه وشكلت مخزونه المعرفي عن كلمة "هوية" ، وهاهي الجدران تقوم بدورها بالإعلان عن هوية كل مجموعة ، كل ورقة تختلف من حيت الشكل والرسم وهي تُلّمح بمسار الحوار، وبدأت كل مجموعة بالتعبير عن نفسها وعن مكنوناتها حول سؤال الهوية ، منظر مدهش لم أرى له مثيل ، فمع كل مجموعة تكشف عن نفسها إلا وتُصرّح بشيء جديد لم تراه ولن تراه في أي كتاب إلا في جلسة حوار فريدة من نوعها مثل هذه ، أضمن لك فيها أن تجد عددا من الأجوبة وهو نفس العدد الذي ستحمله معك من الأسئلة.
بعد هذه الجلسة الحوارية الممتعة ، تَأتَى لنا أن نحضر إلى مقر تعاونيةٍ تابعة لقرية "أشبارو" ، تعاونية خاصة بنساء هذه القرية ، جعلوها مكانا للوحات فنية من الزرابي ، صنعتها أنامل ذهبية مبدعة لنساء أهل القرية ، كل زربية تحكي قصة مختلفة بألوانها وخطوطها ومنحنياتها كأن سؤال الهوية لحق بنا إلى مقر التعاونية مجددا ، يا لهذا الإبداع ، عقلي يتساؤل من أين أتى الخيال والإلهام إلى هؤلاء النساء ليرسمن لوحات بتنسيق وتمازج دقيقين باستعمال أصابع اليد فقط مكان الريشة ، وبخيوط الصوف مكان ألوان الرسم ، و أكثر من ذلك بأدوات يدوية متوغلة في القِدَم بل هي عبارة عن تراث أُعيد إحيائه من جديد بكل مهارة واحتراف. كانت هذه فرصة للبعض لاقتناء بعض من منتجات التعاونية تذكارا له في المستقبل ، تُسعف في العودة به إلى الماضي لتذكيره بكل سرور وترحيب بهوية المكان ، وعلى اختلاف الهويات والأجناس اختلفت كذلك الأذواق في الألوان والأشكال و الأحجام في اختيار المنتجات ، يا إلهي أليس للهوية جواب واحد ، أليس لها لون واحد ، أليس لها شكل واحد ، قد أحزن إن كانت كذلك ، كيف لا وفي جوهر اختلافها هو بالذات ميزتها ، وإن موطن الإختلاف فيها هو مركز إبداع الثقافات واكتمالٍ للوحة الإنسان في نهاية المطاف ، ومصدرا للفخر والإنتماء عبر ترك بصمة خاصة في التراث الإنساني.

Review from Guidestar

1

zjcost Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/04/2022

Zoe Costello
Blog Post: Unanswered Questions are an Inevitable Facet of Life
While roaming through the winding hilly streets of the Tangier Kasbah, I made a friend. He was laying in front of a shop front as we walked by, with ribs protruding and matted dirty fur. The merchant shooed him away; sickly strays are bad for business. We all stopped to look at the dog and a small boy walking by called him perrito, little dog. For unknown reasons, perrito chose us as companions. As we continued to shop, he trotted alongside us, limping as he went. When we stopped, he stopped. When we walked, he walked. What at first seemed like coincidence of a stray in search of shade soon revealed itself as a strange sort of bond. We assumed he must’ve been hungry and hoping to score food from some guilty tourists. We bought perrito a slice of bread and held it out to him to feast on; however, he turned his nose away and refused to eat.
“He won’t eat it,” a man sitting nearby said in French, pointing at the dog. “He never eats because he is sick.” We offered the bread to the man, who accepted. I wondered aloud if there was anything that could be done. By sheer coincidence had we crossed paths with Perrito, and in an hour we would be leaving Tangier forever. I wanted to help the poor dog, to take him to the vet or to hide him in my carryon and take him back to Marrakech. But there was nothing I could do beyond offer the bread and the companionship. He followed us further until we left the winding roads toward the sea, where he took off to roll in a patch of grass.
I’ll never see perrito again, nor will I know his fate. The longevity of a limping, starving and sick stray are not optimal. Our brief crossing of paths was the only opportunity that I had to make a positive impact.
A few days later I was planting trees and felt a similar fleeting helplessness. I was aware of my temporary and minute impact in a moment that was months in the making. The saplings were the result of a year of growth, care, and dedication. The holes that we planted them in were the result of hard work and labor by farmers who dug them. I held each plant gingerly, unwrapping them from their casing and slowly placing them into the deep holes, guided by local farmers who explained the correct way to bury the saplings. I must have planted at least 30 trees, but I’ll never see them grow to adulthood. There is nothing I can do beyond that moment in present that will empower or harm their growth. The trees I planted might one day produce fresh produce that enables the farmers’ economic growth, or they could die.
Most encounters in life are fleeting. Most impressions that individuals have of us are based off short interactions, and most of our impacts on the world are minimal. I have made dozens of strong bonds in Marrakech but had hundreds more short and minimal interactions. From the children at the many schools we visited, to the cooperative owners and university students from Beni Mallal. All that these individuals will remember of me (if they remember me in general) is whether our interactions were positive or negative. The long-term outcome of these interactions and moments is invisible to me.
Dealing with the intangibility of impact has been a struggle. Tangible results are satisfying and putting your name to a result is gratifying. Coming to terms with the fact that my overall impact on HAF is in the form of tiny little ripples of interaction is to cope with my own selfishness. I am not a big fish in a small pond, I am a cog in a machine. Western work ideology tells us that this is a sign of failure; success is defined by working up the ranks, by name value and accreditation, by personal and individual success. I’ve began to reconsider whether this is accurate. Leaders are important, but not everyone can be president, and not every action in the workplace can be met with immediate results.
Such is life. I could continue to go through all the unresolved threads in my life and unknown impacts, but it would be monotonous. I hope our furry friend from Tangier is okay, I hope the trees we planted blossom, I hope every child at the schools we visited grows up to be successful. A thousand ripples of impact are not as satisfying as one massive wave, but that is something I must learn to be okay with.

Review from Guidestar

1

AddieSimkin Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/03/2022

Grafting: From Farm to Table

On Monday I made couscous. That morning, we traveled to a HAF tree planting site to learn about grafting. Abdelilah taught us that grafting is important to the carob trees he supervises because when grafting, the farmer can select for the best flavor and the trees produce fruit years faster than otherwise. We fastened male branches to female trees with strips of plastic and learned that the spot would be fully healed in a month. The tree can accept and integrate a foreign limb into itself in a matter of weeks—standing on the mountainside among farmers who had welcomed and fed us breakfast that morning, I wondered how long it would take for them to integrate me into their community if I stayed. How long would it take for our relationship to bear fruit? Certainly longer than a day.
Maybe shorter than a month. After watering and grafting the saplings, we waited for lunch. I wanted to make myself useful, so I asked Abdelilah to introduce me to the women in the kitchen. They were preparing couscous, and had already cooked it twice. Luckily for me, couscous needs to be cooked three times. I learned how to mix couscous so it doesn’t clump between cooking—all three women supervised me. I washed the dishes before we plated the meal, and helped level the couscous before we added vegetables. The process was methodical and clearly intuitive to the women, which meant that each time we miscommunicated or I made a mistake, we all laughed. I imagine that my biggest strength in that kitchen was being comfortable as the butt of the joke.
Although I did not belong in that kitchen—I would describe myself as a welcome interloper—I learned more and connected more with the women in the half-hour I spent with them than I did all morning as the farmers taught us about irrigation practices and carob trees. Perhaps I had an easier time in the kitchen, a women’s space, as a woman. I remember that one niqabi had to re-veil herself every time a man entered the kitchen, but uncovered her face when he left: I was only privileged to see her face because of my gender. One grandmother gave me a chair and hugged me while we watched the others ladle chicken onto the beds of couscous. Neither of them thought twice about these everyday intimacies, but they have stuck with me through the week.
When we finished lunch and left their village, each of them hugged me and kissed me good-bye. There was no tape to hold my branch to their tree, so I left. Throughout my time in Morocco, I have made mayfly friends: we know each other for a day or two and then we part ways forever. Even though the graft has no time to heal, I do feel nourished by the connections I have made. Given a month to grow together, I imagine that the women could teach me to integrate into their lives. I would know how to cook couscous, and my hands would stop burning when I mixed it. I would know how much water to draw from the well and how much to dedicate to washing dishes and hands. I would know how to express my gratitude to the women who taught me.
HAF’s mission of community-led sustainable development seems to work on two mutually constitutive levels: first, the Foundation works with cooperatives and communities to plant trees, empower women, dig wells, and so on. These organization-level projects are designed with the intention to improve people’s lives. But the organization-level projects, like the carob trees we irrigated on Monday morning, are only feasible because of human connections forged between individual representatives of HAF and the communities: individual, human level connections like making couscous is necessary to the broader mission of the organization. Mayfly friendships are the tape which enable HAF and local communities to join together.

Review from Guidestar

htuorin Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/29/2022

UN 2030 Water Conference First Stakeholder Online Briefing

By Hanna Tuoriniemi, HAF Intern and University of Michigan Student

Water has a complex relationship with the Sustainable Development Goals. On one hand, water is a necessity that everyone deserves access to. However, water can also be dangerous in terms of climate change, when we experience an increase in flooding and hurricanes. How will we balance this fine line between too little and too much water? This enormous question will be answered during the UN 2023 Water Conference.

The First Online Stakeholder Briefing for the event took place on June 15th. The briefing previewed how the Water Conference will be structured and the importance of holding the event. The conference will be guided by three pillars: everyone will be involved, there will be solutions proposed for many, and the solutions will be utilized to create impact.

The 2nd Dushanbe Water Conference was a preview for a similar context that will be implemented during the 2023 Water Conference. The event highlighted actions that must be taken in the Water Decade. Henk Ovnik also indicated that the event proved that there is a willingness for stakeholders to come together and act. The story of Mina Guli, a runner who is an advocate for water, was told. Guli has started the mission to run 200 marathons in 12 months, ending during the conference. If Guli can achieve this massive feat, then we can achieve a solution to all water-related issues.

The 2023 Water Conference will decide what we must continue doing and what we must change in terms of dealing with water-related events. The event must challenge its current framework and create new initiatives that will provide water equality and protection from water-related disasters.

The High Atlas Foundation is fully committed to assisting rural communities in Morocco in achieving their water provisional, infrastructural, and management goals. HAF builds with farming communities drinking water systems, including ones based at schools. Further, HAF supports water for irrigation infrastructure for both organic fruit tree nurseries and fields of cultivation, especially such initiatives entirely managed by women’s cooperatives.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/06/2022

How to Achieve the 2030 SDG Agenda through Effective Partnership and Collaboration

Hanna Tuoriniemi, HAF Volunteer and University of Michigan Student

On February 2, I attended the 2022 ECOSOC Partnership Forum on behalf of the High Atlas Foundation, along with HAF President Yossef Ben-Meir. The theme was “Building Back Better from the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) While Advancing the Full Implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development,” and it covered a variety of strategies for achieving this goal. These strategies include an emphasis on collaboration through partnerships, an increase in multilateralism, a better understanding of the importance of multi-stakeholders, and a priority in ensuring that everyone’s voice can be heard.

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the aggressive goals in the 2030 Agenda even more difficult to achieve. However, the common theme throughout the forum was that if there is effective collaboration between all stakeholders, whether it be through the United Nations, businesses, non-profit foundations, or academia, sustainable change is possible. It is important to understand that every stakeholder is part of the journey to reach the goals of the 2030 Agenda.

One goal that the ECOSOC Partnership Forum highlighted is the importance of bridging the digitalization gap. During the event “Bridging the Gap: Addressing the Vacuum in Multilateral Governance of Digital Technology to Close the Digital Divide and Support Efforts to Leave No One Behind,” experts discussed what is causing the digitalization gap and potential solutions for it. The issue with digitalization is that the technological wave hits developing countries in bits. Because this industry develops so rapidly, it is hard for developing countries to catch up. This part of the forum highlighted potential solutions for this divide. The experts suggested that the world should strive to make technological changes more inclusive and increase the responsiveness of multilateralism in the technological sphere. Multilateralism has the potential to increase digital equality and ensure that everyone has proper access to the digital world.

More ideas were discussed during a second event, “Building Back Better from the Bottom Up: Collaboration with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises for SDG Implementation.” Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) were hit hard by the pandemic, specifically those that are women-operated. In order to help SMEs increase their resilience, the government must be supportive. There must be a place for SMEs to be able to voice their struggles and have solutions readily available for them. One way in which governments can help SMEs is to lower the taxes imposed on them and to offer developmental services.

“Partnerships, UN Reform and a New Multilateralism to Build Forward Better” discussed the importance of creating new solutions for increasing sustainable development. In order for these solutions to work, every entity must be involved and engaged. It is also important that everybody has a seat at the table in order to offer a diverse set of ideas and support better informed decision-making. This way, many solutions can be formulated from multiple perspectives.

During the event “Financing for the SDGs in the Era of COVID-19,” experts discussed the importance of developing a framework to meet the 2030 Agenda after COVID-19 proved to be a major setback. This is especially the case in smaller countries where there is greater dependence on imports. The speakers noted that in order to overcome this obstacle, debt relief will be a critical factor and structural reforms must also be made.

The High Atlas Foundation has been and will continue to be a driving force that will help the United Nations achieve the SDGs for the 2030 Agenda, as they are increasing sustainable development in the non-profit sector. For each tree that the foundation plants, they will help create a cleaner environment, craft more opportunities for women in Morocco, develop stronger inter-religious partnerships, and establish a bright future for the youth. The High Atlas Foundation will help to ensure that COVID-19 does not stop sustainable development.

Review from Guidestar

ryanwinegardner Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/22/2022

Many Threads, One Fabric: Akrich and Moroccan Culture


Ryan Winegardner, UVa/HAF student-intern
When the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) team took the University of Virginia interns to Akrich, it was the first time we had left the red walls and palm trees and cool avenues of Marrakech since arriving four days previously. Compared to Charlottesville, it was a landscape enveloped in the wind and the sun. The hills rose and fell and the Atlas mountains towered in the distance, but it seemed there was nothing separating Akrich from the sky above.

After we got off the bus, the Muslim guardian of the Jewish cemetery met us and retold the story of the cemetery. It was here that Raphael HaCohen, a Jewish saint, had died seven hundred years ago. A shrine was then erected in his honor, and a cemetery followed. Here, the guardian’s grandfather, and his father, and finally the guardian himself have maintained the shrine for the Moroccan community. While the cemetery is reserved for Jewish people, the shrine was not a site maintained just for them but anyone who came to visit and pay respects. But when many of the Jewish-Moroccans left for Israel in the 1950s, their sites began to be forgotten by the broader community. So this shrine, under the Muslim guardian’s care, was re-dedicated as a place of pride for Akrich when HAF partnered with the Moroccan Jewish Community to establish a tree nursery at the cemetery. From seed to sapling, the tree nursery grows commodity products such as figs, pomegranates, and carobs that will be delivered to farmers across Morocco. The guardian retold this inside the shrine, where Raphael Hacohen’s body still rests, visited by people of all kinds seeking blessings of health and healing. Meanwhile, the trees grown just outside the shrine will prevent soil erosion, return Carbon Coin investment, and enrich communities across Morocco. Thus, the shrine at Akrich heals in many ways.

Then HAF took the UVa interns to the women’s cooperative, who held an exhibition of their rugs. Art exhibitions always have a sanctified air—introspection and outrospection. We admired the rugs, and the women watched us admiring the rugs, and we watched the women watching us. We wondered what they thought of us. Maybe they wondered the same. Recursive forever like a hall of mirrors, you look outwardly at an art exhibition, but become compelled to study yourself just as much as you do the world around you. No one spoke here. No one needed to speak.

After a while, I climbed up a hill behind the shrine and sat and watched the landscape. Kestrels circled overhead on a vent; songbirds called to each other from olive branches; the wind blew softly over the town and towards the Atlas. While I sat here, a shepherd drove his flock up the hill. He stood proud and straight, as if reaching toward the sun, and I was crouching low to the earth. I raised my hand; he raised his. In this brief moment, we each wondered what the other was thinking, what the other was doing, what we wanted to do; and in this moment, we recognized each other in a mutual greeting that could perhaps be considered respect. Not a word was shared. Not a word was needed. He continued down the other side of the hill, and I remained among the kestrels and songbirds and shrubs. For just a moment, there was a thread, a yoke, a bridge that connected him and me in mutual introspection. It was a moment much like the rug exhibition of the women’s cooperative. It was a moment like kneeling before the shrine of an ancient and revered saint.

Since arriving in Morocco, I’ve often wondered why I came here, and what good I can even do. Besides buying a couple rugs from the cooperative, the UVa interns did nothing during our visit to Akrich. This troubled me at first. But I think that we were meant to learn what a Moroccan community can look like: a Jewish site, a women’s cooperative, a Muslim family, and village people working together to help themselves and each other. This type of community of plurality, while not completely alien, is not as well practiced in the States as in Morocco. I think the UVa interns touched the essence of this: certain moments in Akrich zapped me, like grazing an electric node, to introspection and awareness of myself. What constitutes me? What constitutes this shepherd? Though the threads of our lives are different, they can be woven together into one fabric. A community isn’t a perfect thing. Just because people work together doesn’t mean they’ll do good. But in order to tackle the looming challenges of the 21st century, being bound like a fabric with your neighbors is better than being a loose thread.

Review from Guidestar

Chtatou Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/19/2022

Analyse – Maroc, pays du vivre ensemble
17 juin 2022

Par Dr. Mohamed Chtatou

Un regard sur le programme USAID Dakira

Le but du programme Dakira de l’USAID est d’explorer et de renforcer la solidarité interreligieuse et interethnique par le biais d’efforts communautaires qui préservent l’héritage culturel au Maroc à travers deux objectifs primordiaux :

Objectif 1 : Renforcer la préservation religieuse et culturelle, l’apprentissage et la cohésion sociale; et

Objectif 2 : Soutenir les initiatives qui favorisent la tolérance, le dialogue interconfessionnel et le multiculturalisme.

Pour préserver le patrimoine culturel du Maroc, Dakira engage un réseau solide d’organisations de la société civile locales diverses pour soutenir la mise en œuvre du programme. Grâce à ces partenariats, Dakira catalyse l’engagement diversifié et coordonné des acteurs de la société civile, des dirigeants communautaires et des parties prenantes locales pour discuter, réfléchir et apprendre sur le patrimoine religieux et ethnique du Maroc. Ces partenariats permettent la documentation et la diffusion des pratiques, des expériences vécues et des témoignages partagés par les parties prenantes, ainsi que la restauration du patrimoine matériel.

Le programme développe une approche intégrée et participative axée sur l’autonomisation des communautés par le renforcement des capacités et l’apprentissage par l’expérience afin de promouvoir le multiculturalisme, la cohésion sociale et la diversité. Cette approche participative est également à la base de la création de plans d’action partagés pour améliorer les futures opportunités de subsistance au sein des communautés ciblées.

Si la mémoire de la cohabitation entre musulmans, juifs et chrétiens est préservée, et si Dakira peut amener les gens vers une plus grande compréhension culturelle, alors une solidarité renforcée émergera qui améliorera les moyens de subsistance et servira de modèle pour le dialogue interreligieux au Maroc et dans la région.
Les résultats attendus de cette remarquable initiative sont comme suit:

1- Localiser, préserver et numériser les histoires collectives et individuelles, les visions et les archives (sous leurs différentes formes) de la diaspora marocaine et des communautés religieuses et ethniques migrantes;

2- Créer des outils éducatifs et de sensibilisation pour les facilitateurs et les participants aux initiatives de dialogue interconfessionnel, y compris les guides touristiques, les étudiants et les associations;

3- Démontrer – en particulier aux jeunes – l’importance d’apprendre, de comprendre et de préserver leur histoire locale, notamment en ce qui concerne les minorités religieuses et ethniques, le multiculturalisme et l’harmonie interconfessionnelle;

4- Améliorer les compétences techniques et narratives, le sens de l’objectif et la confiance des jeunes et des associations, afin qu’ils puissent mettre en œuvre des projets patrimoniaux utiles aux communautés; et

5- Augmenter la portée des campagnes de sensibilisation multimédia à travers le Maroc et la diaspora marocaine, en incitant les membres de différents groupes religieux à interagir sur des intérêts communs et des identités partagées.

Dakira, pour sauvegarder la mémoire collective

Le programme Dakira de l’USAID, mis en œuvre par la High Atlas Foundation et ses partenaires, l’Association Mimouna, la Fondation Mémoires pour l’Avenir, l’Association Mogador d’Essaouira, l’Association Argania, l’Association Sefrou pour les arts multidisciplinaires et la Fondation Miftah Essaad, vise à développer et à lancer une approche participative unique pour la préservation éducative de l’histoire multiculturelle du Maroc.

Le programme encourage les communautés locales à saisir, préserver et transmettre leurs souvenirs collectifs afin qu’elles soient mieux équipés pour s’approprier la revitalisation de leur propre histoire.

Cette approche d’introspection et de partage d’expérience entre les participants locaux maximise la construction de relations menant à des actions collectives qui améliorent les moyens de subsistance et une découverte approfondie de l’identité multiculturelle du Maroc.

La conférence a présenté des conteurs, rassemblé les gardiens du passé pluriel du Maroc, exposé des voies artistiques pour le dialogue communautaire, souligné les points communs entre les groupes religieux et ethniques à travers l’art et le sport et a réfléchi au rôle des jeunes et des femmes dans la durabilité du patrimoine. Des témoignages et des conversations avec les partenaires et les participants du programme Dakira ont incité les participants à contempler et à explorer les méthodes traditionnelles et nouvelles de préservation de l’histoire multiculturelle du Maroc grâce à des efforts communautaires collectifs.

Maroc, pays multiculturel

Dans un discours, feu Roi Hassan II avait déclaré que le Maroc est un pays qui puise ses racines en Afrique et respire par ses branches en Europe. Une belle métaphore qui résume la position géostratégique et l’identité culturelle plurielle de ce pays.

En effet, le Maroc a toujours été un pays carrefour, un point de rencontre entre différentes cultures et civilisations. Un pays de rencontre entre le monde occidental, le monde arabo-islamique et le monde africain mais aussi un pays d’échanges, de dialogue, de tolérance et de vivre- ensemble.

Le Maroc, sur le plan archéologique est le pays qui abrite Le site de Jebel Irhoud, devenu le nouveau « berceau de l’humanité » depuis la découverte de restes d’Homo sapiens de 300.000 ans considérés comme les plus vieux du monde, et qui a été classé patrimoine national par les autorités marocaines. La décision de préservation a été publiée dans l’édition de janvier 2018 du Bulletin officiel marocain. Sur le plan historique, le Maroc, en tant qu’entité politique et culturelle a plus de 6 millénaires d’histoire connue.


Sefrou, capitale du vivre-ensemble
Le Maroc à travers sa longue histoire a toujours été un pays d’accueil, de dialogue et de vivre-ensemble. Il a accueilli des populations juives expulsées en l’an 568 Avant Jésus-Christ par les Assyriens, en l’an 70 Après Jésus-Christ par les Romains et en 1492 par les catholiques espagnols après la Reconquista.

Le Maroc a été aussi le point de départ de l’Islam vers l’Afrique lors des dynasties amazighes des Almoravides (1040–1147) et des Almohades (1121/1147–1269). Un Islam qui est rentré dans ce continent par le biais les caravanes commerciales marocaines. L’islam africain s’est enrichi par la suite par l’expérience soufie marocaine de Sidi Ahmed Tijani.

En effet, une des écoles de pensée islamique les plus fortes et les plus puissantes présentes aujourd’hui en Afrique est sans aucun doute la tarîqah tijâniyyah qui trouve son origine dans la zâwiyyah tijâniyyah de Fès où son créateur Sidi Ahmed Tijani (1737-1815) est enterré. Pour le musulman africain, Sidi Ahmed Tijani est une figure islamique importante et son école de pensée soufie a indéniablement influencé positivement sa vie dans tous ses aspects à tel point que la ziyyârah de sa loge à Fès est devenue, pour lui, d’une importance religieuse secondaire après l’accomplissement du cinquième pilier de l’Islam : le hajj.

Le substrat culturel judéo-amazigh
L’un des pays les plus uniques d’Afrique du Nord et du Moyen-Orient est, sans aucun doute, le Maroc, non seulement en raison de ses nombreuses identités et racines culturelles coexistantes, mais aussi pour ce que ces influences ont apporté à ce pays, à long terme. Une question persistante se pose : d’où vient ce statut unique ? Les peuples et les cultures qui ont influencé le Maroc sont venus de différentes origines, mais ont laissé des héritages différents tout au long de son histoire, ce qui soulève la question de savoir comment l’héritage d’un pays ou d’une religion d’envahisseur ou de visiteur peut influencer la culture, les traditions, et même la religion d’une manière aussi profonde ?

À la base de toutes ces influences différentes qui proviennent du colonialisme, de la migration, du commerce ou de l’invasion, il existe des dénominateurs communs très forts qui ont permis aux deux plus anciennes fondations et influences de la culture marocaine, à savoir l’amazighité et le judaïsme, de persévérer par leurs influences et leur impact la culture, les valeurs du vivre-ensemble et la tolérance.

Le Maroc est largement connu comme une nation islamique, mais même avant l’arrivée de l’Islam au Maroc en 694, les Amazighs étaient les principaux habitants de l’Afrique du Nord, en général. Après la destruction du Second Temple juif en 70 après J.-C., la population de la région de Palestine, a fui principalement vers l’Afrique du Nord, en plus d’autres endroits comme l’Asie, l’Espagne et le Moyen-Orient, où elle a trouvé un accueil très amical pour leur mode de vie et leur religion. I

lls sont arrivés dans une Afrique du Nord occupée par les Romains, mais ont trouvé respect et compréhension mutuelle résultant de la rencontre des tribus juives et amazighes et de leurs civilisations respectives. Ils ont pu créer une base très solide et influente non seulement pour l’histoire , mais aussi, et surtout, pour la culture marocaine d’aujourd’hui.


Yossef Ben-Meir, président de la High Atlas Foundation, prononçant le discours d’ouverture de la conférence Dakira
Une influence durable comme celle-ci n’aurait pas été possible sans la relation et la compréhension solides que les tribus juives et amazighes ont eues dès le début de leur rencontre. Le mélange et la coexistence ont été le début de la relation judéo-amazighe qui a abouti à l’une des bases les plus durables, les plus influentes, et les plus transformatrices sur les valeurs et la tradition marocaines telles qu’elles sont aujourd’hui et qui seront connues sous le concept du substrat culturel judéo-amazigh.

Avant l’arrivée de toute religion monothéiste en Afrique du Nord, il y avait de nombreuses tribus amazighes différentes qui vivaient dans la régio

Review from Guidestar

sabinestratmann Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/19/2022

Experience Dakira: Diversity and Home in ‘Little Jerusalem’
By Sabine Stratmann, UVa student/HAF volunteer

What is an example of ‘home’? This question was asked numerous times during the Experience Dakira conference held from June 8, 2022 to June 10, 2022. With visitors from France, Africa, America, and other places of the world, each person attending Experience Dakira traveled to Marrakech to learn of Morocco’s heritage sustainability and multicultural preservation. This three-day conference, organized by the USAID Dakira program and held in Morocco, encouraged story-sharing and cultural outreach to promote intercultural dialogue and a remembrance of Morocco’s pluralistic past.

This question of what ‘home’ meant to people floated around the Palm Plaza Hotel and Spa’s auditorium, yet it remained unanswered for a while. Because the word ‘home’ does not have a direct translation from English to Arabic, many individuals with Arabic as their first language struggled to find a perfect definition. Those attending the forum tended to find it difficult at first to find their own meaning for the word. After some consideration, answers to the question ranged from one’s birthplace to where one comes back to when in need. But once the conference began storytelling of Morocco’s past, examples of what home was and can be in Morocco were portrayed.

One of the conference’s many spotlighted speakers, Dr. Mohammad Chtatou, captured the essence of the word ‘home,’ as well as Morocco’s history of pluralism. Illustrating the tolerance of diversity in Morocco, Chtatou cited the locality of Sefrou, which he referred to by its famous nickname: ‘Little Jerusalem.’ Speaking before some 150 people, all from various backgrounds and belief systems, Chtatou described Sefrou as a city near Fez, set directly next to the Atlas Mountains, and an area in which Muslims, Jewish people, and Christians lived with one another in harmony and acceptance. Chtatou argued that there is a distinction between occupying space side by side as opposed to the different ethnic and religious groups in ‘Little Jerusalem’ living with one another.

Founded in 682, Sefrou was a home for tolerance. Dr. Mohammad Chtatou began his description of the locality by recounting how Jewish mothers breastfed Muslim children when needed – emphasizing the sense of community and trust that thrived in Sefrou. Among its many waterfalls and fruit trees, Sefrou inherited multiple languages as well, with Hebrew, French, and Arabic spoken -- each language valued and preserved. Near the Wad Lihoudi, meaning “The River of the Jew,” lay the heart of the city and the Jewish district, known as the mellah. Chtatou argued that the positioning of the mellah and its walled off fences further illustrated the cultural tolerance and brotherhood that marked ‘Little Jerusalem.’ Because of its significant positioning in the city, its formidable walls, and settlement within Muslim neighborhoods, those who lived in the Jewish district were given a sense of security.

A center for trade, Sefrou was considered both an economic hub and the home to one of the largest settlements of Moroccan Jewish people. Due to the locality’s close positioning to the Middle Atlas Mountain range and prior Saharan trade routes, people of various religious and ethnic backgrounds flocked to its locality. As the starting point of the caravan trade, salt and gold were often transported and traded intercultural.

The great Jewish presence of ‘Little Jerusalem,’ Dr. Mohammad Chtatou explained, critically diminished during the reign of Idris II of Morocco, who enforced Jewish conversion to Islam. As a result, many Jewish people immigrated to Israel or France. Along with the 1960s war in the Middle East, the population of Jewish people dwindled more greatly in Morocco by 1967. Today, Sefrou is a reminder of the religious and cultural diversity only by the remaining architectural structures dedicated to the Jewish population and a yearly festival that honors its past diversity.

Experience Dakira called for attendees to remember past Moroccan stories and culture, like the history of ‘Little Jerusalem.’ Dr. Mohammad Chtatou, like many of the speakers that brought light to Morocco’s often forgotten past, called for those attending to not only remember Morocco’s multicultural tolerance, but to emulate the same morals today.
So, what is ‘home’? An answer to that question can vary greatly depending on a person’s background and culture. But when asked about what ‘home’ meant to a room with some people not knowing what home truly is to them, Chtatou offered an answer. What once was ‘Little Jerusalem’ was a home to the mosaic of religions and ethnicities – it was safe, exercised brotherhood, and offered prosperity. Sefrou offered no judgment during its prime of diversity, and was a home to many.


Review from Guidestar

1

AlaouiYassine Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/14/2022

“The Role of Higher Education in Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis”: Reflecting on a Webinar

By Yassine Ismaili Alaoui, Legal Aid Clinician, Master’s student of International Business Law

It was a pleasure to attend a recent webinar about the connexion between refugees and education hosted by McMaster University. The theme was “The Role of Higher Education in Addressing the Global Refugee Crisis,” and it covered a variety of strategies to enable refugees to benefit from education.

This webinar allowed me to have a real and concrete knowledge that I did not have about the refugee crisis and the obstacles that they have to face in having a good education. Among the challenges that they have to face are these:

● Distinct procedural barriers (e.g., to disclose their status)
● Financial challenges (e.g., to pay international student fees without access to financial aid, such as scholarships and/or institutional awards)

These barriers not only close doors to opportunities that others take for granted, but also force these young people into precarious employment, housing, and social situations that make them vulnerable to abuse.


The webinar also focused on the different initiatives that the international community must take. Without immediate and bold measures adopted by it to counter the catastrophic effects of Covid-19 on refugee education, the potential of millions of young refugees living in some of the most vulnerable communities in the world will be put a little more at risk.

Although children in all countries have suffered the impact of Covid-19 on their education, refugee children have been particularly affected.

In crisis contexts, consideration must be given to the social and emotional issues that affect the learning of displaced students and those of host communities.

Finally, the present webinar that I attended, proposed a package of recommendations that are very relevant such as the following:

● Educational institutions and other bodies, such as student unions, advocacy groups, and non-governmental organizations, need to work together to address the global refugee crisis. There is power in the collective and power in numbers.
● A long-term commitment from higher education institutions is needed for refugees' education, resettlement, and integration.
● Reimagine internationalization policies, practices, cultures, and programs. Be intentional about including refugees in those strategies.
● Create and develop a support infrastructure for refugee students including access to educational pathways and programs and other academic support programs, integration such as leadership, and economic empowerment programs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected children and young people, their parents, and their communities in almost every country in the world. The resulting global education crisis will have far-reaching long-term consequences for all those displaced from their homes.

Inclusion of refugee/migrant children and youth in education systems, therefore, needs to be accompanied by system strengthening, which requires support from humanitarian and development agencies.

Despite the short period of time of the webinar, I am grateful to the Legal Clinic who shared with us the link. It was a pleasure to attend it, and it enabled me to obtain information that I did not know before.

Photo credit: AAREF WATAD / AFP / NTB Scanpix

Review from Guidestar

KCashman Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/06/2022

The اشبارو Women

by Kelsey Cashman, UVa student/HAF volunteer

Behind every handmade rug, there is a story. Tucked away in a rural community of the
Tamaslohte commune in Akrich, a mere 30-minute drive from the center of Marrakech, is a
cooperative of women from the اشبارو (Achbarou) village. These women have been making rugs
for generations. Rugs are made to memorialize emotions, stories, and love. When the women
see the rugs, they remember something of the past. Moroccan women make rugs to pass on to their families. When their sons or daughters marry, a rug is made for them to signify the new stage in their lives. Behind the design of the rugs, there is a message. Every shape and every design has a meaning. When a woman’s daughter is pregnant, the mother begins a rug and works on it throughout the whole nine months. The final string is added at the exact moment of birth, signaling the moment when the new life is brought into the world.

The women in the Achbarou Cooperative, through the help of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), the Empowerment Institute, and the US Embassy, have been able to transform this tradition into an economic activity that helps them cover their household expenses. The twenty-two women working at the Achbarou Cooperative first participated in the HAF’s
IMAGINE workshop. They benefited from the participatory approach and their empowerment.
For the first time, they were asked about their desires and goals for their lives, and then were
told that these goals were possible. Inspired by the empowerment workshop, these women
took something with immense cultural and traditional importance and turned it into a
successful business. The women of Achbarou village, as a part of the project for Bolstering
Women’s Development in Rural Morocco, handmake the rugs through every step of the
process. Beginning with wool from local sheep, they produce yarn and string. This is dyed with local plants and herbs and hung outside to dry in the cooperative’s courtyard. The yarn is then strung across massive looms and the women begin the process of weaving the rugs. As the women only have time to work in between caring for their home and their family, these rugs can sometimes take years to complete. They are a labor of love.

When I walked into the display and work room, I was struck by the beautifully intricate designs covering the walls. There were rugs of all sizes, colors, and patterns. Half-finished rugs stood attached to the wooden loom. I was looking at thousands of hours of work. The women primarily sell these rugs to the High Atlas Foundation, but they are working towards expanding their clientele. Staff and volunteers buy these rugs for personal use, but many of these rugs also adorn the floors of the office work spaces and prayer room. One can buy a rug for $15 to $50, depending on the size and design, a price that does not nearly reflect the amount of time and effort put into each creation. The women are then able to use this money to help pay for the expenses of food, clothing, and utilities. In the spirit of Moroccan hospitality, the women invited us to tea and bread before we left their cooperative.

The Achbarou Cooperative is only one of the eleven women’s cooperatives that the HAF has
helped to create. It is also not the last, as HAF has facilitated sixty IMAGINE Workshops thus far, benefitting 1,242 people in 19 provinces, and more are completed each year. Women make up 97% of these participants. They approach these workshops with a desire to learn and to grow, and HAF does everything it can to fulfill this desire.

A major part of development is empowering women to embrace their potential within the workforce. Women from all over rural Morocco have been inspired to start cooperatives based on their passions, whether those may be cookies, salty snacks, quinoa, Argan or olive oil, clothing, rugs, or fruit trees from a nursery. There is so much that can be learned from each of these cooperatives, and I am forever grateful that I had the opportunity to experience the tradition of the اشبارو rugs.

Review from Guidestar

YassineAlaoui Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/07/2022

The Fight Against Human Trafficking
By Yassine Ismaili Alaoui, Legal Aid Clinician & Masters student of International Business Law

The Legal Clinic of the Faculty of Law in Fes, the National Commission in charge of the coordination of measures aimed at fighting and preventing human trafficking in the Kingdom of Morocco, and the European Council jointly organized a study and training in February 2022.

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. It violates the human dignity of the victims and inflicts great suffering on them, in particular by using their vulnerable conditions to exploit them.

Trafficking is often associated with debates on migration, but in reality it is not only a transnational phenomenon; it is also a crime with a strong internal dimension.

The exploitation of women, men, and children in several economic sectors, both legal and illegal, makes human trafficking a complex phenomenon that is often difficult to detect; its elements merge with other phenomena and the practices of traffickers evolve and adapt to different contexts flexibly and dynamically. Moreover, the victims of the crime rarely define themselves as such and are in many cases not willing to file a complaint.

Paradoxically, it is often the victims of trafficking who are the focus of the authorities' attention, particularly when they are foreigners in an irregular situation or people exploited in prostitution or in illegal activities.

The February two-day training gave us a solid educational base on the different elements that can lead us to detect the crime of human trafficking.

The different speakers presented to us the institutional and legal framework, specifically the law 27-14 that allows institutions and Moroccan civil society to engage in the fight against trafficking in Morocco in a coherent and collaborative global response effort. In addition, the legislative framework also includes principles of the UN Palermo Protocol to prevent, suppress, and punish trafficking in persons, especially women and children, which defines this crime through the framework of three elements:

● An action: recruitment, transportation, transfer, reception, and accommodation.
● A means or a way: threat, coercion or use of force, abduction, abuse of authority or weakness, fraud or deception.
● A goal: exploitation; this can take on different forms, including pimping or sexual exploitation, forced labor (domestic, agricultural, or industrial), slavery or similar practices, servitude, obligation to commit crimes, organ removal, and trafficking.

The training also focused on the detection of a victim of human trafficking, which was facilitated by Mrs. Aicha Sakmassi, Executive Director of the association Voix des femmes. This section aimed at reinforcing the operational capacities of identification and legal assistance to victims of human trafficking, guided by someone with expertise and knowledge of working in this field.

The last part of the training was a simulation exercise of a human trafficking trial that put us participants on the ground of the practice and enlightened us on the course of the trial proceedings before a judge.

In conclusion, it is essential to address the root causes of human trafficking in the prevention of the phenomenon, those being poverty, exclusion, social inequality, and gender discrimination. It is vital to strengthen strategies to combat the factors that promote and allow for this phenomenon to occur. This is very important because without solving the economic and social problems and without strong prevention, repression and fight will never be enough.


Training workshop with clinicians to identify victims of trafficking and their protection mechanisms.
Photo credit: Abdellah Laaboudi, Legal Aid Assistant, CJFD.

Review from Guidestar

AyoubLH Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/06/2022

« Cet article met en lumière la loi n° 27-14 relative à la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains au Maroc. Un simple résumé de cette loi et ses percussions. Cet article n'est pas encore publié. »
La traite des êtres humains au Maroc

Par Ayoub LAHMIL, Clinicien d’aide juridique 2021-2022 et étudiant en deuxième année master droit privé et sciences criminelles



Atelier de formation visant à doter les cliniciens d'un ensemble d'outils et de compétences pratiques dans le contexte du débat et du plaidoyer
Crédit Photo: Safae Bouhlala, Responsable de Programme, CJFD

Avec le trafic de stupéfiants et le trafic d’armes, la traite des êtres humains est l’une des activités les plus lucratives du crime organisé. Ce fléau constitue une violation des droits de l’Homme et une forme de criminalité qui affecte des personnes dans le monde entier et qui porte atteinte à la dignité humaine des victimes et leur inflige un traumatisme psychologique et de lourdes séquelles en exploitant leurs vulnérabilités.

Signataire de nombreuses conventions internationales visant à prévenir et à réprimer la traite des êtres humains, le travail forcé ainsi que le travail des mineurs, le Royaume du Maroc a fait un pas décisif qui marque davantage sa volonté de lutter contre l’ensemble de ces phénomènes en adoptant la loi n° 27-14 du 25 août 2016 « relative à la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains » qui incrimine explicitement la traite des êtres humains aux fins d’exploitation par le travail, infraction désormais passible d’une peine de 5 ans d’emprisonnement allant jusqu’à la réclusion à perpétuité (articles 448-1 et suivants du code pénal marocain).

Cette loi marocaine n° 27.14 souligne également la responsabilité de l'État à identifier et à aider les victimes. Les principales dispositions visant à prévenir la traite et à protéger les droits des femmes et des filles comprennent : préciser les infractions, les peines et les sanctions pénales applicables aux auteurs ; prioriser l'identification des victimes ; fournir aux victimes des services publics de protection, de soins psycho-sociaux, d'assistance médicale et d'aide juridique gratuite ; et créer une commission nationale pour combattre et prévenir la traite des êtres humains.

Dans ce courant, le nombre de victimes de la traite des êtres humains au Maroc a connu une augmentation significative au cours des trois dernières années avec un total de 719 victimes. L’exploitation sexuelle est la forme la plus courante de la traite des êtres humains au Maroc, avec 283 cas. Il convient de mentionner l’affaire la plus récente au Maroc qui a fait la une des médias marocains à savoir le « scandale du sexe contre les bonnes notes dans les universités marocaines » (Faculté de droit Hassan 1er à Settat ; ENCG de Oujda ; EST Casablanca ; l’école du Roi FAHD de traduction à Tanger) qui a révélé un flagrant abus de fonction de la part d'enseignants universitaires du fait de leur implication dans des crimes de traite d’êtres humains.

D'après une copie du procès-verbal de l'affaire, relayée par des médias locaux, les enseignants cités dans ce scandale ayant secoué l'opinion publique marocaine sont impliqués dans des crimes de traite des êtres humains et d'abus de fonction. Ce scandale a cloué les responsables de ces établissements au pilori.

Cette affaire parmi d’autres révèle au grand jour les lacunes et les manquements que connaît le Maroc dans la lutte contre ce phénomène planétaire. Il doit redoubler d’efforts pour renforcer ses capacités institutionnelles en vue d’instaurer un arsenal juridique complet qui permettra d’éradiquer ce fléau.

Review from Guidestar

Hassan.ouabid Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/06/2022

Le présent article tente de cerner le cadre juridique qui régit la traite des êtres humains. Un résumé des conventions internationales et la loi marocaine sur le sujet. Cet article n'est pas encore publié.
Traite des êtres humains : quel cadre juridique

(Atelier de formation avec des cliniciens pour identifier les victimes de la traite et leurs mécanismes de protection
Photo credit: Abdellah Laaboudi, Assistant d’aide juridique, CJFD.)

Hassan Ouabid – Clinicien de la troisième promotion de la Clinique 2021-2022 – Deuxième année en Master de Droit Privé et Sciences Criminelles
« Le crime contre l'humanité est la borne commune à toutes les cultures. La mission des droits de l'homme est aussi de préserver cette humanité à venir, ces générations futures, pour que cette humanité reste promesse. » Mireille Delmas-Marty.
Au sens du principe d’humanité qui signifie qu’une solution doit être trouvée aux souffrances humaines partout dans le monde, la loi tente depuis l’Antiquité de mettre fin à toutes les pratiques qui portent atteinte à ce principe, et on peut dire qu’elle y parvient dans une certaine mesure – notamment des pratiques comme l’esclavage.
Or, depuis des décennies, un crime d’un nouveau genre qui prend une forme modernisée de l’esclavage et qui porte atteinte à la dignité humaine a fait surface : la traite des êtres humains.
Ce fléau consiste en l’exploitation d’individus à des fins lucratives et regroupe plusieurs formes d’exploitation, les plus courantes étant l’exploitation sexuelle, le travail forcée, le trafic d’organes ou encore la mendicité.
Les efforts internationaux pour lutter contre ce type de traite remontent au XIX siècle. Toutefois, ce n’est qu’au cours des deux dernières décennies qu’un cadre juridique et légal complet a été instauré à ce sujet.
L’adoption en 2000 du protocole additionnel à la Convention des nations unies contre la criminalité transnationale organisée visant à prévenir, réprimer et punir la traite des personnes, en particulier des femmes et des enfants, a constitué un véritable tournant en la matière. Cette résolution a fourni la première définition internationalement acceptée de la traite des êtres humains : « Le recrutement, le transport, le transfert, l’hébergement ou l’accueil de personnes, par la menace de recours ou le recours à la force ou à d’autres formes de contrainte, par enlèvement, fraude, tromperie, abus d’autorité ou d’une situation de vulnérabilité, ou par l’offre ou l’acceptation de paiements ou d’avantages pour obtenir le consentement d’une personne ayant autorité sur une autre aux fins d’exploitation ». L’exploitation comprend, au minimum, l’exploitation de la prostitution d’autrui ou d’autres formes d’exploitation sexuelle, le travail ou les services forcés, l’esclavage ou les pratiques analogues à l’esclavage, la servitude ou le prélèvement d’organes.
Au sens du cadre juridique international de la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains, une Convention a été adoptée en 2005 par le Conseil de l’Europe. Cette Convention a établi comme premier principe de base, que la protection et la consolidation des droits des victimes soient garanties sans discrimination.
Au niveau national, le cadre juridique de la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains n’a vu la lumière qu’en 2016 par le Dahir n° 1-16-127 portant promulgation de la loi n° 27-14, ladite loi complète les dispositions du Code pénal, notamment les articles de 448-1 à 448-14 qui établissent les règles d'incrimination et de sanction pour ce crime.
Le législateur marocain énumère aussi dans cette loi les crimes qui relèvent du crime de la traite des êtres humains.
Pour qu’elle soit établie, la traite des êtres humains nécessite la réunion de trois éléments :
1. Un acte (ce qui est fait)
Le fait d'employer une personne, de la transporter, la transférer, l'héberger ou de l'accueillir pour la mettre à sa disposition ou à la disposition d'un tiers.
2. Les moyens (comment cela est fait ?)
Ce crime peut être réalisé par la fraude, les violences, les menaces, l’abus d’autorité ou tout autre moyen de contrainte.
3. Un objectif d’exploitation (pourquoi cela est fait ?)
L’objectif peut être sexuel ou l’exploitation par le travail, la servitude, l’esclavage…
Cependant, il ne devrait pas être nécessaire que l’exploitation soit effective pour qu’une infraction aux dispositions sur la traite des personnes soit retenue. Le Protocole relatif à la traite des personnes stipule clairement qu’il n’est pas nécessaire que l’exploitation soit effective s’il y a manifestation de l’intention d’exploiter la personne. Il suffit que l’accusé ait commis l’un des actes constitutifs, en faisant usage de l’un des moyens énumérés avec l’objectif ou, en d’autres termes, avec l’intention que la personne concernée soit exploitée.
Dans le cadre de la sensibilisation à la lutte contre la traite des êtres humains, un atelier a été organisé conjointement par la Commission Nationale chargée de la coordination des mesures ayant pour but la lutte et la prévention de la traite des êtres humains du Royaume du Maroc, la Clinique Juridique de la Faculté de Droit de Fès et le Conseil de l’Europe.
Atelier sur les techniques de détection d’une victime de la traite des êtres humains
(Crédit Photo : CJD/Fès)

Organisé les 18 et 19 février 2022, cet atelier était destiné aussi bien aux anciens qu’aux nouveaux cliniciens de la Clinique juridique de la faculté de droit de Fès qui ont discuté du cadre juridique national et international régissant la traite des êtres humains, et effectué des exercices pratiques pour identifier les victimes de traite des êtres humains et des simulations d’un procès de traite des êtres humains.

Review from Guidestar

1

Salma.derkaoui Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/25/2022



By: Salma Derkaoui, HAF Volunteer

“Thousands have lived without love, not one without water.” —W. H. Auden

World Water Day has been an internationally celebrated day on March 22 of every year since 1992. This day is a global occasion to demonstrate the importance of water in our lives and showcase the vital role of this natural element in the survival of humankind.

Globally, it is well known that water covers approximately 70 percent of our planet. However, only three percent of it is considered freshwater. Almost 2.2 billion individuals worldwide do not have access to clean and safe water, according to the United Nations. Also, inadequate access to safe water causes disease in vulnerable communities. By 2025, it is expected that two-thirds of the world’s population may face a water shortage. The worst part is that the most affected groups who experience this problem are women and children who are often tasked with collecting drinkable water some distance from their villages.

Pollution is one of the main reasons our planet Earth suffers from water scarcity, according to the World Wildlife Fund. In addition, the field of agriculture is one of the most draining of the global water supply where it consumes almost 70 percent of the world’s accessible freshwater. On the other hand, population growth remains one of the most obvious reasons for water shortage. Within the last 50 years, the world population has doubled, which has led to a larger need for water. Climate change is the most affecting element in this phenomenon and will be as long as humans continue pumping carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.

Nowadays, the effects of water shortages are more crucial than we first thought. Rivers, lakes, and aquifers are either drying up or are too polluted to use. As a result, almost half of the world’s wetlands have disappeared, alongside the damage that has been done to the ecosystems of our planet Earth.

In this regard, the High Atlas Foundation works with local communities across Morocco to provide water solutions, including clean water to villages in the high mountains and wherever the need is identified. HAF is grateful to its supporters of all levels who prioritize water projects, just as Moroccan communities continue to do.

Today, HAF celebrates World Water Day, a day which brings people from all over the world together to contribute to the betterment and development of societies. We are honored to have had the opportunity to distribute environmentally friendly water bottles from the Dailybottle Maroc to 180 school-aged children in the Tisfane commune in Taroudant province. As part of the activity, the students learned and discussed more the importance of preserving the environment and managing vital natural resources, particularly local water sources.

World Water Day is an important reminder for us to mobilize for the protection of our natural resources–particularly water.

1

Ikbale B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/21/2022

Moroccan Culture and The Radiance of Pluralistic Values
by: Ikbale Bouziane
Moroccan Jewish people’s material and moral conditions and cultural identity are important as a subject of study at this time given the significant role that Moroccan Jewish heritage plays in the tributaries that form the Moroccan identity.

According to today’s successful cultural development options, the Jewish dimension in Morocco’s history and heritage is at the heart of some cities’ territorial strategies in improving their attractiveness, including the city of Tiznit.

In fact, throughout the Kingdom’s history, the Moroccan Jewish people have been able to cultivate a collective identity, culture, and heritage in intimacy with Muslims within the framework of a shared destiny and future.

Morocco’s geographical location, position, political dynamism, and economic attractiveness have made it the home of the convergence of civilizations. Its evolutionary path imprints the features of synergy, coexistence and acculturation between a myriad of religious groups and cultures.

The tolerant spirit that characterized some periods of Morocco’s history, made Moroccan Jews even more involved in the politics and economy of the country. Not only that, they also had a distinguished presence in public life. They promoted notable cultural and intellectual Moroccan traditions, making the Kingdom a model to follow by nation-states in the region. Thanks to this harmony, the Moroccan Jewish model is cherished in the system of Jewish thought in general. And, this denies the claim of the absence of the Jewish groups from Morocco’s world of thought.

Efforts to dust off this multi-disciplined Jewish contribution have been relatively modest considering the richness of material available in collective memories and popular culture. The sustainability of Moroccan Jewish people’s experiences and skills in business, crafts, and trade is being valued and studied, causing a revival of culturally significant crafts and sites.

Based on the foregoing, a group of local researchers and experts conducted a scientific symposium in Tiznit due to its history as a stronghold of lively Jewish community since the end of the 19th century, investigating the topic as follows:

Highlighting selections from the history of the Jewish people in Souss by presenting cases and models of jurisprudential calamities between Jewish people and Muslims in order to study and document the historical structure that created the conditions for the involvement of Moroccan Jewish people in the world of thought and culture.
Looking at aspects of the social history of Jewish people in Oued Noun—Guelmim and Yefren—to demonstrate manifestations of cultural continuity and renewal as seen through similarities in traditional women’s outfits, jewelry making, and cultural celebrations (i.e., weddings, circumcisions) between Jewish people and Muslims
Examining the manifestations and idiosyncrasies of Moroccan Jewish cultural heritage and its approximation to current generations through local Jewish literacy (A Boy from Ifrane by Judeo-Moroccan novelist Asher Knafou and excerpts from a paper on Jewish funeral rites).
Reuniting researchers in the field of Moroccan Jewish studies, and putting together updated documents on the developments related to this field of specialization by making recommendations and sharing upcoming publication titles.

Review from Guidestar

1

AyaLadgham Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/17/2022

EAST AFRICA WORKSHOP ON STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT


By Aya Ladgham
HAF Volunteer

On the 25fth of February 2022, there was a meeting about how to build a platform for Research and Innovation Partnership on Food and Nutrition Security and Sustainable Agriculture.

Dr. Loannis Dimitriou started by talking about the challenges for this collaboration, such as no one knowing who is doing what or when, the fact that there are limited tools, that best practices are not shared,or not systematically managed, and that there are not a lot of resources.

She also talked about the objectives of this work like how to improve quality, how to map the project, and how to make new instruments for data analysis.

“We should make countries work together and promote more maintenance. Joining forces is important for the future. Finding the right information is very difficult. We hope in the future we will have advanced tools.”

The LEAP4FNSSA project was mandated to establish a sustainable structure or platform for the efficient and coherent implementation of the EU-AU research and innovation partnership as described in the FNSSA roadmap

Dr. Irene went on about the criteria of the platform, that it should be bi-continental, uniting Africa and Europe for the benefit of both continents, and dealing with common priorities. It also should be operational and open to all institutions, public and private.

Dr. Irene also talked about the international research consortium (IRC): a group of committed institutions that agree to work for the mid- to long-term toward a commonly defined goal. So who can join the IRC? Every institution that is willing to contribute to the FNSSA,

What are the benefits of joining the IRC? Becoming a member of the IRC may help to increase the impact of your initiative, optimize the utilization of your work and results, and gain greater recognition and visibility for your contribution to the success of the EU-AU platform supported by the highest authorities.

Lastly, eight months from now, in September 2022, there’s going to be the final write-shop and the launch of the AU-EU platform IRC.




Majda Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/11/2022

Atelier IMAGINE au Douar Al Makhzan
Majda Stitou, Assistante de programme de Union Européenne dans la région de Marrakech-Safi

L’atelier d’autonomisation IMAGINE effectué par la Fondation du Haut Atlas dans le cadre du projet ”Alphabétisation Familiale à Marrakech-Safi” financé par Union Européenne, a fait participer des femmes et de jeunes filles à une formation de 4 jours sur la découverte de soi, en renforçant leur capacité à surmonter les obstacles internes et externes et à réussir leur vie personnelle. L’atelier a été réalisé à douar Al Makhzan, qui fait partie de la commune Ijoukak, province Al Haouz, avec les femmes de la coopérative Douar Al Makhzan pour la valorisation des produits locaux.

Au moment de l’animation de cet atelier, les femmes participantes ont été motivées, enthousiasmées et souhaitent en savoir plus. En effet, Il y avait une véritable participation lors de l’atelier, nous étions proches d’elles, un point qui a facilité la communication. Le premier jour de l’atelier, c’était le jour de connaissance, de présentation du programme et la présentation des principaux axes de l’atelier. Les femmes ont été ouvertes pour recevoir, curieuses de savoir et de s’instruire encore plus.
“ les femmes sont très intéressés par l’alphabétisation’’ K.A
Lors de la deuxième journée de l’atelier, les femmes ont pu identifier les sources de force personnelle, dont les plus importantes sont la discipline et l’engagement. Elles ont pu aussi raconter, s’exprimer ouvertement de leurs sentiments tels que le bonheur et l’amour. Selon elles, l’amour est très intéressant, elles ont mentionné que « le vrais amour c’est l’amour des parents, l’amour de soi et l’amour de Dieu ». Un exercice de libération des restrictions a été effectué par les femmes pour dégager les sentiments négatifs qui bloquent leurs développements et cela grâce à la communication et l’expression.
“La coopérative doit être considérée comme une école” A.H
Le troisième jour, nous avons remarqué un changement de comportement des femmes en matière d’engagement et de discipline et aussi un changement de psychique et de mentalité. Les femmes ont été satisfaites de ce qu’elles ont appris et motivées pour acquérir des nouvelles connaissances et compétences. Cette troisième journée a été commencée par un Feed-back sur les points forts traités. Puis les femmes ont commencé à lister les points essentiels pour le renforcement de leurs personnalités. D’après ce qu’elles ont acquis durant les deux jours précédents, une participante a pu confronter son mari, alors que une autre a ressenti un grand confort psychique après le retour à la maison. Ce jour-là, les femmes avaient une énergie positive exceptionnelle qui leur donnait de l’optimisme, l’amour, le courage et une pousse vers l’avant pour réaliser leurs rêves.
‘’ je suis capable de confronter et capable de me défendre” Fatima.
Le dernier jour de l’atelier, le thème des relations a été abordé, les femmes avaient souligné que les relations sont basées sur la compréhension, la patience, le dialogue, le respect et la confiance. Elles ont aussi effectué un exercice d’amour de soi, elles ont discuté le sujet des relations conjugales, définissant les concepts de base et corrigeant les croyances erronées liées à ce sujet. Durant cette discussion, toutes les femmes ont convenu que le mariage est une institution sacrée et un projet lié à la religion, basé sur le respect et la communication et renforcé par l’amour éternel. Elles ont discuté aussi le sujet de religion, qui a un impact important sur leur vie, leurs l’attachement et leurs discipline en tant que pilier de base et source de confort et de force.

On a passé des moments inoubliables avec elles, des moments chaleureux pleins de joie et de bonheur et on a créé avec elles une relation solide.

Review from Guidestar

1

Bouchra-96 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/10/2022

Imagine Workshop in Tinfidin village

Bouchra Zine,
HAF Program Coordinator
« If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart. » Nelson Mandela
In regard to Nelson Mandela’s sentiment, the EU Family Literacy team in Beni Mellal-Khenifra didn't hesitate to ask Lalla Rachida to conduct an IMAGINE workshop in Tinfidin village, Azilal province, for a group of local women whose mother tongue is Tamazight.
The bad weather, the difficult road, and the harsh conditions made the EU team afraid that women would not attend. But, despite all the obstacles, 15 women benefited from the workshop's activities. They showed their higher motivation to change their situations. They are sure that the “journey of one hundred miles starts with a step,” and their journey starts with literacy classes.
IMAGINE in Tinfidin was full of tears and joy. Women found the activities funny and motivating. In particular, the meditation and the painting phases were well received because they had never seen or heard about that. But, when it came to expressing problems and fears, some women answered with tears.
People in Tinfidin village are really suffering. There is a huge lack of access to clean drinking water; it is more than 20 kilometers from the village by donkey for the women to retrieve it, and it is eventually going to end, too. For the water they use in their daily housework, they get it once every three or four months. Because of that problem, no one in the village has a toilet or a bathroom. Women were clearly begging the team for help.
The women of Tinfidin village were so happy because of our visit because no one had come before and asked them about their problems or tried to help them to change their situation. That's why they attended all the workshop's sessions, and they are ready to start the literacy classes.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the High Atlas Foundation and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.



Review from Guidestar

1

hiba.ou Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/08/2022

Among friends in Tameslouht

By Hiba Oulaasri
HAF Volunteer

It was a pleasure meeting new people from different cultures and religions during Friday's event.

Firstly, I did not have an idea what I would learn until I discovered that the event's larger purpose was to encourage cooperation between two countries, Morocco and Israel, and two religious peoples, Jewish and Muslims. I was very appreciative of this goal.

Our trip started traveling from the High Atlas office in Marrakech to Tameslouht. We arrived there and then started by meeting with a mixed group of Moroccans and Israelis.


As usual, we did our introductory presentation, "names, ages, what we all do for a living...", and then we conducted a workshop where each group would write about their idea of the other's religion, both before and after.

For my group's idea, we decided to draw a tree expressing the purity of a human being when they are born and then we wrote words that explains what social media and illiterate people said when we were younger. We then drew a leaf inside the tree and wrote words that describe our relationship now and expressed our feelings.

During this workshop, we discussed and clarified many of the wrong ideas and stereotypes about Jewish and Muslim people, which made us feel that we are more than friends but mostly like sisters and brothers and that at the end, all religion is humanity.

I want to thank Batel, Ronit, Ester, and Youssef for being my team partners and helpers, and a big thanks to the High Atlas Foundation, especially Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, for these unforgettable efforts to cooperate with our friends".

Review from Guidestar

1

Hamid H. Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/21/2022

حميد حنتوم، متدرب بمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير
حاصل على شهادة الإجازة في القانون الخاص
نساء طموحات ومستقبل مشرق
صباح السادس عشر من شهر فبراير انطلقت رفقة أعضاء مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير: السيدة حورية شوهب (منسقة ميدانية) والسيد حسن آيت واتوش (مسؤول لوجيستيكي) وسط دروب جبال الأطلس الكبير قصد القيام بزيارة ميدانية لمنطقة اجوكاك،
تلخصت الجولة في زيارة لمجموعة نسائية بدوار البور، والتي تتكون من 15 امرأة من نساء الدوار، اللاتي يعبرن عن الجد و التفاؤل، وهو ما تأكد لي بالفعل عندما فتحت السيدة سليمة متطوعة ب (Corps Africa) باب الحديث برغبتها الشديدة ونيابة عنهن في إنشاء تعاونية فلاحية تلم شملهن وتضمن لهن دخلا متواضعا، لتعطي الكلمة بعد ذلك للسيدة حورية حيث قامت بتعريف مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير وأهدافها وبرامجها، بعدها بادرت بطرح مجموعة من الأسئلة على الحاضرات لمعرفة احتياجاتهن، إذ تأكد لنا مباشرة أن جل ما يتحدثن عنه هو إيجاد يد عون تسهل عليهن انشاء تعاونية نسائية لإنتاج وتسويق الكسكس وصنع الحلويات المغربية.
بعد قطع أشواط من المناقشة بيننا وبين الحاضرات استنتجنا في الأخير أنه لابد من إنشاء مقاربة تشاركية ودورة من دورات التمكين الذاتي للمرأة حتى تتمكن كل واحدة منهن من التعبير عن رأيها والانخراط في النقاش من أجل اتخاذ قرار يرضي كافة أفراد المجموعة.
في الأخير، لا بد أن أتقدم بالشكر لمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير التي منحتني فرصة زيارة هذه المنطقة الرائعة والتعرف على أولئك النساء اللاتي يستحقن كل التقدير والاحترام على معاملتهن وتفاؤلهن بغد جميل متمنيا بدوري أن أزورهن في قادم الأيام بعد أن يكن قد حققن ما اجتمعن عليه.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories
2

Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/02/2020

مراكش في 2/3/2020
حميد حنتوم
مستفيد من الورشة التكوينية التي قامت بها مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير تحت عنوان "التمكين النفسي"
___________________________________

نعلم جميعا أن الانسان غالبا ما تنخفظ معنوياته فيساوره شعور بالقلق والحزن فيحس أنه غير مسيطر على مجريات حياته وغير راض عنها، هذه المشاعر هي في الاصل جزء طبيعى من كتلة المشاعر التي تكوِّن الانسان، فعندما تتعاظم هذه المشاعر وتتراكم تحدث مشكلة تسمى مرحلة المرض النفسي.
فأنا بطبعي كانسان غلبا ما أحس بمثل هذا الشعور، ولتداركه
والحد منه الجأ عادة الى قراءة بعض كتب التنمية الذاتية أو مشاهدة مقاطع الفيديو قصد تطوير النفس وتحسين المؤهلات والامكانيات الشخصية العقلية منها والفكرية، والتي في نظري لا تجدي نفعا، بل لا همّ لأصحابها سوى الربح المادي فقط.
فلك أن تتخيل صديقي القارئ مدى سعادتي عندما حضيت بفرصة الحضور الى إحدى الورشات التدريبية التي قامت بها مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير تحت عنون "التمكين النفسي". لم تكن مجرد ورشة تدريبة عادية سواء بالنسبة لي أو لكافة المدعوين، بل كانت لنا بمثابة الدواء الشافي لما نحمله من مشاعر وأحاسيس سلبية تجاه أنفسنا وتجاه الغير، بل واكثر من ذلك فرصة كبيرة لمعرفة دواتنا وانتقالنا من حب الغير الى حب الذات.
نعم لم تكل مجرد ورشة تدريبية عادية، فعندما تترك قيادتها لعظيمي دولة الاردن الشقيقة الدكتور رياض محمد رمضان أبو شرف، والدكتور عبد الكريم الشافعي فستصل الى المبتغى لا محالة، فكلاهما حرصا طيلة أيام الورشة على جعل المتشائم متفائلا متيمِّناً، والمكتئب فرحا مسرورًا، والمنهزم منتصرا فائزًا، والفاشل ناجحا فلحاً، والضعيف قويا رزيناَ، وغيرها من الاحاسيس السلبية التي ترجمت لاحاسيس ايجابية ظهرت اثارها بشكل واضح على وجوه المستفيدسن.
الدكتورين القديرين لم يصفا الدواء فحسب، بل تعدا ذلك ليقدمو لنا ما يشبه الترويض الطبي لانفوسنا وأروحنا بشكل خاص، ولعقولنا واجسامنا بشكل عام، حيث قامو في بادئ الامر بتقريب المشاركين ببعضهم البعض، لتليها التعريف بالورشة وأهدافها ونتائجها تم السفر بنا الى معالم التمكين، والوقوف عند اسواره والدخول من مختلف ابوابه ومعرفة خباباه.
كانت نتيجة الورشة وبشكل جليّ أن كل منا تقرب الى نفسه وتصالح معها، فاصبح واثقا منها مؤتمنا بها، الشيء الذي جعله يشاركنا أفكاره ويقدم لنا أرائه ومداخلاته دون اي خوف وارتعاب، كما أصبح كل منا زميلا للاخر رغم فارق الاعمار والمستوى التعليمي والفكري حيت امتزجت تجارب وخبرة رجل في سن الثمانين بثقافة شاب في عمر العشرين، لتعطي لنا فكرة مفادها أن السن مجرد رقم لا غير، وأن الشباب شباب الروح والقلوب ابدا لا تشيخ، وأن في الحياة متسع لكل شيء، وان الانسان هو من يلون حياتة بطريقة نظره اليها، أحب ذاتك وسمو بها، فلا يمكن أن تحب غيرك مادمت لم تحب نفسك.
هذه خلاصة اليوم الاخير وسط جو يسوده فرح ما كتسبناه ممزوج بطعم ألم الفراق. وكل منا يمرر لهيب شمعة تحملها أنامله قاطعا الوعد على أنه كما أوقد شمعته سيوقد شمعة غيره، وكل ما لقِّن له سيلقنه لمن هو في حاجة إليه.
فشكري الجزيل لمؤسسة الاطلس الكبير في شخص رئيسها السيد يوسف بنمير على هذه المبادة القيمة
وشكرا كذلك صديقي واخي الرشيد منتصر على منحك لي فرصة الحضور.
الشكر موصول أيضا للدكاترة الكرام السيد رياض محمد رمضان، والسيد عبد الكريم الشافعي. قائدي واساتدة التكوين
شكرا لكافة الزملاء المدعوين اللذين لبو النداء وحضرو بشكل متكرر طيلة مدة التدريب.




Review from Guidestar

2

Youssef-Mazdou Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/13/2022

by Youssef Mazdou ,

" تعميم دور العيادة القانونية "

" بناء على فلسفة مرحة ، وبعيدا عن كل الالتواءات في التعبير؛ إن ما يحتاج إليه الإنسان في الوقت الراهن هو الخروج من حالة الانغلاق حول الذات إلى إقامة التواصل مع الآخرين". خانتني الذاكرة في استحضار قائل المقولة ، لكن مضمونها راسخ في الذهن أي أن الإنسان بحاجة ماسة في فتح علاقات جديدة بهدف كسب تجارب جديدة لإحياء الذات وخروجها من كنف الإنغلاق.

خطوة تلوى خطوة أخرى ، والإحساس يصور لحظات نابضة بالجمال ؛ حتى أصبحت أمام باب فوقه طبلت أنامل ناعمة ولافتة بيضاء تحمل شعار " المركز الثقافي نجوم المغرب "، انفتح الباب وفاحت منه سحر الثقافة والمعرفة بالكاد لا ينفصلان. وبدأ الإحساس مرهف ومتذوق لما يحوم وسط جدران البناية ؛ حينها أبلج حضور مكثف من كل الفئات ، يبدأ كل واحد منهما بمكاشفة الآخر في إطار ثنائيات تتسق بتواصل حتى النهاية المفتوحة.
كل الزوايا ممتلئة بشعارات " حركة المواطنون لعيش مشترك أفضل - مقهى المواطن Café Citoyen -" ، في برنامج أسبوع المواطن الذي سلط الضوء في إثراء التدريب على تبادل النقاش وتقريب تقنيات التواصل بين مختلف المتناظرين .

لَبَّيْتُ دعوة الحضور بأمر من السيدة أمينة الحجامي مديرة مشروع العيادة القانونية في مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير ونيابة عنها في تعميم دور العيادة القانونية. دُشِّنَ البرنامج من طرف أعضاء حركة المواطنون في أجواء تفاؤلية وخلق نوع من التفاعل من أجل تبادل التجارب وتعميم روح المبادرة ، بعدها أًدْلَ المتناظرين دَلْوَهُم في إحلال تجاربهم وأَبْدَوا أن مثل هذه النقاشات تشكل مجالا هاما للتواصل، وفرصة للإنصات والتحاور، وتقريب وجهات النظر، وإبراز الصعوبات ، وبلورة المقاربات والحلول .

حينها بدت الأشياء مغلفة بوشاح ، وكانت معالم الأنظار تتجه نحوي لتعميم دور العيادة القانونية نيابة عن السيدة أمينة الحجامي مديرة مشروع العيادة القانونية في مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير التي يرأسها السيد يوسف بن مئير وأردَفْتُ القول بأن العيادة القانونية مبادرة تم إطلاقها بشراكة بين مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، وجامعة القاضي عياض كلية العلوم القانونية والإقتصادية والإجتماعية بمراكش، وجمعية العيادة القانونية للدراسات والأبحاث، وبدعم من الصندوق الوطني للديمقراطية (NED).

وأن هذه الشراكة تزداد قوة وصلابة بكيفية دائمة ومستمرة بها تخدم المصلحة العامة وتستجيب لمصلحة الفئات الضعيفة للمجتمع، و ستكرس من تطوير العيادة القانونية من أجل تلميع الصورة النمطية للجامعة بأنها مركز للعلم والبحث العلمي؛ وانفتاحها على النطاق المجتمعي المدني. وقد وضع الأساس القانوني للعيادة القانونية في تقريب المعلومة القانونية وإعطاء المساعدة القانونية للفئات الضعيفة والهشة من المجتمع. وأنها تهدف إلى تأطير 67 طالب باحث بسلك الماستر والدكتوراه تخصص العلوم القانونية، من أجل تدريبهم على مشكلات حقيقية مع موكليهم الحقيقيين؛ وتقديم الدعم القانوني للفئات الضعيفة والمهمشة داخل المجتمع من خلال المشورة القانونية والمساعدة القانونية وتكريس مبادئ العمل التطوعي. وأن هذه التجربة أتيحت لطلبة الماستر والدكتوراه في جامعة القاضي عياض -كلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بمراكش-.

وأنا أجول بناظري بين جنبات الحاضرين وبدأ شكلي يسترجع ملامحه المعتادة ؛ وللخطوط استقامتها
أتممت الحديث في أن العيادة القانونية بجامعة القاضي عياض - كلية العلوم القانونية والإقتصادية والإجتماعية بمراكش- أصبحت محور مشروع تنموي؛ حيث تظهر أهميتها في تقريب المعلومة القانونية لفئات من المجتمع في إطار بناء جسور الحوار، وقد تبنتها مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير لثاني مرة بعد تجربة العيادة القانونية بجامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله بفاس. وعليه فإن الدينامية المرجوة من العيادة القانونية لن تتحقق إلا بتنمية الوعي الإجتماعي ، وتغيير العديد من المفاهيم والعادات للفئات المجتمعية وبتوفير الوسائل المادية والبشرية للنهوض بالمقتضيات القانونية ؛ والعمل على المقاربة التشاركية بطريقة شمولية أكثر واقعية.

ختاما أوجه شكري للساهرين على هذا البرنامج النير، كما أعتبره فرصة لأشيد بالدور العام الذي ستلعبه العيادة القانونية بجامعة القاضي عياض - كلية العلوم القانونية والإقتصادية والإجتماعية بمراكش- في سبيل الإنخراط في أوراش الإصلاح والتنمية التي يشهدها المجتمع المغربي، لذلك فأصبح من الأكيد أن الجميع ملزما بالمشاركة والتعاطي الإيجابي مع التحديات المستقبلية والمساهمة في التنمية البشرية المستدامة وتعزيز العدالة الإجتماعية.

وهكذا أسدل البرنامج ستاره في أجواء صار فيه الكل يتموج ويتراقص على أنغام التواصل والحوار في نطاق التلاحم الإيجابي.


يوسف مزدو - مساعد مديرة مشروع العيادة القانونية في مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير.

Review from Guidestar

1

Amarirh Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/11/2022

First Time Volunteering
By Soufiane Amarirh, HAF volunteer

On Monday, January 17th, I had the honor to come and participate in an exceptional work with the High Atlas Foundation. It was actually my first time doing tree-planting activities and giving students awareness of the benefits of tree planting. We started with a primary school in Marrakech, called al Mokef, an old school with four decades of history. We were very well received by the principal and teachers like students, who were very happy to be part of the program. We planted as many trees as we could and what caught my attention the most was how members of HAF took notes on problems that students and teachers face every day in school. The next stop was a secondary school, a boarding school called al-Mansour al-Dehbi, and we were greeted by its students who are members of the school's environmental club. We started the activities as we did before in the first school, and today's task was 100% successful. This is just one of the thousands of programs that HAF organizes every year across Morocco,
I really enjoyed my volunteering with the High Atlas Foundation, and I can't wait to do it again.

Review from Guidestar

1

Jamal_Intern Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/31/2022

Great experience doing an intern as a Fundraiser and handling social media for the foundation. I learned the skill of writing good fundraising proposals, and became good in blogging as well. I also participated in selling organic oil for the social enterprise High Atlas Agriculture and Artisanal, directly contributing to gathering funds to various development projects. Got several new friends amongst my co-workers and other interns as well. Highly recommendable place to conduct an internship.

Review from Guidestar

Ilham Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/24/2022

Women Who Defy Stereotypes

Safi Ilham, HAF Volunteer

"A woman is a superheroine. Besides raising children, she can help build houses, manage offices and plant trees. She just needs to be trusted," said Souad.

On 17 January 2022, my colleague Bouchra and I went to Errouichia village where one of High Atlas Foundation’s planting day activities took place. The village is 14 kilometers away from Beni Mellal city. It is rich with orange, olive and pomegranate trees.

When we had just arrived there, women were so pleased to welcome us, their smiles showing their higher motivation for the activity. We shared with them some information on how the almond trees should be treated, but we were surprised that they had already been aware of the trees' type, age and watering process.
After planting ten almond trees, we took 15 minutes to discuss the cultural tree planting activity. Women shared some proverbs, stories and Islam's opinion on preserving trees and the priceless value of a tree planting.

At the end of our meeting with the women, and after listening to their opinions, ideas and plans, I understood well the cause behind their excitement. They are such powerful women who want to prove to the world that not only men can plant a tree today and preserve it for their children's future.

Review from Guidestar

1

ABDELILAH Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/10/2022

تقریر حول الدورة التكوینیة
فیما یخص إدارة مشاتل الأشجار المثمرة
في إطار برنامج " ایكوزیا " قامت مؤسسة الأطلس الكبیر یوم الاثنین 13دجنبر 2021بدعوة السید عبد الرحمان
فتني مدیر المكتب الوطني للسلامة الغذائیة بمدینة الحاجب، إلى فضاء "مشتل أقریش" بجماعة تمصلوحت، وذلك للقیام
بدورة تكوینیة في إدارة مشاتل الأشجار المثمرة، بحضور فریق من المؤسسة والمتطوعین والمشرفین على مشاتل تسا
ویرغان، إیمكدال، تدممات، الیوسفیة، تارودانت، وكذلك المشرفین على التوزیع والتتبع
ھذا وقد تمیزت ھذه الدورة بتقدیم مجموعة من المعلومات التقنیة لمعرفة دور المراقبة والشواھد المقدمة من طرف
المكتب الوطني للسلامة الغذائیة، سواء من جانب الجودة أو حمایة النباتات والبذور
وكذلك كیفیة مراقبة التقني للفسائل داخل المشاتل والتعرف على أنوع الأمراض والطفیلیات ومسبباتھا وكیفیة الوقایة
منھا، سواء تلك التي تصیب الجزء العلوي أو السفلي للنبات
بھدف إنتاج جیل جدید من الأشجار بمعاییر معتمدة من طرف الدولة وتشجیع الفلاحین على التشجیر والحفاظ على
البیئة.
واختتمت ھذه الدورة التكوینیة بتسلیم شواھد المشاركة
في الأخیر أقدم كل الشكر والتقدیر لكل أعضاء مؤسسة الأطلس الكبیر وعلى رأسھم ذ. یوسف بن میر. على الدعوة
وكذلك على فرصة العمل مع فریق المؤسسة والحضور إلى مثل ھذه التجمعات التي أتمنى أن تستمر مستقبلا.
عبد الالھ بوكماز: متطوع بمؤسسة الأطلس الكبیر

2

NoahCedKohlmayer Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/20/2021

Visiting the Jewish Past of Morocco

by Noah C. Kohlmayer - HAF Volunteer

On Tuesday, December 7, my two fellow Austrian volunteers and I had the opportunity to join Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir for the last class he taught for the University of Virginia at the Jewish cemetery in the Mellah of Marrakech. Now, what is a Mellah? In Marrakech, the Mellah is the very old part of the Medina in Marrakech’s center and used to be the Jewish quarter. The Jewish cemetery holds the name Miâara, after the street name of the cemetery’s entrance. The Hebrew name of this cemetery is Beit Mo’ed LeKol Chai or בית מועד לכל חי . It was founded in the 15th century, even though it is believed that Jewish people have been buried in this area since as early as the 12th century.

During the visit, I came across quite a few small, white gravestones. Later, I learned that these were children’s graves of the thousands of children that had died during the typhoid fever epidemic. Further into the graveyard, blue tombs caught my eye. These colorful tombs are dedicated to the kohanim, also called Jewish priests. Another interesting fact that I learned was the fact that the Miâara Cemetery is the largest of its kind in Morocco. As the largest Jewish cemetery in a country of very rich Jewish history, it is a very popular attraction, especially for Jewish Moroccans - most of whom now reside in the state of Israel.

I enjoy visiting such cemeteries, even though, like so many of us, I link these visits with a grieving, melancholic and heavy-hearted feeling. During this last COVID-ridden year, I have lost a handful of family members and nowadays I try to overcome these sorrowful emotions that come up during cemetery visits of mine and remind myself that all of them are in a better, happier place now. Considering the past so many Jewish people have had to overcome, I think the cemetery we visited is a very positive, peaceful, and precious piece of land. Not only that, a Jewish cemetery can stay without any vandalism for all its centuries, in a nation that does not consider itself Jewish. But also, looking back at the peace talks between Morocco and Israel in late 2020, it all seems like it is headed towards a very beautiful future. Before exiting the cemetery, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir reminded us three that traditionally, one washes one's hands before leaving a Jewish cemetery. For me, this feels like a wonderful anecdote to tradition and the past.

Ultimately, after taking in the special energy of this historic and cultural cemetery, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir led us to the Synagogue of the Mellah quarter. This is not only a synagogue but also a museum of the Jewish past in Morocco. Slat al-Azama synagogue is built in a Moroccan style with an open atrium and the walls are covered in beautiful mosaic-style tiles. The visit to this Jewish holy place right after the cemetery was a very exciting and special experience for me.

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Noah C. Kohlmayer is a full-time HAF volunteer through the Austrian Service Abroad program.

This article was completed with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA), and the High Atlas Foundation is solely responsible for its content, which does not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the Government of the United States.

Read more REMA updates and stories on the HAF website, and browse REMA program photos on Flickr.

abby_loh Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/15/2021

The Moroccan New Development Model – Promises Fall Short
By: Abby Lohmeyer, Fall 2021 HAF Volunteer

The High Atlas Foundation is committed to furthering sustainable development. As an intern, I have experienced first-hand their dedication to this mission. Community beneficiaries determine and manage sustainable agriculture, education, women’s and youth empowerment, health, and capacity building. I spent the past three months analyzing the new development model for Morocco, in hopes that I would find a connection to further the HAF’s impact and hope for a better Morocco supported by its government.

The purpose of this document is to “release energies and regain trust to accelerate the march of progress and prosperity for all.” At first, I truly believed that the new model would do these things. It is very positive and encouraging that the new model recognizes the magnificent environmental richness and social symbol that Morocco bears. There is a wealth of opportunity in Morocco for food production with all of the distinct biozones. Socially, Morocco includes people of different ethnicities, languages, and differences. This gives opportunity for a harmonious, diverse, and solidarity life in Morocco is possible.

The beginning of the NDM starts off strong, powerful, and hopeful. It clearly acknowledges that it wants to give voice to honest public expression. It is surprising and reassuring to read the reality of Moroccan lives in a government document. Voices of the people who endure so much daily are now written, published, and available for every policy maker and person of power in the country.

With this being said, there is an innate difference between the intent of the document and the reality for sustainable change. There are words that speak of these great ideas of the future for the Moroccan people, but no actionable items. Nowhere in the NDM does it speak of how people from all sectors will be trained on how to catalyze and facilitate these processes. There is no way to require people’s participation in development while at the same time not giving experiential training.

A question one might ask is what is the importance of sustainable agriculture in Morocco? It is incredibly important, and tree planting in Morocco has the ability to do more than just give environmental and health benefits, but there is also the opportunity to bring communities together. Nurseries managed for the benefit of its people are generally nonexistent.

The further that I read through the NDM, the more I recognized its flaws and methodical wording. There is no direct recognition of the severity of inequality and the structural burden this holds, or to the extent that the urban rural divide impacts essential life conditions. The new model looks at sustainable issues from a macro level, rather than integrating community involvement from the start. Without a direct partnership with the Moroccan ministry of environment to local communities and civil organizations, sustainable change cannot move forward.

The model has a grand idea to bring together smaller organizations to enact sustainable development, but it leaves out a key element: most smaller organizations lack the initial financial investment to grow and succeed in the first place. It is sad to see that there is so much potential, yet so little aid given to Moroccan communities. The special report states that Morocco is lacking in technological innovation, but is this really the issue at hand? New innovation is not essential to solving systemic poverty. What rural areas need is basic water infrastructure and financial support to local members who are smart and willing to be the forefront of change in the area of sustainable development.

The High Atlas Foundation has a special interest in the new model. Not only does every employee want what’s best for the Moroccan citizens, but the nation’s determination to development could assist the HAF in grants and more. If regional councils were to partner with civil societies as the NDM suggests, it could make for broader partnerships across Morocco. There is currently no institution of the state with a responsibility to assist partnership building between agencies of the state and civil society business across all societal sectors. If there is one thing that I have learned from the HAF, it is that teamwork is the key to greatness. Yossef Ben-Meir, the president and co-founder of the High Atlas Foundation, stressed that there can be no tree planting without every person of their team involved. There are those who find the land, the financial advisors, those who plant the tree, the monitors and evaluators. If it takes such a grand team to make the HAF into the incredibly impactful organization that it is, then why not extend this team to the Moroccan government? If the New Development Model aims to not fall short on its promise to “accelerate the march of progress and prosperity for all” and really partner with local communities for sustainable development issues, then I foresee great things for the future of Morocco and the High Atlas Foundation.

Review from Guidestar

1

Mustaphatarhbaloute Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/14/2021

Renewable Energy in Youssoufia Province
By Mustapha Tarhbaloute, HAF Field Monitor



Renewable energy in Morocco is like a newborn, in the relatively early stages of development. It has become more popular in the last two decades as a step to overcome the huge expense of electricity as well as a way to decrease greenhouse gas emissions.

Thanks to the High Atlas Foundation and Germanwatch, the renewable energy project has made a difference in the El Youssoufia Province (in Douar Lkdirate in the Chamaia community). This province is known as the richest part of the Marrakech-Safi region, but unfortunately some areas still have limited earnings coupled with a shortage of underground water from which the community can profit. They depend on the limited agriculture there, so these types of projects are well received by the people of the village with open hearts and hands; they know that this is a new beginning to enhance the agricultural prospects and improve economic opportunities and livelihoods.

The project includes plenty of benefits for the community by supporting tree planting. The community needed this opportunity to be realized, and so they have contributed their lands to it, created a nursery with various types of plants, and connected the village with drinking water. A first well has been dug in the village, but seeing as the water is insufficient for the project and that the area suffers from ongoing water shortages, the team is considering digging a second well to cover the shortage and help the project succeed.

At the same time, the HAF team used the participatory approach with the women in the Douar, by creating a cooperative and scheduling technical training by experts. Through these actions, they will contribute to the project’s progress and improve living conditions, improving income generation.

The village will have solar panels installed to pump water from both wells for irrigating the nursery plants and also for clean drinking water, with 15-20 tons of storage. Every house will have a counter installed for regular management and to save water as much as possible. At the same time, water will be treated for bacteria and salt. Laboratories specializing in water treatment have been consulted and specialists will make periodic visits to monitor the quality of the water to be used for drinking and irrigation.

Using renewable energy will provide a well-organized irrigation system for the planting season and also play a big role in the community, especially with women who will take care of the nursery, and serve as an example of what could be done in the future.


Review from Guidestar

2

Timo_HAF Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/09/2021

Land & Carbon Lab

With our world's population constantly growing and the scarcity of land rising, this is and will come at the cost of our world's forests. Moreover, regarding the current alarming prognosis of climatologists, predicting a minimum of a 1.5°C rise in temperature by 2030, we are in desperate need of more reforestation through tree-planting programs. The milestones that are being archived in new forms of technology, especially in AI, are game-changers that are crucial for tackling the various associated problems of climate change.

In the webinar “Land & Carbon Lab: Addressing the Global Land Squeeze for Climate, Biodiversity and People” the director of the Global Forest Watch, Crystal Davis, emphasized the importance of monitoring forests; “Land & Carbon Lab is partnering with leading scientists and technologists to build a comprehensive monitoring system for the world’s land and its nature-based carbon. Our high-resolution geospatial data will help decision-makers everywhere, address the global land-squeeze and accelerate nature-based solutions to climate change.” The collected data is freely accessible to everyone and gives us precise information on our situation for the first time.

Andrew Steer, the CEO of the World Resources Institute, stated, “Due to the beautiful progress in technology, sponsors can now verify if their money is well spent, scientists can comprehend dynamics, and authorities can conclude what approaches are working.” This will amplify reforestation and fundamentally change our perspective .

“Current monitoring doesn’t catch single or small trees. These trees are crucial, and thus more precise information is needed,” claimed John Brandt. With the work he’s doing for resource watch, these trees are now added to the equation. However, the Land & Carbon Lab is looking beyond trees. Matt Hanson, founder of the Global Land Analysis & Discovery (GLAD) uses Earth observation imagery - for example NASA’s data - to investigate methods, causes and impacts of global land surface change. Hanson specified these trends as he pointed out that South America has tripled their cropland, whereas China is losing cropland due to their growth in industrial land. Therefore China needs to import a lot more.

The next speaker, Nancy Harris, Research Manager for Global Forest Watch (GFW), explained that even though trees remove more carbon dioxide as they grow, they also store more CO2 than fossil fuels. These are set free following forest fires. The carbon stock maps by GFW include those emissions and draw a clear overview for the user, to be able to fight global warming at its roots.

Rebecca Moore presented Google's approach on working with AI in order to classify landscapes in real time, which aims to be able to identify seasonal changes and natural disasters, like wildfires or the spread of ash after the eruption of a volcano. This data is now available to everyone.

But all of this knowledge is for nothing if scientists and decision-makers do not work together. The NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) try to meet the Paris Agreement and develop better framework conditions for effective climate change governance. It deals with the main issues of tracking the progress and strengthening coordination across national and international stakeholders to fast-track decisions and interagency collaboration.

In addition, indigenous people and local communities hold half of our world's land. The decision-maker's data is useless if people don’t know how to avail themselves of its use. Only 2-3% of global funds are put towards nature-based solutions. Jorge Pérez Rubio, an indigenous American in the Peruvian Amazon, witnessed a 50% reduction of deforestation on their land since they have the data of which parts are being deforested. They are now able to organise themselves and fight for their rights.

“Africa can demonstrate that preserving the environment and helping our people prosper actually go hand-in-hand,“ expressed Wanjira Mathai, former Minister of Environment in Kenya. “Africa has great restoration potential. Initiating in 2015 and spanning for six years, the African Union restored 128 million acres of degraded land.” Although two thirds of Kenya’s land is semi-arid or desert, it’s one of the most biodiverse landscapes in the world. Monitoring, transparency and accountability are the key elements for the transformative journey of Kenya's land.

Morocco is home to diverse landscapes and multiple climate zones, some of which could undergo a transformative journey as well. The argan tree for example, which only grows naturally in Morocco and can be found in the remote area of the Chtouka Ait Baha’s empty desert mountainscapes, is crucial to its region’s communities. The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) supports communities in planting the argan tree among other domestic trees to sustainably influence Moroccan communities. In addition, HAF uses a precise system of monitoring with the help of local people to enhance the survival rate of these trees. The work of HAF is proof that communication and cooperation between local communities, donors, authorities, and scientists is essential for sustainable development.

4

NoahKohlmayer Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/09/2021

Bolstering Women’s Development in Rural Morocco

by Noah C. Kohlmayer, HAF intern

In September 2020, the project of bolstering women’s development in rural Morocco was initiated. Since then, the project has shown great progress and results. It has been implemented within the AEIF 2020, which is coordinated by the US Embassy in Morocco.

This project aimed to provide two groups of rural women with new skills and tools in order to achieve self-empowerment and greater participation in their communities, whether that be politically, economically, or in the civic spaces of their individual community. Twenty participants in total had the opportunity to participate in language literacy, technical capacity-building, and empowering programs during this twelve-month period. After all this preparation, the goal was for each group to start their own cooperative in order to make a profit, support, and inspire others—especially within their rural communities.

From March throughout June, the women’s groups were busy with several workshops on topics such as catering an event, keeping track of documents and receipts, improving product quality, preserving natural resources, and last, but not least, exchanging ideas with other women in other cooperatives. Simultaneously, the US delegation of the Embassy visited and met with the newly-empowered women. Both parties were exceptionally pleased to become acquainted and learn about the progress these women have made in the past few months.

Furthermore, boosting their confidence and sense of self-empowerment were two goals of these field trips for each of the women’s groups. Some of them were leaving their village for the first time in their lives. One group focused on perfecting their artisanal carpet production and embroidery skills while paying a visit to the Achbarou Women’s group, whose focus of production is on handcrafted carpets. The other got the chance to visit Amal Women’s Training Center, where they learned about a catering and restoration business.

The AEIF project has a big beneficial impact on the lives of the women and their communities. They no longer have to count on their husbands for financial stability; instead, they have started generating their own income and can support the well-being of their families. Additionally, married women get more recognition from their now more open-minded partners. Moreover, the women are now able to read, write, and for the first time can help their children with homework, as well as encourage them to finish school.

A beautiful example that implements the great influence of this project is the youngest woman of the Sidi Ali Ofare village, who was forced to drop out of middle school seven years ago and left her dreams of becoming a lawyer behind. Fortunately, only two months after the beginning of the women’s empowerment project, she chose to go back to school with the goal of passing the baccalaureate and pursuing her dreams of becoming an advocate.

In conclusion, these 20 amazing, rural women are prepared for a sustainable future within their community. This incredible example also motivated other women to join the new cooperatives and has inspired neighbouring villages to establish their own.

Review from Guidestar

1

swhiteside2023 Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/08/2021

Written by Sarah Whiteside, UVA-HAF Intern, Fall 2021
The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, more popularly known as COP26, began on November 3rd and was a collaborative conference among 197 nations to address progress made in the first five years of the 2015 Paris Agreement. In this agreement, participating countries committed to efforts in attempts to prevent global temperatures from rising more than 1.5℃ above pre-industrial levels.

Many climate change experts cite COP26 as the last chance to influence the future of our planet and to enact significant changes with the potential to mitigate climate change. Although some religious leaders believe faith groups have no influence in climate change discussions, many share the idea that religious leaders can contribute a powerful voice to the future of our environment through their participation in climate change discussions and policies.

Prior to COP26, Pope Francis invited 40 religious leaders to the Vatican to engage in discussions regarding the urgency of climate change and the role of faith traditions in this environmental and humanitarian emergency; faith groups represented in these discussions included those of Judaism, Buddhism, Taoism, Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and both Sunni and Shia Islam, according to Al Jazeera News. At this meeting, Pope Francis gave the stage to these various religious leaders, opening the floor for discussion to Sheikh Ahmed, a young Muslim leader who encouraged Muslims to answer the call of faith in response to climate change.

Additionally, Patriarch Hilarion, leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, proposed that “the current ecological situation has been caused, among other factors, by the desire of some to profit at the expense of others” (Al Jazeera News, 2021). As a result, it is the responsibility of everyone that has contributed to this crisis to work towards mitigating its effects.

Moreover, at COP26, individuals from all faith groups assembled online and at George Square, Glasgow - where the conference was being held - to pray for the success of the conference and cooperation among the nations in efforts to slow climate change. Additionally, the Glasgow Multifaith Declaration for COP26 was presented at the conference, followed by prayers from various religious leaders. The declaration pledge commitment to the following endeavors regarding faith and climate change:
“Reflection through prayer, mediation, and worship to discern how to care for the earth and each other.
Making transformational change in our own lives and the lives of our communities through individual and collective action.
Being advocates for justice by calling on governments, businesses, and to others who exercise power and influence to put into effect the Paris Agreement to make the transition to a green economy and to commute to science-based target that are aligned with healthy, resilient, zero-emissions future” (Glasgow Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26, 2021).

This declaration was signed by dozens of religious leaders in the UK and Scotland of a myriad of different faiths. The hope from this declaration is to inspire people to band together in efforts to safeguard life and the planet in which we live on. Religious leaders hope that through effort taken towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they will be able to catch the attention of religious leaders who often term the involvement of faith groups in environmental advocacy as “faith-washing.”

According to Martin Palmer, leader of FaithInvest, “faith washing” is where faith groups engaging in moral issues are ignored by politicians who accuse the religious group of being rooted in fantasy rather than the reality of business. Palmer calls for people of faith across the world to continue to motivate politicians to act, (Religion Media Centre, 2021). The investment of religious groups in climate change is not simple about influencing the global political agenda, but rather protecting and caring for the poor and vulnerable who are most impacted by the negative effects of climate change, yet they produce the least in emissions.

All-in-all, the role of religious leaders in the fight against climate change is monumental in pressuring governments across the globe to remain committed to zero-emissions. Not only is religion central to the lives of millions across the world, but cooperation among various branches of faith displays a united front across groups that are so often portrayed in conflict with each other. As the global climate crisis only worsens, it is essential for religious leaders and groups to share their voice and influence in the decisions being made. As evident from the discussion as COP26, interfaith cooperation is essential to uniting people across the world in the fight against climate change.

If you want to join religious leaders in supporting the Multi-Faith Declaration for COP26, follow the link below to sign the petition fighting against climate change.
https://www.change.org/p/world-leaders-and-politicians-at-cop26-save-the-planet-sign-the-glasgow-multi-faith-declaration-for-cop26

Review from Guidestar

julianstoiber Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/06/2021

The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms in Creating an Enabling Environment for the Sustainable Transformation of FNSSA Sector

by Haf-Volunteer, Julian Stoiber

On November 24th, 2021, the Coordination and Support Action (CSA) LEAP4FNSSA held a webinar about “The Role of Multi-Stakeholder Platforms in Creating an Enabling Environment for the Sustainable Transformation of the FNSSA Sector.” The main objective of LEAP4FNSSA is to provide a tool for European and African institutions to engage in a Sustainable Partnership Platform for research and innovation on Food and Nutrition Security, and Sustainable Agriculture (FNSSA).

This webinar was all about “establishing a sustainable structure, or platform, for the efficient and coherent implementation of the EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership as described in the FNSSA Roadmap”(Norhan El Dallal). This platform should support the bureau of AU-EU High Level Policy Dialogue (HLPD), strengthen the knowledge base and increase the efficiency of the AU-EU Research and Innovation Partnership, as well as facilitate the relevant FNSSA research and innovation networks.

First, a Multi-Stakeholder Platform was presented. This platform is about participatory decision-making and information sharing. Key stakeholders should be represented and decide what issues to focus on and what actions to take. Multi-stakeholder platforms bring together representatives from different interest groups to discuss shared challenges, opportunities, policy actions and advocacy strategies. They have the potential to tackle complex development challenges, to assist in the scaling up of necessary innovations, and to possibly enhance the sense of ownership, support developing knowledge, create linkages between different governance levels and a wide variety of actors, and, most importantly, improve policy making.

Further, Philippe Petithuguenin, Deputy Director general in charge of Research and Strategy in the French Agriculture Research Centre for International Development (CIRAD), shared the International Research Consortium (IRC) approach. IRC is a group of research and innovation institutions that work under a shared governance mechanism towards a commonly defined goal. The IRC has a Partnership in FNSSA to establish a sustainable structure, or platform, for the efficient and coherent implementation of the EU-AU Research and Innovation Partnership. Through the IRC, multiple benefits are provided, such as increasing the impact of initiatives by facilitation synergies with other institutional alliances, optimizing the utilization of work and results,gaining access to funding programmes and opportunities, and, last but not least, gaining greater recognition and visibility for one’s contribution to the EU-AU partnership supported by authorities.

Lastly, Simon Winter, Executive Director of Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable Agriculture, demonstrated Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives. As an example, he stated that the Agri-Entrepreneurs Foundation (AEG), which creates tangible transformation for rural households and farmers in India, adopts a decentralized approach towards empowering rural youth, brings services including market linkages, provides access to high-quality inputs, and gives agronomic advisory and finance. The AEG also helps in accelerating innovations and addressing climate changes.

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF), which is committed to furthering sustainable development & supporting Moroccan communities to take action in implementing human development initiatives, is an NGO that uses a participatory approach to involve all stakeholders. The communities HAF works with are asked for their skills and needs to be able to respond to them individually.

Amal_Mansouri Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/24/2021

Reveling in the Riches of Er-rich

By Amal Mansouri, HAF Field Coordinator, REMA

11/8/2021

Being and feeling rich in my beautiful small city, Er-rich, is not a challenge. In fact, it’s incredibly easy. You just have to live there and you’ll understand. With that being said, a lot of people would be wondering how this is even possible. Is it easy to make a lot of money there? Was it called Er-rich because people there are actually known for their wealthiness? The answer to both of these questions is: No. This is because we’re not talking about money. There is no magical spell in the city that could make you millions of dirhams by the snap of a finger. That is not the type of richness that I am talking about. Richness in Er-rich manifests in its nature, history, diversity, multiculturalism, interfaith, inclusiveness and heritage.

Given where Er-rich is situated, in the crossroads that lead to Meknes, Tafilalet, Tinghir, and Imilchil, it is a place where people from different cultural backgrounds, races, and ethnic and religious groups immigrated and lived together in peace and synergy. This diversity of lifestyles, languages, and practices is what historically formed the identity of Er-rich's society and made it inclusive and welcoming rather than exclusive. Living and growing up in such an environment made me realize that people are born different, and with that difference came acceptance and open-mindedness there. Coming from different tribes and cultures, having different religions or speaking different languages doesn’t have to be a barrier leading to an end. It should be more of a start. A start to learn from each other. A start to understand and value each other’s input. A start to find common ground, live in harmony, and help each other to protect and maintain our heritage.

I am from an Amazighi family that speaks both Moroccan Darija and Tamazight. I was raised in a neighborhood where we had not only Amazighi and Arab neighbors that came from different origins in Morocco but also foreign neighbors that had different nationalities. At the intersection of these various cultural, ethnic, and religious backgrounds, there was respect and appreciation. As an example, my mom used to tell me stories about teaching her American friend Susanne how to make bread and traditional Moroccan dishes, and how Susanne was trying to help my mom with housework, and following her instructions when she was sick. They shared countless moments full of laughter and humor. And even more, Susanne kept in touch with my mom after she left Morocco, sending my family cards, especially on birthdays and Eids, although she was Christian, not Muslim. Stories like that made me appreciate the beauty and the warmth that comes along with concepts like interculturalism. Looking at it now, my mom and Susanne didn’t have much in common on paper: my mom is Moroccan, and Susanne is American. My mom is illiterate, and Susanne is educated. My mom speaks Tamazight and Moroccan Darija, and Susanne speaks English. But none of this prevented them from developing a very real and deep friendship. It is extraordinary how differences can bring people closer and not divide them. This was my introduction to a diverse, interfaith world of coexistence.

Accordingly, as I grew up, I became more passionate about learning new languages and being exposed to different cultures. This passion made me understand that just because someone is different from me or seemingly shares no similarities in identity, it doesn’t mean that one of us is right and the other is wrong. Hence, when I read about the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), and the USAID Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA), I immediately wanted to learn more. I thought of my mom and her friend Susanne, and how important and worth documenting and preserving their story is. Such stories are how we can remind ourselves and future generations that diversity is a privilege, not an obstacle.

The REMA program and team are working hard to achieve that goal in immortalizing and sharing stories that need to be remembered. As someone who recently joined the REMA team as a Field Coordinator, I am eager to unveil, record, and preserve the hidden stories of previous generations and take action to make them a permanent memory that could help us evolve and take advantage of our diversity to achieve unity.

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Amal Mansouri has recently joined the High Atlas Foundation as a Field Coordinator for the USAID Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA). To her, this is a precious opportunity to contribute in restoring and revitalizing the cultural heritage left behind by our ancestors. Amal is ready and willing to make the most out of this experience to have a positive impact on communities and help them reconnect with their history.

Review from Guidestar

1

Soukaina_HAF Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/24/2021

Reconnecting with My Roots through Storytelling

By Soukaina Kherdioui, HAF Field Coordinator, REMA Program
11/8/2021


Tilouine is my mother’s hometown. It’s a small village located on the outskirts of Errachidia. I still recall the time I used to travel along with my mother and siblings to spend our one-month summer vacation at my grandparents’ house. I have to admit that it was not the place where I would have preferred to spend my long-awaited holiday. Six-year-old Soukaina would describe Tilouine as a plain, boring piece of land that teems with palm trees and olive groves. My time there was made even more unpleasant with the scorching heat. For years, I had felt no connection with “that” place. The only silver lining to my yearly trip to my mother's hometown was the time I got to spend with my grandparents. Yet, I eagerly awaited our return to Rabat, the place where I was born and raised, the place I called home.

But the older I get, the closer I feel to my origins. Storytelling has played an essential role in strengthening the bond with my roots. Listening attentively to stories as I lay my head in my mother’s lap has become a pastime I cherish the most. As her fingers run gently through my dark, wavy hair, she recalls some of her childhood memories, and I unconsciously travel back in time, reliving every single moment she recounts.

The Jewish Craftsman

“You know bnti (my daughter), all faiths coexisted in the past and lived in harmony in our times. Although my hometown was solely inhabited by Muslim people, I still remember the story of a Jewish man that your grandmother used to tell me about.” I lay flat on my back, closed my eyes and listened attentively. “There was a time when a Jewish silversmith used to travel from Erfoud to our village on a weekly basis. He roamed Tilouine’s narrow lanes and alleys on his mule, shouting to let everyone know of his arrival. He was known for his exquisite jewelry-making skills. Most women, including your grandmother, relied on his service to custom design authentic pieces of silver earrings, necklaces, hinged bracelets and rings, which they kept for generations. He would spend the entire day working at the entrance of the village, and, after Ṣalāt al-ʿishā ̓ (evening prayer), men leaving the mosque would invite him for dinner and accommodate him for the night. As such, many households would take turns each week hosting him.”

Celebrating Eid Al-Mawlid al-Nabawī (the Birth of Prophet Mohammed PBUH)

“The celebration of Eid Al-Mawlid used to be my favorite time of the year, mainly because it brought together the whole community,” continues my mother. “On the day of the event, the entire community gathered around freshly prepared couscous. But trust me, Soukaina, it tasted nothing like the typical couscous we ate every Friday. You know what was the secret ingredient, bnti?”

I quickly grabbed my phone and waited for her to unravel the secret ingredient so that I could add it to my collection of food recipes. She answered with a big smile on her face. “What makes this couscous so special is the fact that each household brought an ingredient and contributed to the celebration. I remember your grandmother picking homegrown carrots, filling up a jar with smen (fermented butter) and bringing it to the house where the celebration was to be held. Added to this were the moments of laughter and joy we shared while cooking up the meal. It was the sharing of such simple details that made such moments memorable, not the meal itself, bnti.”

Listening to my mother’s stories was indeed enjoyable, but also thought-provoking. Had it not been for the collections of stories my mother and my grandmother kept from their childhoods only to later share them with me over hours of storytelling throughout my own childhood, an essential part of our family’s identity would have been lost. These stories from the past managed to create the sense of belonging I had so longed for. Nowadays, whenever I get the chance to visit my mother’s hometown, I get hit with a wave of nostalgia as I make my way through the narrow alleyways and as I pass by the spot where the Jewish silversmith used to produce marvelous pieces of art. Tilouine is no longer a plain, boring piece of land to me. Now, it is a place full of history, of interfaith and intergenerational dialogue.

Placing storytelling at the heart of its interest, the USAID Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA) implemented by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) aims to celebrate Morocco’s multiculturalism and religious diversity through identifying, collecting, and recording the stories of the past that lay the groundwork for a prosperous future marked by acceptance. The stories of the Jewish craftsman and the celebration of Eid Al-Mawlid al-Nabawī are living proof that Morocco has always been an outstanding model of coexistence. It is then my aim through the REMA program to highlight our country's cultural and religious diversity, an essential aspect of our national identity, by documenting local communities’ past and present stories of peaceful coexistence and interreligious harmony.
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Soukaina Kherdioui has recently joined the High Atlas Foundation team as a Field Coordinator for the USAID Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA). She is heavily committed to understanding Morocco’s great human mosaic and strives to understand the life experiences of previous generations whose stories formulate history and shape current identities.

Join HAF on this learning journey as we unravel stories of Morocco’s cultural diversity and interfaith dialogue via the REMA program.


Review from Guidestar

1

juli.stoiber Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/24/2021

Honoring Akrich: A Day of Multicultural Love

By Julian Stoiber, HAF Volunteer

The Akrich tree nursery, about half an hour outside of Marrakech, was the first among many nurseries that the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) brought into being. In 2012, HAF launched this project, calling it “House of Life,” a name based on the nursery’s location within a 700-year-old Jewish cemetery. The nursery’s creation denoted the special relationship between Jewish and Muslim communities in Akrich and represented both the historic and longstanding unity of the Jewish and Muslim Moroccans living together.

On October 2, 2021, HAF hosted a community event as its first activity in implementing the USAID Religious and Ethnic Minorities Activity (REMA). The event took place at the Akrich fruit tree nursery. Among the many attendees were various representatives, including U.S. Consul General Lawrence M. Randolph, the President of the Jewish Community in the Marrakech-Safi region, Jacky Kadoch, and various members of Morocco’s Muslim and Jewish communities.

For me, it was fascinating to see the importance of this U.S. official’s visit. At first, it seemed that his attendance alone was what had attracted a dozen journalists taking pictures with their huge cameras. Right after his arrival and the official welcome by HAF President and REMA Chief of Party Yossef Ben-Meir, the first activity was to light candles in the tomb of revered Rabbi Raphael HaCohen. It was a breathtaking sight to see this interfaith gesture, almost like lighting a beacon of multicultural respect. Watching various members of the Muslim, Jewish, and Christian faiths each light candles in such a sacred Jewish site made me realize that the cameras were here for all of us, capturing the silent statement of unity we created just by coming together.

We next gathered in a community center on the nursery’s grounds where tea and a light meal had been prepared. Motivated by Dr. Ben-Meir, members of the various communities in attendance took the floor and shared brief histories of themselves and their relationship with Akrich. Community members of the region, first time visitors, members of Muslim, Jewish, Amazigh, and international communities alike shared their stories.

Although I have no background in the Arabic language, the sentiments and messages being shared exceeded the necessity of language. I could see inspiration and encouragement in people's eyes. The meaning of the day only continued to grow, as knit carpets made by the women of the nearby cooperative of Achbarou were gifted to some of the guests. These gifts did even more than convey a kind gesture: the women of Achbarou distributed their cooperative’s business cards to attendees in a testament of economic empowerment and independence.

The final activity of the day was planting a fig tree together in unity. Everyone gathered around a meter-and-a-half deep hole, and, starting with Mr. Randolph and Mr. Kadoch, various attendees shoveled a few layers of soil and fertilizer over the tree. Regarding the utilized land, which is adjacent to Jewish burial sites, the act of planting the tree once again was an interfaith symbol, which goes hand-in-hand with the sustainable human development that HAF is aiming to achieve.

As a HAF volunteer, I found this event personally moving, and it gave me a stronger sense of HAF’s real impact and how important the connection within various religious communities truly is. It was an absolutely new experience for me to be at an event with this much press and officiality, and I will probably remember this day for the rest of my life.

3

NoahC.Kohlmayer Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/23/2021

Enlightenment between Religions and Nationalities: In Memory of the Past
(2 November trip to Akrich; HAF event)

By: Noah C. Kohlmayer, HAF Volunteer

Akrich, an Amazigh village in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, is where the first of HAF’s interfaith tree nurseries was founded. This small village packed with culture is exactly where the “Seeds of Memory'' event was held.

The event started with the arrival of the U.S. General Consul, Mr. Lawrence M. Randolph. As soon as he exited the vehicle, he was surrounded by press and participants. Mr. Randolph was shown around the premises of the nursery and was eventually led to meet a representative of the Marrakech Jewish community.

Eventually, the crowd was ushered into a building near the edge of the premises. Inside, all of the guests, including some of the HAF staff and a few Amazigh women, lit symbolic candles that were collected on a tray. It was a moment of peace, with everyone coming together in a small, dimly lit space with people of different religions, ethnicities, mother tongues, and nationalities lighting candles that symbolized hope.

Nonetheless, this was not the only special moment of the event in Akrich. Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir led the way into the main space. Groups formed around the tables, including guests, Jewish representatives, the Muslim community, a group of Amazigh women, and HAF staff. The circular tables and the snacks and drinks they held assisted intermingling among the people present.

First, Dr. Ben-Meir made a speech in Darija. Following his lead, Muslim and the Jewish representatives individually made their speeches. Towards the end of a speech by Mr. Jacky Kadoch, he said a Jewish prayer, for which everyone stood up, truly showing respect and appreciation.

The U.S. Consul General made a speech in Arabic, which attendees listened to welcomingly, as it had an aura of connectivity between the different parties, similar to the Jewish prayer. Various people with different backgrounds came forward after his speech and shared their own stories and experiences, all of which felt close to heart and personal to each and every individual.

Closing the indoor experience was a local Amazigh woman who gave each of the guests a hand-knotted carpet with a new and enhanced business card from their carpet-making cooperative. Seeing this woman sharing the cooperative’s work, it was clear that this unique opportunity to do so was of great personal importance for her and her fellow cooperative members.

Following this heartfelt moment, the crowd once again headed outside, where the tree planting experience took place. The U.S. Consul General and other guests together planted a young fig tree, a symbolic act for a brighter, sustainable, and intertwined future amongst nature and various ethnic and religious groups in Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

4 EL-Fatima

EL-Fatima Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/22/2021

By EL_mrini fatima
Trees monitor officer,casa settat Rabat Kenitra salé.
High Atlas Foundation.

Low cost toilets

The greatest invention of mankind during the last two hundred years is the toilet or the so-called toilet. How is it possible that there are still more than 6000 schools in Morocco that suffer from the absence of the most basic rights? These are reports of studies carried out by UNICEF in Morocco. It is very sad to have to be subjected to harassment to be destroyed. Your dignity It is bad for your innocent and naked body to be attacked just because you had to be born in a remote village, you had to grow up in a place that claims to preserve human rights and cannot provide a toilet that protects you from harsh looks, looks that almost destroy your innocence. This is what these children live in Morocco Due to the absence of toilets in the schools of remote villages, let alone the teachers who work there, how do they do under these harsh conditions that degrade their destiny as a human being. Imagine with me having to restrain yourself from urinating for more than six hours, or having to be a painting for every passerby watching on the outskirts Your naked body, even robots, need to charge their battery, let alone the human being. It is a shame that you are forced to live such an experience and the consequences and severe psychological and physical diseases that it entails. And you were the one who gave lectures on hygiene and rights and hardly enjoyed the lowest cost.
How is it possible to find a school or, say, homes? This is a word that is closer to the truth without walls surrounding it, without water first, without toilets. How will these children feel while they live this harsh experience, every day these girls and these children are forced to jog between departments to relieve their needs as quickly as they have the strength to even The glances of passers-by do not catch them, or they are forced to sit in the middle of pits among the thorns of the cactus to take shelter. How is it possible that the walls of the departments are transformed into margins of waste in the open air? It is one of the main causes of school wastage in villages, and this is what makes some parents prevent their children from going to school for fear of harassment, Such situations must be reconsidered. Are all of us really doing our duty to the fullest? Are these children obliged to live this bitter experience every day? Do we really preserve human rights as we claim? These are questions that each of us should ask ourselves and answer them honestly.


مراحيض باقل تكلفة
بقلم فاطمة المريني
ان اعظم اختراع للبشرية خلال المائتي سنة الاخيرة هو المرحاض او مايسمى بدورة المياه، فكيف يعقل انه لا زالت هناك ازيد من ٦٠٠٠مدرسة في المغرب تعاني من غياب ابسط الحقوق ,هذه تقارير دراسات قامت بها اليونسيف بالمغرب، انه لمن المحزن جدا ان تضطر للتعرض للتحرش ان تتدمر كرامتك انه لمن السوء ان يتعرض جسمك البريء العاري للاعتداء فقط لانك تحتم عليك ان تولد في قرية نائية، تحتم عليك ان تنشأ في مكان يدعي المحافظة على حقوق الانسان ولا يستطيع توفير مرحاض يحميك من نظرات قاسية نظرات تكاد تحطم    برائتك .هذا مايعيشه هؤلاء الاطفال في المغرب جراء غياب دورات المياه في مدارس القرى النائية ، فما بالك بالاساتذة اللذين يعملون هناك كيف يبلون في ظل هذه الظروف القاسية اللتي تحط من قدرهم كإنسان ، تخيل معي ان تضطر لكبت ذاتك من التبول لما يفوق الست ساعات او تضطر لتكون لوحة فنية لكل مار يتفرج على اطراف جسدك العاري ، حتى الانسان الآلي يحتاج الى شحن بطاريته فما بالك بالانسان، انه لمن العار لمن المخزي ان تضطر لعيش تجربة كهذه وما يترتب عليها من تابعات وامراض نفسية وجسدية وخيمة . وانت من كنت تعطي محاضرات في النظافة والحقوق ولا تكاد تتمتع باقلها تكلفة.
كيف يعقل ان تجد مدرسة او لنقل بيوتا هذه كلمة اقرب الى الحقيقة بدون جدارن تحيط بها بدون ماء اولا بدون مراحيض كيف سيكون شعور هؤلاء الاطفال وهم يعيشون هذه التجربة القاسية،  كل يوم تضطر هاته الفتيات وهؤلاء الاطفال للهرولة بين الاقسام لقضاء حاجتهم باسرع مايملكون من قوة حتى لا تلمحهم نظرات المارة ،او يضطرون للجلوس وسط حفر بين اشواك الصبار للاحتماء ، كيف يعقل ان تتحول جدران الاقسام لحواشي من الفضلات في الهواء الطلق ، انه لمن الاسباب الرئيسية للهدر المدرسي في القرى وهذا مايجعل بعض الاباء يمنعنون اطفالهم من الذهاب للمدرسة خوفا عليهم من التحرش ، يجب اعادة النظر في مثل هاته المواقف وهل فعلا كل منا يقوم بواجبه على اكمل وجه ؟وهل هؤلاء الاطفال مضطرون لعيش هذه التجربة المريرة كل يوم؟هل فعلا نحافظ على حقوق الإنسان كما ندعي؟ انها اسئلة على كل منا ان يطرحها على نفسه ويجيب عليها بصدق.

Review from Guidestar

2

bobbym Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/11/2021

Food Cooperatives: Fighting Imbalance in the Food Value Chain

Bobby McDonough
HAF-UVA Intern

As the COVID-19 pandemic maintains its position as the international community’s chief issue to battle , its far-reaching effects can be felt particularly in poorer, marginalized communities. One obstacle that continues to grow in relevance is the subject of food security—the state of having reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. The market for healthy and nutritious food has greatly expanded in countries such as the Philippines—where there exists an extreme imbalance between massive, corporate agribusinesses and smaller, local farmers in access to these lucrative crops. This injustice works to the long-term detriment of the islands, as such an imbalance hinders the ability to create positive, systemic change. One method being adopted to fight for change is the organization and implementation of food cooperatives throughout the country.

On October 12th, I had the opportunity to attend a webinar jointly hosted by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network and several Filipino Universities. The title of the webinar was “Revitalizing Food Systems: Generating Value with Producers, Markets and Consumers—Cooperative Experiences,” and was hosted by a panel of people who wished to lead a discussion that provided insight on the value chain of food systems when it comes to food cooperatives and small businesses, as well as the efficiency of food production and consumption. Dr. Philip Tuano moderated as Dr. Anselmo Mercado of First Community Cooperative, Mr. Cresente Paez of Agricoop, Ms. Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguaya of the National Confederation of Cooperatives, and Dr. Ernesto Ordonez of Alyansa Agrikultura were all offered fifteen minutes to present and discuss their own thoughts and efforts in acting as agents of change.

Dr. Anselmo Mercado, former chairman of FICCO, wished to explain the context behind the work all of the speakers were accomplishing through their efforts with cooperatives. Mercado explained the importance that concepts such as the PPE cycle—in which poverty increases population growth, which leads to environmental deterioration that further impoverishes a people —have had in contributing to the circumstances that those people now find themselves in. He noted that, in the past, efforts were misplaced in implementing trickle-down economics when they should have been directed toward fostering bottom-up economic growth. He proceeded to recount how this mentality of “brotherhood economics” acts as a pillar of FICCO, and has allowed them to achieve immense success in linking farmers together through projects such as the COOP Plant Culture Lab and Plant Seedlings Production Facility. Dr. Mercado ended his presentation with a poignant message: you have to start small to create big change.

Ms. Sylvia Okinlay-Paraguaya, CEO of NATCCO, began her presentation by overviewing her organization’s profile. NATCCO boasts a membership of more than 6 million Filipinos and possesses billions of dollars in assets. With such immense size and resources, the organization has accomplished much in the way of organizing and leading cooperatives that support local farmers. Their commitment to progress has been an important component in their success, as promoting digitization and embracing progressive agricultural cooperative practices from Korea and Japan has allowed NATCCO to provide financial support to an immense network of people.

Mr. Cris Paez, CEO of Agricoop—a newer organization—spoke next. Paez first spoke on why Agricoop was founded, highlighting how cooperative governance is often unorganized to the point of failing to meaningfully involve small farmers in the food value chain. Agricoop is working to redefine these supply chains to address this imbalance in the market by implementing supportive “commodity clusters.” Their work in strengthening cooperative governance is giving local farmers the tools to better negotiate within the value chain and empower their own communities.

The final panelist to speak was Dr. Ernesto Ordonez, who was speaking as a member of Alyansa Agrikultura. He first provided the specific contexts behind the work that he was accomplishing, in that long-term corporate investment in agriculture is both a failure and a key factor in retarding the growth of small communities. Following this, Ordonez set forth his recommendations on what would be most impactful in addressing this unjust status quo. Some of these suggestions include emphasizing additional income from other crops for small farmers, increasing the Department of Agriculture’s budget, and actively working to improve agricultural participation within the private sector. Dr. Ordonez concluded his presentation by emphasizing the importance of implementing well-managed cooperatives as well as the need for the Philippines to take the time to assess their food system and find places they can systematically improve.

Great change is not achieved overnight, especially within the context of a subject as complicated as food security and local participation in value chains. For the Philippines and many others, this is an issue that is continuing to be navigated. However, it is clear from the knowledge and strategies presented at this webinar that the nation’s future is in good hands, and with their continued effort, we will see community-evolving change.


Review from Guidestar

2

julistoiber Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2021

By Julian Stoiber/HAF Volunteer

On October 25th, Programs and Office Manager Sanae Benaadim, Field Technician Mustapha Itihya, and Volunteers Timo Reinitzer and Julian Stoiber joined Siahmed Hazil from the Office du Développement de la Coopération (ODCO) in Douar Lkdirat near Youssoufia in a workshop for 19 women on how to create a cooperative. This training was a follow-up workshop from the previously held “IMAGINE Workshop” and “Participatory Approach Workshop”.

“IMAGINE” is a self-discovery workshop. Throughout the personal growth process, HAF assists women in finding their voices and achieving their goals. Integrated with IMAGINE is the ‘Moudawana’ Family Code, adding a rights-based approach to the sessions, bringing together women to learn about legal protections and determine ways to advance social justice. Cooperative-building grows from empowerment gained during the “IMAGINE-Moudawana” experience and supports women’s cooperatives and their development to create greater financial independence, expand networks, and promote change in women’s roles in their communities.

Mr. Hazil started the training by brainstorming what a cooperative actually is to gather further information about the current knowledge of the women. The group knows of a women’s cooperative in a nearby village called Takharkhot, which is a big inspiration and motivates them to have one themselves. Furthermore, he explained how to create a cooperative step-by-step, guiding them through the legal process and how a cooperative would benefit them in many ways and would open new doors.

Following, the actual objective on what the community wants to work on got discussed. Dependent on local resources and unique skills they have, the group discussed different options. Producing traditional plates or carpets was certainly of interest, but in the end the women agreed on doing an agriculture cooperative because it involves the whole group, as not all of them have knowledge about knitting carpets or designing plates. Upon agreeing on agriculture (tree nursery), laws regarding this area have to be checked and taken into consideration for their potential cooperative.

To start the establishment of a cooperative, all the members have to come to terms with a name for their group, fill in a form with their personal details, and bring the document with all their IDs to ODCO in Safi. Then, their elected cooperative president needs to collect 100 MAD ($11) from every member to open a bank account. Fortunately, Hazil's approach was to support them not solely by stating how to build a cooperative but also by showing kindness and sensitivity. He even gave the members his phone number in case they needed any help with the legal process, as only two of the 19 women can read and write. Additionally, Mr. Hazil would like to follow up with more training sessions with the women after the creation of their cooperative.

This community once again revealed a powerful and capable group of women who are making positive changes in their village and are on the perfect route to have their own cooperative soon.

Review from Guidestar

2 Lahssan-Ben-Moula

Lahssan-Ben-Moula Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/22/2021


By Lahcen Ben Moula
Tree Monitor Officer, Oujda Region
High Atlas Foundation


Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, President of the High Atlas Foundation, organized an applied workshop on the participatory approach and its role in achieving sustainable development with the local population, during the second day of the training week organized by the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakesh with the support of the United States Forestry Service and the US Agency for International Development.
At the beginning of the training workshop, Dr. Ben-Meir presented a comprehensive definition of the participatory approach as one of the methodological mechanisms that can be applied in any development program or project aimed at improving the living conditions of the local population. This is a strategic approach that involves everyone, without discrimination, in identifying their needs and priorities to combat poverty and marginalization and achieve local development through collective decision-making.
Dr. Ben-Meir also touched on a set of important and basic points that must be respected in order to implement the participatory approach methodology, set priorities, and include everyone in that decision-making for sustainable development.
The participatory approach is one of the mechanisms that qualifies citizens to participate in the management of their local public affairs. It is designed to bring about a comprehensive social change in the environment, sensitize the population, raising their awareness, and create a collective framework in adopting development programs and projects. It aims to achieve consistency between the initial local needs of the population and the final results of development projects. It contributes significantly to raising the level of "self-development" with citizens but also for future generations, and engender the culture of listening and giving constructive criticism.
In summary, the work adopted by this methodology is based on the phrase “working with” instead of the phrase “working for,” because development projects require the participation of the population, men and women, younger and older, without excluding or restricting freedom of expression. In other words, the participatory approach is of a horizontal nature, not a vertical one. It seeks to make the population directly involved in development projects and to bear the responsibility for achieving their sustainable development goals.




المقاربة التشاركية
نظم الدكتور يوسف بنمير رئيس مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير ورشة تطبيقية حول المقاربة التشاركية: أهمياتها ودورها في تحقيق التنمية المستدامة مع الساكنة المحلية وذلك خلال اليوم الثاني من الاسبوع التدريبي الذي نظمته مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير بمدينة مراكش بدعم من منظمة خدمة الغابات بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية والوكالة الامريكية للتنمية الدولية.
في بداية الورشة التدريبية قدم الدكتور يوسف بنمير تعريف شامل للمقاربة التشاركية باعتبارها احدى اللأليات المنهجية التي يمكن تطبيقها في أي برنامج أو مشروع تنموي يهدف إلى تحسين شروط حياة الساكنة المحلية. وذلك عن طريق نهج استراتجية اشارك الجميع بدون تمييز أو وصاية في تحديد الإحتياجات والاولويات المهمة التي تساعد المواطنين لمحاربة أشكال الفقر والتهميش وتحقيق التنمية المحلية من خلال الانخراط في اتخاذ القرارات الصائبة بشأن المشاريع التنموية التي تحقق المصلحة العامة للساكنة.
كما تطرق الدكتور يوسف بنمير الى مجموعة من النقاط المهمة والاساسية التي يجب احترامها من أجل تطبيق منهجية المقاربة التشاركية مع الساكنة المحلية في شأن تحديد الأولويات بحيث من اللازم العمل على اشارك الجميع في اتخاذ القرارات لتحقيق المشاريع التنموية التي تحتاجها الساكنة وتحقق التنمية المستدامة.
وأضاف الدكتور يوسف أن المقاربة التشاركية هي إحدى الآليات التي تقوم بتأهل المواطن من أجل المشاركة في تسيير شأنه العام المحلي، و إحداث تغيير اجتماعي شامل للمحيط، بهدف تحسيس الساكنة وتوعيتها وتوجيهها إلى التعاون في إطار جماعي في تبني البرامج والمشاريع التنموية.
كما أن دور المقاربة التشاركية يهدف الى تحقيق التناسق بين الاحتياجات الأولية المحلية للساكنة، والنتائج النهائية للمشاريع التنموية. وتساهم بشكل كبير في الرفع من مستوى " التنمية الذاتية" للمواطن وللأجيال القادمة. ونشر ثقافة الانصات والنقد البناء لتحقيق التنمية والمصلحة العامة.
وخلاصة لهذه الورشة فإن العمل الذي تعتمده هذه المنهجية، يتأسس على عبارة " العمل مع" بدل عبارة " العمل من أجل"، لأن المشاريع التنموية يستوجب أن تنخرط فيها الساكنة رجلا ونساء شبابا دون اقصاء او تقييد حرية التعبير . وبمعنى أخر فإن المقاربة التشاركية ذات طبيعة أفقية وليس عمودية. تسعى الى جعل الساكنة تنخرط بشكل مباشر في المشاريع التنموية وتتحمل مسؤولية تحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة للساكنة.

Review from Guidestar

2

AbigailHall Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/21/2021

The Challenging Yet Beneficial Relationship between Human Rights and Development

Abigail Hall
HAF-UVA Intern

Although the intersection between human rights and development is clear, the two are often approached separately and have therefore evolved into two separate categories. It can be easy to focus on their distinctions and differences from one another rather than seeing the way that they actually mutually boost and aid each other. This article is going to look at the challenges that are faced when trying to converge human rights and development efforts as well as how these two categories can and should aid each other in providing and improving safe and sanitized water around the world.

The Journal of Human Rights Practice published an article on the challenges and opportunities that arise when trying to converge human rights and development efforts. In this article, it says, “Human rights could be integrated more systemically into development policy and practice, for three reasons. (1) They are intrinsically valuable in aiming to protect human dignity and may be (negatively) affected by development so that development policy should identify ways to at a minimum meet the ‘do no harm’ threshold. (2) They are also instrumentally useful to enhance development processes, address certain types of social risk, ensure accountability, and ultimately secure more equitable and sustainable development outcomes. (3) As a matter of public international law, human rights treaty obligations legally bind States' parties, and under custom bind all states other than persistent objectors: as such they should be respected in all contexts, including development.”

Here, the explicit ways in which human rights and development can advance forwards and aid each other is listed. However, more often than not, the two are not explicitly incorporated, but rather implicitly incorporated— meaning, when human rights policies are written, the development aspect is often left excluded (and vice versa) and for the organization or nation to incorporate if they wish to do so. The Journal of Human Rights Practice argues that this should not be the case and that both human rights and development have the same underlying goals that should be explicitly stated and used to boost the legitimacy of the policy.

For example, the concept of equality lies at the center of the international human rights framework and is written into many international treaties (such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women [CEDAW], the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities [CRPD], and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination [CERD]. Similarly, developmental policies often also incorporate equality principles, such as inclusion, cohesion, or empowerment. While this example of equality illustrates the compatibility of the two agendas, it highlights the lack of integration between the two sectors. A stronger convergence of human rights’ equality into development could strengthen development’s specificity and technical parameters, enrich the discourse, and improve development processes by securing greater participation.

The convergence of human rights and development efforts can aid the effort of providing safe and sanitized water to those all around the globe. According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, “Water is a basic human right and is fundamental to human dignity… Today, three in ten of the world’s people have no access to safe drinking water.” Similarly, access to water is one of the main items of United Nations Millennium Development Goals (UN-MDGs) and is also one of the main precepts of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The question that lies ahead of us is as follows: if providing sanitized drinking water is one of the main goals of both of the largest human rights organizations in the world and one of the main goals in one of the largest development initiatives in the world, how might the two efforts be converged to aid and support one another? Just as in the example with equality previously discussed, converging efforts will allow human rights activists and development efforts to strengthen specificity and hone in on important tasks that must be completed in order to advance, enrich the discourse as combining efforts will bring in more resources and attention from both sides, and improve the development process as both sides have different skills, resources, perspectives, insights, and connections to offer.

Review from Guidestar

1

swhiteside012 Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/11/2021

On October 11, 2021, the United Nations will be joined by other UN agencies, NGOs, and CSOs to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child to promote the advancement of female rights across the world. The origins of this global celebration began in 1995 at the World Conference on Women in Beijing where the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action outlined an ambitious and progressive plan to advance female rights; this declaration was the first of its kind globally, specifically emphasizing the need for gender equality across the world. On December 19, 2011, the UN General Assembly ratified and adopted Resolution 66/170, committing to the continual recognition of girls’ rights and the distinct challenges they face across the world.
This year’s theme for the International Day of the Girl Child is entitled, “Digital Generation, Our Generation,”(according to the UN website) and centers discussions around gender inequality regarding access to technology and digital literacy. According to the UN, almost 50% of the world’s population does not have access to the internet, with women and girls being less likely to have this access than men. In fact, in some parts of the world, up to 70% of women and girls do not have access to the internet nor do they know how to use digital technologies( according to the UM website). Moreover, COVID-19 has only exacerbated the issues of technology access and gender inequality, especially in low- and middle-income countries. In response to the ever-increasing challenges faced by girls globally, the Gender Equality Forum (GEF) took in June 2021, launching a 5-year initiative with international governments, corporations, NGOs, and CSOs to fight for equal access to technological innovations.
One CSO that aims to support gender equality and social change, aligning with GEF’s coalitions, is the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) based in Marrakech, Morocco. Specifically, HAF supports female university students and rural women by hosting empowerment workshops. Each workshop is 4 days with focuses on personal growth, sexuality and the body, emotions, relationships, money, and spirituality. In their “imagine” workshop, HAF encourages women to find their voice and helps them build steps to achieving their personal goals. Additionally, “imagine” workshops teach women about legal protections and social justice in Morocco. Through these workshops, HAF aims to build cooperation among women, support financial dependence, and promote change in the local communities of these women. In addition to empowering women and university students, HAF supports the advancement of girl’s education by working with communities to build schools in rural areas through Sami’s project.
With a global population predicted to reach 8 billion people by 2023, gender equality for both women and girl’s is more important than ever. Not only do governments, organizations, and corporations need to incorporate female empowerment into their communities, but individuals at all levels of society must work to bridge the gender gap, ensuring equal rights for women and girls in present and future generations.

1

catrinwaters Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/08/2021


Women’s Empowerment and Yoga in Rural Morocco and in Your Life


Before you read this, I challenge you to pause and ask your body the question: how do you like the thoughts I think about you?

When we make an active choice to listen to ourselves, we access the power of introspection. But as you likely realized within the first sentence of this article, that often isn’t comfortable. It is almost taboo to honestly ask yourself how you are, and even rarer to have the skills needed to be able to listen to the response.

These skills are exactly what the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) seeks to develop within their IMAGINE empowerment workshops. The scene ranges from rural villages to bustling cities, yet the content and goal remain constant. HAF leaders guide groups of 25 Moroccan women through a 32-hour transformative experience. Ecstatic joy saturates a room where these women connect with their true selves, maybe for the first time. Turning about freely through guided dance helps the women create “turnarounds,” the term for the newly expanded beliefs that replace often deeply ingrained and harmful ones. To work through the discomfort of releasing old patterns of thought and behavior endows the women with the confidence to recognize their true potential.

HAF guides participants in goal-setting and affirmative visualizations surrounding seven core areas, including work, relationships, and sexuality. These powerful techniques are paired with practical education regarding Moroccan family law and placed in a spiritual context with passages from the Qur’an, permitting the women to understand their legal protections, pursue justice, and see themselves empowered through their spirituality.

This act of slowing down and listening is the core driving force of yoga, as well as HAF’s

mission of empowerment. It forces us to switch from the mode of thinking into feeling. The conscious effort required to turn off our critical thinking brain and enter a more profoundly present state is not small and requires practice. However, there is incredible potential in the ramifications of this decision; in a following 24 young women who identified themselves as chronically stressed, a three-month intervention of biweekly yoga classes resulted in statistically significant reductions in stress and anxiety, as well as overall improvement of physical health. Saliva samples from before versus after a 90-minute yoga class displayed a concrete and significant decrease in levels of cortisol, our bodies’ main stress hormone.

How does yoga achieve this? For one, yoga is not simply a sequence of strengthening acrobatic movements. The Sanskrit word “yoga” literally translates to “yoke” or “join.” It is an ancient Vedic philosophy that both recognizes and encourages a connection with the inherent interconnectedness of ourselves with everything in the universe. We are not separated from nature, but rather, embedded in it. This idea is not as far-fetched or spiritually lofty as one might assume, either: the widely accepted Big Bang Theory postulates that all that is, from here to the farthest edges of the universe, originated from a single point. You were once quite literally one with everything around you. Furthermore, the techniques of stretching, strengthening, breathing, and meditation are joined together in one complete practice to join your mind, body, and spirit. Yoga philosophy and teachings emerge from this idea, with scriptures emphasizing the importance of ahimsa, or non-violence.

Here enters the original question: how do you like the thoughts you think about yourself? Chances are that you haven’t been conditioned to hold yourself in very high regard, like many of the women in the IMAGINE workshops. According to ahimsa, this harm to ourselves through negative thoughts contributes to the prevalence of harm everywhere. In order to strive for better, you must first believe that you deserve it. Movement in yoga is a constant push and pull driven by the breath, steadily encouraging us to expand beyond our limits and find contentment in where we land at the moment.

The niyama or personal principle of svadhyaya encourages the importance of self-study.

Yoga styles such as Yin encourage practitioners to find their edge of discomfort by holding deep tissue stretches for longer periods of time. This increases circulation and joint flexibility while opening channels of energy. Through directed breathwork, students are able to release tension and practice mental fortitude. When a negative thought or sensation interrupts the flow, yoga enables us to recognize it as a disconnection from our true presence and choose to let it go.

By enabling women to free themselves from self-constricting thought patterns, HAF promotes both personal and community growth. IMAGINE equips participants with tangible tools and support to lead lasting and meaningful development from a place of personal integrity. To date, nine groups of women have gone on to create income-generating cooperatives thoughtfully designed to further their specific community’s development. HAF continually supports these women by providing requested training related to these goals, and the groups formed through IMAGINE meet monthly thereafter to discuss current goals and progress.

As we reach the end of the article, I encourage you to take a moment for yourself to notice the ebb and flow of your breath. Return to the original question, even close your eyes if you feel comfortable, and listen. The principles of yoga and of HAF’s IMAGINE workshops are centered in this truth that acknowledging where you are is the first step to creating the life you most want.




Review from Guidestar

Fatine.BLK

Fatine.BLK Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/27/2021

.هذا المقال غير منشور حاليا، وهو يحلل تطور جريمة الاتجار بالبشر مع مرور الوقت، ووجود سبل الإنصاف القانونية لفائدة ضحاياه في المغرب
جريمة الاتجار بالبشر بين الماضي والحاضر
بقلم: فاتن بلكبير
:نبذة عن صاحب المقال
فاتن بلكبير طالبة باحثة بسلك الماستر في القانون الخاص، تخصص العدالة الجنائية والعلوم الجنائية بكلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بجامعة .سيدي محمد بن عبد الله بفاس وعضوة بالعيادة القانونية لكلية الحقوق التابعة لجامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله بفاس


يعتبر الاتجار بالبشر من أقدم أنواع التجارة التي عرفتها المجتمعات الانسانية القديمة تحت اسم الرق، وهو من أخطر الجرائم التي عرفتها الإنسانية جمعاء .منذ القدم وإلى حدود يومنا هذا
فقد كانت تنتشر على وجه الخصوص في زمن الحروب التي كانت تدور رحاها بين القبائل المتناحرة، حين كانوا يستعملون طرق الخطف المنظم، ثم بعد أن تضع الحرب أوزارها كانت تتم عمليات البيع والشراء فيما كان يسمى آنذاك "بسوق الرقيق"، وبعد أن تطورت الجريمة المنظمة وانتشرت لتصبح عابرة للحدود الوطنية في ظل العولمة وحرية التجارة وسهولة تنقل الأفراد والسلع بين البلدان، أصبحت جريمة الاتجار بالبشر أكثر انتشارا إلى أن أضحت ثالث أكبر تجارة غير مشروعة على المستوى العالمي، وذلك بعد جريمة الاتجار غير المشروع بالأسلحة والمواد المخدرة، وفقا لبعض التقارير الرسمية الصادرة .عن بعض البلدان
وأمام هذا الوضع الخطير، لم يقف المجتمع المغربي صامتا ومكتوف الأيدي، وإنما بذل جهدا ملحوظا من أجل محاولة مواجهة هذه الجريمة ومكافحتها في سياق قانوني، إذ صدر في 25 غشت 2016 القانون رقم 27.14 المتعلق بمكافحة الاتجار بالبشر والذي جاء لتتميم أحكام الباب السابع من الجزء الأول .من الكتاب الثالث من مجموعة القانون الجنائي
إذ بموجب هذا القانون، يعاقب المشرع المغربي على جريمة الاتجار بالبشر بمجرد ما أن يقوم أحد الأشخاص بإرادته وإدراكه التام بالتحايل على الضحية أو خداعها من أجل استغلالها للقيام بعدة أفعال غير مشروعة، عن طريق الاغراء والحيلة أو نقلها من محل اقامتها إلى مكان آخر، أو تحويلها من موضع لآخر باعتبارها مجرد بضاعة، ثم التحكم فيها أو استقبالها (دون اشتراط ابقاء المجني عليه في مكان معين) أو إخفاءها عن أنظار الناس والسلطات وذلك بتدبير مكان وملاذ آمن لإقامتها بهدف استغلالها، وذلك باستعمال مختلف وسائل التهديد لإلقاء الرعب والخوف في نفس المجني عليه، أو الاختطاف أو خداع الضحية بواسطة استعمال ادعاء ات كاذبة مدعمة بمظاهر خارجية لتضليله أو باستغلال حالة الضعف أو الحاجة أو استغلال السلطة والنفوذ وغيرها من الوسائل المحددة في الفصل 448ـ1 من القانون رقم 27ـ14
وفي إطار الجهود المبذولة لتعزيز سيادة القانون وحماية حقوق الأفراد وتكريس الثقة بالنظام القانوني المغربي يساهم برنامج العيادة القانونية بكلية الحقوق التابعة لجامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله بفاس على تقديم المساعدة القانونية في مجموعة من التخصصات والتي من أبرزها الاتجار بالبشر، إذ تعمل هذه الأخيرة على توعية أفراد المجتمع وتكريس ثقافة مكافحة مثل هذه الظواهر بينهم بالتنسيق والتعاون مع الجهات المعنية.
لذلك يأمل فريق العيادة القانونية الرفع من نسبة الخدمة لصالح الأشخاص الموجودين في وضعية هشة، لأنه كلما زاد عدد المساعدين القانونيين والمستفيدين .من الخدمات المقدمة والحالات التي تدعمها العيادة القانونية، زادت قدرتهم على تحسين وضعهم لاختيار ومناصرة الإصلاحات السياسية اللازمة

HenryPrillaman Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/25/2021

Healthy Farms Can Save The World

Henry Prillaman

All around the world, we have seen deforestation and overuse of fertilizers and pesticides that have led to degradation of the environment. Contrary to expectation, from the “Healthy Farms, Wealthy Farmers: Repurposing Agricultural Subsidies to Restore Land” discussion from the World Resources Institute, we see that subsidies have actually led to some of this destruction of the environment.

Helen Ding, a senior economist at the World Resources Institute, began this discussion on how these subsidies are not living up to their primary objectives. Subsidies can lead farmers to deforestation to spread their land claims, as well as overuse of fertilizers that detract from natural arable land. Twenty-three percent of land productivity has been eliminated due to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions and twenty-four billion metric tons of fertile soil is lost every year. This is more devastating when we consider that the subsidies being given to help farmers are in turn hurting our environment and, in the future, will hurt farmers.

In addition, Helen Ding states that subsidies around the world aren’t helping decrease poverty. We have seen countries lose their soil health, fail to increase productivity, and incentivize deforestation all from misallocation and unideal subsidies.

The solution is to change how the subsidies are given and to whom they are given. Subsidies should be reallocated to restoring soil health and increasing sustainable farming practices. In the World Resources Institute discussion, Helen Ding outlined that $400 billion of current subsidies across the world could be repurposed to have a better use that would facilitate farm health and in turn help the environment. Subsidies have been shown to not only hurt the farmland and environment, but also not significantly help farmers.

In a recent repurposing of funds in Costa Rica, $500 million from gas tax revenues were transferred to protect the forest, boosting the tourism economy by 6% from 2017-2021. Placing subsidies in the right places can have far reaching and profitable results. The benefits listed in “Healthy Farms, Wealthy Farmers” for switching subsidies to protect and restore farmland and ecosystems are fewer incentives for deforestation, increased biodiversity, greater ecosystem resilience, better soil quality, higher crop yields, extra income for farmers, increased food security, lower carbon emissions, and more jobs.

There is a need to assist the smallholder farmer to help restore the land and save the environment. In addition, monitoring systems are needed to track these subsidies and their goals, such as the lowering carbon emissions, to better show the sub.

The High Atlas Foundation is working to satisfy these goals in Morocco. HAF works to restore farmland and biodiversity through planting trees utilizing local seeds, assists farming families with their focus on women’s and youth agricultural development initiatives, as well as continual monitoring of their trees planted to gain best practices and support carbon offsets. Subsidies allocated as Helen Ding prescribes would allow for HAF’s mission to be administered all around the world with all kinds of governments, foundations, and groups, working to help restore the land we live on by empowering farming families.

Sami_Kissai Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/20/2021

By Sami Kissai, HAF Volunteer


“If you want to find the secrets of the universe, think in terms of energy, frequency, and vibration.” ― Nikola Tesla


The kingdom of Morocco has a reputation for its diverse climate and natural resources, among which is solar energy. In fact, Morocco hosts the world’s largest concentrated solar power plant, the Noor Complex Solar Power Plant, which is located in the Sahara Desert. These factors make the Kingdom a hub for research and development.
The students at the School of Mines of Rabat (ENSMR) have begun a new innovative project, the objective of which is to develop an efficient car that uses energy from solar panels. Created in 2014, Mines Rabat Solar Team designing the car is formed by engineers from various fields, such as industrial engineering, electromechanics, energy, and IT. Since then, prototypes have been created. After conducting trials on the first prototype “Fennec”, the team realized that it did not meet its expectations. Consequently, they have produced a second prototype called “Eleadora 1”. Then, the last prototype, “Eleadora 2,” was developed. This car is made from carbon fiber, which makes it rigid and light. It can reach a speed of 120 km/hour. The solar panels used for the car are monocrystalline solar panels. They are characterized by their efficiency, which can range from 17% to 22%. The silicon-made solar cells are long-lasting, with a 25-year warranty.
Mines Rabat Solar Team has participated in the Moroccan solar challenge in 2016 and 2019. The Moroccan solar challenge is an annual car race between the city of Ben Guerir and the city of Marrakech. The team took second place in the race. And will be in attendance at the first edition of the solar challenge Morocco, held in Agadir this year.
The team is also expected to participate in one of the most renowned competitions, the Bridgestone World Solar Challenge. This Australian race, created in 1987, is for experimental vehicles powered by solar energy.
The High Atlas Foundation shares the same vision as these brilliant students, as we encourage the use of renewable energies and encourage Morocco’s young minds to actively apply their knowledge and skills to the Kingdom’s progress toward green energy and sustainable development.



amineee Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/26/2021

Je suis Mohammed Amine ZINE EL ABIDINE, étudiant en deuxième Master Juriste d’Affaires, clinicien de la deuxième promotion, venez découvrir avec moi mon expérience au sein de la clinique juridique.


Tout d’abord, je tiens à remercier le Doyen de la Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Economiques et Sociales de Fès, et l’ensemble du corps administratif de la Clinique Juridique pour cette initiative humaine, ambitieuse et créative.


Pour moi, la Clinique Juridique est un atelier de renforcement des capacités des juristes, notamment dans la pratique. Dans ce contexte, la Clinique Juridique a assuré des formations multiples et diverses, tant théoriques que pratiques, au profit des cliniciens afin qu’ils puissent traiter les différents cas dont la Clinique Juridique est en charge.


En outre, il existe d’autres formations essentielles pour affiner les capacités des cliniciens, telles que le développement personnel, la rédaction de CV, l’organisation d’une recherche d’emploi, la recherche d’un marché adéquat pour le profil du candidat, la gestion du traumatisme et l’esprit entrepreneurial.


Il convient de souligner que les principaux domaines auxquels s’intéresse la Clinique juridique sont la conciliation et la médiation familiale, la migration, le droit d’asile et, enfin, la traite des êtres humains. Ces axes ont fait l’objet de plusieurs exercices pratiques et de cas de simulation par les cliniciens sous la supervision d’experts spécialisés.


Une fois les formations terminées, les cliniciens passent directement au traitement des dossiers, ce qui nécessite un travail minutieux et de bons réflexes de la part des cliniciens. L’étude des dossiers se fait au siège de la Clinique juridique qui se trouve à l’intérieur de la Faculté de droit de Fès.


L’objectif de la clinique est d’offrir une assistance juridique gratuite à toute personne, notamment aux personnes vulnérables et fragiles n’ayant pas la possibilité de recourir à la justice.


La clinique vise également à inculquer le bénévolat, le travail associatif et le travail collectif dans l’esprit des juristes.

aminee Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/26/2021

Je suis Mohammed Amine ZINE EL ABIDINE, étudiant en deuxième Master Juriste d’Affaires, clinicien de la deuxième promotion, venez découvrir avec moi mon expérience au sein de la clinique juridique.


Tout d’abord, je tiens à remercier le Doyen de la Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Economiques et Sociales de Fès, et l’ensemble du corps administratif de la Clinique Juridique pour cette initiative humaine, ambitieuse et créative.


Pour moi, la Clinique Juridique est un atelier de renforcement des capacités des juristes, notamment dans la pratique. Dans ce contexte, la Clinique Juridique a assuré des formations multiples et diverses, tant théoriques que pratiques, au profit des cliniciens afin qu’ils puissent traiter les différents cas dont la Clinique Juridique est en charge.


En outre, il existe d’autres formations essentielles pour affiner les capacités des cliniciens, telles que le développement personnel, la rédaction de CV, l’organisation d’une recherche d’emploi, la recherche d’un marché adéquat pour le profil du candidat, la gestion du traumatisme et l’esprit entrepreneurial.


Il convient de souligner que les principaux domaines auxquels s’intéresse la Clinique juridique sont la conciliation et la médiation familiale, la migration, le droit d’asile et, enfin, la traite des êtres humains. Ces axes ont fait l’objet de plusieurs exercices pratiques et de cas de simulation par les cliniciens sous la supervision d’experts spécialisés.


Une fois les formations terminées, les cliniciens passent directement au traitement des dossiers, ce qui nécessite un travail minutieux et de bons réflexes de la part des cliniciens. L’étude des dossiers se fait au siège de la Clinique juridique qui se trouve à l’intérieur de la Faculté de droit de Fès.


L’objectif de la clinique est d’offrir une assistance juridique gratuite à toute personne, notamment aux personnes vulnérables et fragiles n’ayant pas la possibilité de recourir à la justice.


La clinique vise également à inculquer le bénévolat, le travail associatif et le travail collectif dans l’esprit des juristes.

zniniba Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

08/25/2021

A great expérience at the legal clinic -Ex Co-DIrector .

Kaoutar El Kadi

Kaoutar El Kadi Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

Témoignage d’une assistante d’aide sur le traitement des dossiers et leur état d’avancement - Avantages et difficultés
Kawtar El Kadi - Assistante d’aide juridique
La clinique juridique de la Faculté des Sciences Juridiques, Économiques et Sociales de Fès (FSJES) a été fondée en 2019 en partenariat avec la Fondation du Haut Atlas afin de fournir une assistance juridique gratuite aux demandeurs d'asile et aux immigrants qui souhaitent régler leur situation au Maroc de manière légale. Le but étant de présenter une consultation juridique gratuite sous la supervision de spécialistes du droit composés de professeurs, d'assistants et de cliniciens qui ont bénéficié de plusieurs formations dans différents axes sur lesquels travaille la clinique juridique "Migration, Asile, Traite des êtres humains, Médiation familiale et Entreuprenariat".
La clinique juridique se charge de la situation des immigrés au Maroc, ce qui leur donne le droit de vivre dans le pays d'accueil d'une manière légale ; également d'offrir une médiation familiale aux familles et aux conjoints en conflit en assurant un suivi particulier des assistants.
Ainsi, l'aide juridique reste un service humanitaire encourageant toute personne à en bénéficier à travers un rendez-vous d'orientation et d'écoute, puis un suivi et un traitement de chaque situation séparément. Un reçu est remis à la fin du suivi avec un numéro par dépôt, leur permettant ainsi de suivre leur situation, soit à distance (via Whatsapp ou appel téléphonique), soit par des rendez-vous physiques.
Consciente que mon rôle en tant qu'assistante d’aide en collaboration avec l'équipe de la clinique juridique, nous avons réussi à clôturer 15 dossiers où les bénéficiaires ont pu obtenir leur carte de séjour, d'autres, ont rencontré des obstacles tels que l'indisponibilité d'un logement ou d'un certificat d'inscription dans une université ou une école, en particulier les réfugiés Syriens auprès desquels nous avons connu des complications pour les assister dans leurs démarches afin d'obtenir leur carte de réfugié.
D'autre part, nous constatons des situations où nous ne pourrons pas les aborder car elles ne relèvent pas de notre champ de compétences.
En ce qui concerne la médiation familiale, les assistants sont habilités à organiser des séances privées et à donner des conseils juridiques continus aux conjoints en situation de conflit grâce à notre formation dans ce domaine et à notre expertise en droit de la famille afin de les amener à renouer leurs relations familiales.
Par ailleurs, le nombre de dossiers traités à ce jour est de 54, suite à des améliorations continues dans le traitement de chaque dossier, et grâce aux partenariats noués entre l’UNHCR Maroc, l'ANAPEC et le Groupe de Travail de Protection de Fès, qui regroupe 10 organisations de différents services pour aider les membres de la société civile, et d'autres en cours avec la Wilaya et le réseau des cliniques juridiques universitaires au Maroc.
Enfin, je me contenterai de dire que cette expérience m'a beaucoup appris en termes de coordination et de gestion des dossiers avec une équipe très ambitieuse de cliniciens et du corps administratif. Sans oublier de mentionner l'esprit humanitaire qui m'a amenée à encourager les gens à visiter la clinique dans le sens du partage et d’assistance gratuite.

ALM1997 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

كلما ارتكبت جريمة قتل أو اغتصاب أو هتك عرض… يبدأ النقاش حول عقوبة الإعدام… فنجد المؤيد لها الذي يعتبر الإعدام هو الحل لإيقاف تفشي الجريمة… كما نجد المعارض لها الذي يرى في الإعدام مجرد انتقام و لا يصلح المشكل من الأساس

بين هذا الرأي و ذاك… يدخل الأكاديمي لمناقشة الموضوع بمنطقية و موضوعية… مزيلا عنه رداء العاطفة و الانتقامية… ويحاول إيجاد حل يرضي الأطراف من جهة… و يكبح شهوة المجرم من جهة أخرى

كل هذا في إطار علمي أكاديمي و بعيد عن التعصب… و هذا بالضبط ما قامت به كلية الحقوق بفاس و بشراكة مع المنظمة المغربية لحقوق الإنسان وكذا المندوبية الوزارية المكلفة بحقوق الإنسان

حيث قامت بتنظيم يوم دراسي تحت عنوان : »من أجل نقاش عمومي، رصين و تعددي حول عقوبة الإعدام »… بمركز دراسات الدكتوراه بجامعة سيدي محمد بن عبدالله… وذلك يوم الثلاثاء 29 يونيو 2021… و بحضور أعضاء من العيادة القانونية لكلية الحقوق بفاس

حيث افتتح اليوم الدراسي بكلمة من السيد عميد كلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس و كلمة السيد ممثل المنظمة المغربية لحقوق الإنسان لتختتم الجلسة الافتتاحية بكلمة السيد ممثل المندوبية الوزارية المكلفة بحقوق الإنسان… كل الكلمات الافتتاحية كانت تصب في منحى الإشادة بالمجهودات المبذولة من طرف كلية الحقوق من أجل نقاش عقوبة الإعدام من عدة زوايا دون الاقتصار على رأي واحد دون الآخر

ليتم الانتقال بعد ذلك إلى الجلسة الأولى التي اختير لها كعنوان : »القراءات التأصيلية المتعددة »… و فيها تطرق الأستاذ عز العرب لحكيم بناني (رئيس شعبة الفلسفة بكلية الآداب ظهر المهراز) إلى عقوبة الإعدام من الناحية الفلسفية و كيف يراها كل من هيغل وكانط في قالب فلسفي موضوعي

تلتها مداخلة الأستاذ عبد الحق بلفقيه تحت عنوان : " الحق في الحياة بين معطى التكريس الدستوري و إشكالات الملائمة القانونية …" مداخلة وضع فيها الفصل 20 من الدستور تحت مجهر المتخصص في القانون الدستوري…

ليتدخل الأستاذ عبد الرحيم الأمين المتخصص في الشريعة و القانون و يتأمل في عقوبة الإعدام بين القانون المغربي و الفقه الإسلامي… ليستنتج أن عقوبة الإعدام هي عقوبة نسبية لا عقوبة أصلية مفروضة في الشريعة الإسلامية…

و لم يكن من الممكن مناقشة الموضوع بعيدا عن الالتزامات و الاتفاقيات الدولية… و هذا ما ناقشته الأستاذة سهيلة بوزلافة في مداخلة بعنوان :عقوبة الإعدام بين الالتزام الدولي و المراجعة التشريعية

ليكون لعلم الإجرام و السياسة الجنائية الحظ أيضا في المناقشة و هذا ما قام به كل من الأستاذ عبد الإله المتوكل الذي عنون مداخلته ب: »عقوبة الإعدام بين دواعي الإلغاء و مطالب الإبقاء »… و كذا الأستاذ هشام اسواني الذي كانت مداخلته تحت عنوان : عقوبة الإعدام من منظور السياسة الجنائية الحديثة

و بعد كل هذه المناقشات التقديمية التي ناقشت عقوبة الإعدام نظريا و تعدديا… كانت الجلسة الثانية تحت موضوع : »التوجهات العملية المختلفة »… ضرورية من أجل مناقشة عقوبة الإعدام بمنظور الممارس الميداني…

فقد كانت محكمة النقض و المجلس الأعلى للسلطة القضائية ممثلة في شخص الأستاذ حسن فتوخ الذي كانت مداخلته حول : المقاربة القضائية لعقوبة الإعدام

و لا يمكن الحديث عن عقوبة الإعدام دون حضور مؤسسة النيابة العامة التي تدخل ممثلها من أجل إعطاء احصائيات دقيقة حول : تطبيقات عقوبة الإعدام بالمغرب

ليكون للباحثين في سلك الدكتوراه نصيب من المداخلات… حيث كانت مداخلة الأستاذ علي إدريسي حسني مداخلة تحت عنوان

:قراءة في التوجه القضائي الجديد بشأن عقوبة الإعدام

تلته هيأة الدفاع ممثلة في شخص الأستاذ المهدي العزوزي محام بهيأة فاس… الذي ناقش: » عقوبة الإعدام بالمغرب بين المقاربة الحقوقية و الحاجة لحماية حقوق الضحية

و بعد ذلك… اختتم الأستاذ حسن رحية أشغال هذا اليوم الدراسي تحت عنوان : تفريد المعاملة العقابية للمحكومين بالإعدام

ليفتتح باب النقاش بين الحاضرين و المتدخلين في جو أكاديمي تعددي رصين…

Hamza Bouallala Ben A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

عقوبة الإعدام بين الإبقاء والإلغاء

Bouallala hamza
Doctorant chercheur à FSJES Fès / Droit privé – Clinicien



إن السؤال المطروح حول هذه القضية العويصة هو: هل الإبقاء على عقوبة الإعدام يؤدي إلى نقص الإجرام وبسط الأمن والسلام في ربوع المجتمعات البشرية؟ وهل إلغاء هذه العقوبة يؤدي إلى تفاقم الإجرام وزيادة الفوضى في المجتمعات وخرق نواميسها وأعرافها ومقدساتها؟

فهذه التساؤلات وغيرها كافية لبيان أهمية هذا الموضوع وتشعب سبله، ومن تم ألا يحق لنا أن نتساءل مرة أخرى، هل المجرم مذنب ويستحق العقاب الرادع جزاء ما قدمت يداه، أم أنه شخص شقي قادة المجتمع الذي لا يرحم إلى ارتكاب الجرم؟
على كل حال بمكافحة المجتمع للجريمة اتجه منذ البداية نحو المجرم نفسه بغية إبعاده عن المجتمع باعتباره يصبح عالة عليه بعد خرقه لقوانينه، ولعل عقوبة الإعدام هي الوسيلة المناسبة لاستبعاد الأشخاص الخطرين الخارجين عن قانون الجماعة، إذا لم يهتم المجتمع بمعالجة وإصلاح هؤلاء الأشخاص الذين خرجوا عن سير الجماعة
إن الجدل حول إلغاء عقوبة الإعدام أو الإبقاء عليها يبدو كأحد الصفات السعيدة التي يتمتع بها مجتمع ما، والتي لا تتعرض سلامته الداخلية والخارجية إلى خطر محدق ومباشر

وهكذا يرى أنصار الإلغاء أن الحياة هبة من الله سبحانه وتعالى فهو الذي يمنحها إياها، وله وحده الحق في استرجاعها، ولا يجوز لأي كان -ولو كانت الدولة ـ أن تسلب الحياة من شخص ما مهما كانت جريمته، وتحت أي ظروف من الظروف.
فالعقاب لا يراد منه استئصال الجاني وتغييبه عن مجتمعه، ولكن الهدف منه هو إصلاح هذا الجاني وإعادته إلى سواء السبيل،
ويرى أنصار الإبقاء على عقوبة الإعدام بأنها متناسبة مع جسامة الجريمة ومسؤولية مرتكبيها،فالجاني الذي يرتكب جرما خطيرا يؤدي إلى إزهاق أرواح الآخرين فإن أقل شيء يمكن فعله تجاهه هو إزهاق روحه هو الآخر تحقيقا لمقتضيات العدالة،لأن الغنم بالغرم كما يقول القانونيون

فالإبقاء على عقوبة الإعدام من المتطلبات الأساسية للمحافظة على أمن وسلامة المجتمع من جهة وعلى حياة أفراده من جهة أخرى، لأنها تحد من حالات العود للجريمة، إذ يستحيل العود مع تنفيذ عقوبة الإعدام بالمحكوم عليه وهي تحول دون استمرار عتات المجرمين في نشاطهم الإجرامي وتقي المجتمع من ويلات تكراره
إن موضوع عقوبة الإعدام يجمع بين أمرين متناقضين حق حياة الجاني وحق حياة المجني عليه أو حق المجتمع، وتبعا لذلك يمكن القول بأن هذه العقوبة القصوى لا تتلائم والأفكار الحديثة والإعلانات والمواثيق الدولية التي تنادي بحقوق الإنسان. وبالعكس من ذلك فهي متسمة بمشروعيتها طالما لازالت القوانين تنص عليها.

فمناقشة الإبقاء على عقوبة الإعدام أو إلغائها ستبقى دوما موضوعا للجدل والمناظرة وستظل الآراء والأفكار مختلفة عنها سلبا وإيجابا لكن السؤال الذي لا إجابة شافية عليه هو: ما هي الطريقة والوسيلة التي يمكن معها إصلاح ومعالجة المجرمين دون استئصالهم نهائيا من المجتمع؟

وبذلك يمكن القول على أني لا أجد أي حرج في المطالبة بالإبقاء على عقوبة الإعدام بالنظر للدور الرادع الذي يمكن أن يتحقق بتطبيقها. لكن والذي لاشك فيه هو أن مساوئ هذه العقوبة في وقتنا الحاضر أكثر من حسناتها بكثير، فالأخطاء القضائية وحدها كافية لإلغاء هذه العقوبة لأنه لا يمكن إصلاح الخطأ إذا سبق السيف العزل
نعم سيستمر الإجرام في المجتمع وسيستمر الفساد في الأرض، لكن معالجة هذه الظواهر لا تتم بإزهاق أرواح مرتكبي هذه الأفعال الخارجة عن قانون الجماعة، ولكنها تعالج بإصلاح المجتمع

عموما فإلغاء عقوبة الإعدام خطورة حضارية بالنظر لكثرة المآسي التي تترتب عنها
وبالتالي لابد أن نتسائل عن ما هي الإجراءات التي يسلكها المجتمع لمعالجة هذه الظاهرة، وذلك إما بالقضاء عليها أو بالتقليل منها؟

Badia Touhafi R. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

تجربة العمل في العيادة القانونية

بقلم : بديعة تحافي ريفي طالبة باحثة بسلك الدكتوراه


باسم الله الرحمان الرحيم

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله تعالى وبركاته، تحية طيبة وبعد

أدعى بديعة تحافي ريفي طالبة باحثة بسلك الدكتوراه مختبر القانون والفلسفة والمجتمع وعضوة بالعيادة القانونية بفوجها الثاني الكائنة بكلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس, وفي هذا المقال سأشارك معكم تجربتي بهذه العيادة وأثرها الذي خلفته على شخصيتي ومسيرتي الدراسية

انطلاقا من قول رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ) من لا يشكر الناس لا يشكر الله( أريد أن أتوجه بإسمي وباسم كل عضو من أعضاء العيادة القانونية بخالص عبارات الشكر والتقدير للإدارة بصفة عامة ولعميد الكلية بصفة خاصة على هذه المبادرة الطيبة التي من خلالها تم إنشاء عيادة قانونية بمقر كليتنا العتيدة والتي سمحت لنا بالتعرف على مجموعة من الطلبة من مختلف المسالك والشعب من ماستر دكتوراه……الخ, وتكوين صداقات جديدة وتبادل معارف قانونية والاستفادة من أفكار بعضنا البعض خاصة فيما يتعلق بأبحاثنا الجامعية الأكاديمية

وفي هذا الصدد وفرت العيادة مجموعة من الدورات التكوينية التي تهمنا نحن كحقوقيين بالدرجة الأولى وذلك من أجل اكتساب الخبرات وصقل المهارات وتطويريها في مختلف المجالات القانونية من أسرة, هجرة, لجوء……الخ لمواكبة ومصاحبة الأشخاص المعنيين وتقديم الاستشارات اللازمة من خلال استقبال الحالات الواقعية تحت إشراف مجموعة من الأساتذة المتخصصين في كافة المجالات القانونية, وقد سمحت هذه الدورات لكل واحد ولي شخصيا من إبداء الرأي والمشاركة في تعزيز النقاشات الرائجة في الحصص التكوينية دون خوف أو خجل مما أي إلى تعزيز وبناء شخصية قوية وتطويرها وبالتالي خلق جيل قانوني مدرك لاحتياجات المجتمع يمتلك روح المبادرة والعمل الجماعي للسعي للتغيير والتطوير في المجتمع

وعليه يبقى الهدف الأسمى للعيادة القانونية العمل على نشر الثقافة القانونية وتعزيز الوعي المجتمعي القانوني وتمكين مختلف شرائح المجتمع من الوصول إلى العدالة بالتنسيق مع الجهات ذات العلاقة وفقا للقوانين السارية والعمل على دمج الطلبة في المجتمع عن طريق المزج بين الدراسة الاكاديمية النظرية والحياة المهنية العملية وذلك من خلال الاخذ بيد أعضائها وتدريبهم لتقديم الاستشارات اللازمة من أجل تعزيز فكرة العمل بروح الفريق وتكريس مبادئ العلم التطوعي للارتقاء بمستوى حقوق الإنسان وتعزيز سيادة القانون

Simo A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

Rédigé par : AININE Mohamed

Dans le cadre de son ouverture sur les différentes cliniques juridiques du royaume, la clinique juridique de la faculté de droit de Fès a eu le plaisir de participer le samedi 5 juin à Nador dans une table ronde réalisée par le Forum Anoual pour le Développement et la Citoyenneté, Laboratoire d’Études Juridiques et Politiques des Pays Méditerranéens et National Endowment for Democracy « NED » ; cet événement de grande envergure avait comme thématique principale : Le rôle des cliniques juridiques dans la protection et la promotion des droits. La table ronde était animée par une panoplie de professeurs universitaires de droit, des représentants de différentes cliniques juridiques du Maroc et des membres actifs de la société civile.
Plusieurs questions ont été abordées dans cette optique, dont les principales sont relatives aux moyens possibles pour la promotion des cliniques juridiques, le concept de clinique juridique et les outils de son travail, l’apport des cliniques juridiques dans le renforcement de la culture des droits de l’homme… Ainsi, un échange d’expériences entre les différentes cliniques a eu lieu, notamment la clinique juridique de la faculté pluridisciplinaire de Nador, la clinique juridique de Rabat, la clinique juridique « Hijra » d’Oujda …., ce fut l’occasion pour la clinique juridique de la faculté de droit de Fès de présenter, et ce à travers l’intervention du directeur de la clinique M. EL BAKKOURI Said et la responsable des formations de la clinique OKBI Basma , l’expérience de la clinique juridique dans ses domaines d’intervention, principalement, la migration, l’asile, la traite et la médiation familiale ; On y ajoute les résultats prometteurs obtenus jusqu’à présent et un aperçu sur les formations qui se sont déroulés au profit des étudiants cliniciens tout en mentionnant les événements marquants de la clinique à l’image de la visite de M. David Green, Chargé d’Affaires des États-Unis d’Amérique à Rabat et membres du corps diplomatique américain.
In fine, un tel événement est fortement salué par la clinique juridique de la faculté de droit de Fès puisque d’une part, il contribue activement au renforcement des cliniques juridiques au Maroc à travers des débats instructifs et des échanges fructueux des différentes expériences, et, d’autre part, cet évènement a fait écho sur l’importance et le rôle des cliniques juridiques dans la protection et la fortification des droits de l’homme.

amine.phd Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

What Every Student Needs to Know About the Legal Clinic in Fez.

By: Mohammed Amine Jbilou, Student Clinician, CJFD Fez

As a law clinician for almost a year, I have observed that the essence of a Legal Clinic for us is the way it works and the interest for law students to participate.

What is a legal clinic?

Inspired by the American legal clinic movement, the legal clinic structure, although not universal in Morocco, is emerging in our universities.

The Legal Clinic is a learning tool that operates on a voluntary basis and attempts to meet both the need for legal information of natural and legal persons and the need for practical experience on the part of law students, which is quite common from the first year of the Master's degree.

The "clinicians," the name given to the members of a legal clinic, offer free legal assistance supervised by teachers or legal professionals.
If you are bored of endless theory and feel a lack of reality in your law studies, the legal clinic is the ideal solution to enrich your professional life during your university years.

How is a Legal Clinic organized?

As there is no unique structure in Morocco, a legal clinic is different depending on the university in which it is located and the office that constitutes it.

However, some common features could be highlighted. For example, it usually consists of an office, which is responsible for the promotion of the clinic, its communication and general
administration, as well as assistants and practicing clinicians.

The assistants, who are experienced clinicians, have the main role of supervising the team of clinicians assembled to study a proposed case. They meet with the "beneficiary," i.e. the natural or legal person who has contacted the Legal Clinic to discuss their legal problem. They then ask
the beneficiary the questions necessary to understand the case, form a team with volunteer clinicians, and finally provide the conclusion of the research carried out.

Clinicians, whether or not they are specialists in the subject under study, can volunteer to participate in research related to the legal issues raised.

Deepening known notions, discovering subjects, listening, studying, researching... the clinician's
work is above all a learning exercise. Don't be afraid of not being a specialist: even with a doctorate, it is impossible to be an expert in a field!

Research work is at the heart of the Clinic. In addition, the support of more experienced professionals or students guarantees the relevance of the statements made!

What are the tasks of the members of a Legal Clinic?

The missions carried out by clinicians are multiple and constitute a real asset for their future profession in law. This experience should be highlighted on their CV, as it is highly valued by law firms!

First of all, the meeting with the "beneficiary" requires the identification of legal problems. Far
from practical cases highlighting the points to be researched, this is a real exercise at the heart of the daily life of lawyers: identifying within a multitude of facts, more or less relevant, the key elements that will allow efficient answers to the general problematic of the case.

Secondly, clinicians need to do real research work.

While it is not necessary to be a specialist in the subject, however, it is essential to provide accurate and relevant answers to the beneficiary. No one could be a specialist in any way in a master or doctorate degree! The student clinician must therefore learn to conduct research to find information relevant to the case presented: this may be requested instantly during legal consultations, or a posteriori when the cases are more substantial and require more in-depth
study.

Finally, working in a Legal Clinic requires an effort of simplification. The clinician must be able to adapt his or her words, to make them accessible to all, so that the claimants can understand the elements reported.

What advice would you give to a student who wants to join a legal clinic?

Only this: do it! If your faculty offers a Legal Clinic and you are hesitating to join, don't wait any longer, « contact the office! » It is a very rewarding experience, combining volunteer work with your first experience in a professional environment.

Mohammed Amine Jbilou is a PhD student in "Private Law" at the University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah, Faculty of Legal Sciences, Economic and Social, ranked as the best university in Morocco.

imane Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021


تعتبر عقوبة الإعدام انتهاكاً لحقوق الإنسان، وعلى وجه الخصوص الحق في الحياة والحق في عدم التعرض للتعذيب أو المعاملة أو العقوبة القاسية أو اللاإنسانية أو المهينة. وكلا هذين الحقين كفلهما الإعلان العالمي لحقوق الإنسان، الذي اعتمدته الأمم المتحدة في سنة 1948


إضافة إلى العديد من الصكوك التي اعتمدها المجتمع الدولي من بينها

البروتوكول الاختياري الثاني الملحق بالعهد الدولي الخاص بالحقوق المدنية والسياسية، والذي يهدف إلى إلغاء عقوبة الإعدام

البروتوكول رقم 6 الملحق بالاتفاقية الأوروبية لحقوق الإنسان، والمتعلق بإلغاء عقوبة الإعدام، والبروتوكول رقم 13 الملحق بالاتفاقية الأوروبية لحقوق الإنسان، فيما يتعلق بإلغاء عقوبة الإعدام في جميع الظروف


بروتوكول الاتفاقية الأمريكية لحقوق الإنسان لإلغاء عقوبة الإعدام


على الرغم من أن القانون الدولي ينص على أن استخدام عقوبة الإعدام يجب أن يقتصر على الجرائم الأشد خطورة، إلا أن معظم المنظمات المهتمة بحقوق الإنسان اعتبرت هذه العقوبة ليست الحل وليست عقوبة رادعة كما يعتبرها البعض _ فأغلب الدول التي تنفذ عقوبة الإعدام لازالت لم تحد من الجرائم التي تعاقب بها بالإعدام ولم تحقق العقوبة وظيفتها وتعتبر الصين أفضل مثال على هذا _ فهي تثير العديد من الإشكالات، ومن بين أهم الإشكالات التي تثيرها في نظري، أنها عقوبة لا رجعة فيها بحيث قد تقع أخطاء في الأحكام القضائية لا يمكن تداركها إذا نفذت العقوبة، كما قد يتم إعدام أشخاص إستناداً على أدلة مشوبة بالتعذيب، وعدم التمثيل القانوني المناسب، فقد يفقد أشخاص بريئون حياتهم بحيث لا يمكن إعادة شخص بريء أعدم لإعادة الاعتبار له، ولا يمكن تعويض حياة أي شخص، فالحق في الحياة من أسمى الحقوق لدى الإنسان لا يجب لأي سلطة المساس بها

Safae B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/24/2021

La Clinique Juridique de la Faculté de Droit de Fès : un endroit idéal pour recueillir de l’aide


Article rédigé de la part de : FAOUZI ZIZI Abdeslam
Assistant d’aide à la CJFD

Généralement connu comme un pays d’immigrants, le Maroc est non seulement devenu un pays de transit en Europe ces dernières années, mais aussi un pays d’accueil pour un nombre croissant de migrants, de réfugiés et de demandeurs d’asile. Au cours des deux dernières décennies, les immigrants d’Afrique subsaharienne qui tentent d’entrer en Europe se sont souvent retrouvés piégés au Maroc et dans une situation précaire.

De ce fait, le Maroc souffre d’un double phénomène : il génère de l’immigration au sein de sa population tout en consolidant sa position de pays d’accueil de nombreux pays subsahariens.

Alors que l’immigration s’est inévitablement accrue, l’intensité de la violence dans les mesures visant à contrôler cette situation a également augmenté. Le recours à la torture et aux traitements inhumains et dégradants aggrave la souffrance et la marginalisation de ces personnes qui, tout en cherchant une vie meilleure, se trouvent toujours dans un état d’existence extrême, souvent inhumain et instable.
À cet égard, la Clinique Juridique de la Faculté de droit de Fès a ouvert ses portes en 2019 pour fournir des conseils juridiques gratuits à la Faculté de droit, d’économie et de sciences sociales de l’Université Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah de Fès. La CJFD opère en partenariat avec la Fondation du Haut Atlas. Elle est financée par le National Endowment for Democracy et l’Initiative de partenariat États-Unis-Moyen-Orient (MEPI).

La Clinique Juridique agit principalement sur quatre axes : La migration, l’asile, la traite des êtres humains, ainsi que la médiation familiale. De pertinentes formations ont été assurées dans ce cadre, au profit de plusieurs cliniciens, qui sont au nombre de 81 aujourd’hui répartis en deux promotions.

Il est à signaler que la CJFD travaille également sur le terrain par le biais de ce qu’on appelle « La clinique Mobile » en assurant, une assistance aux bénéficiaires du programme d’aide ne pouvant pas se déplacer au local de La clinique juridique.
Deux assistants d’aide ont été recrutés pour garantir une meilleure efficience de ce programme. Il s’agit de Monsieur Abdeslam FAOUZI ZIZI et de Madame Kaoutar EL KADI. Ils ont pour finalité d’ouvrir des dossiers aux bénéficiaires du programme d’aide, les accompagner tout au long du processus d’aide, ainsi que de faire avec eux un suivi de l’état d’avancement de leurs dossiers.

Actuellement, une cinquantaine de dossiers ont été ouverts pour des bénéficiaires de différentes nationalités.

Il est évident que chaque dossier comporte un certain nombre de difficultés et d’obstacles pouvant parfois stagner et retarder le déroulement de la procédure. Mais ce qui est sûr, c’est que les assistants d’aide essayent de trouver la solution adéquate au moindre petit détail se rattachant au problème.
Pour conclure cet article, je ne peux qu’être fier de mon appartenance à cette clinique juridique qui est avant tout, une expérience humanitaire qui a pu satisfaire ma conviction d’aider les gens.

MaxBerengaut Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/17/2021

Entering Morocco, Sub-Saharan African migrants find themselves at a crossroads. There is the promise of an economic future waiting for them in Europe, but the path to it is perilous. They require either an assurance of asylum status or some familial relationship with a European in order to enter into Europe without any problems. Unfortunately, many will have neither, forcing them into dangerous and irregular means of entry into Europe, or at times leading them to stay in Morocco. While Morocco has for most of its history been an emigration country, its geographic usefulness puts it at the forefront of migration in the Mediterranean, between one of the most populous emigration centers in the world, Sub-Saharan Africa, and one of the most popular immigration destinations in the world, Western Europe.

A hold on this northern flow of migration from Sub-Saharan Africa is unlikely, as the immigration routes have been long established, and population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa continues to rise steadily. In countries with established pathways of migration, like Ghana and Nigeria, it was found that nearly one third of all respondents indicated that they were going to leave their home country for Europe or the United States sometime in the next five years (Connor). Further research from Syed Ali in a chapter from his book entitled ‘Maligned Migrants’, explains that “while Western European countries put great restrictions on further labor migration, the [migrant] population kept growing through family reunification, and in the 1990s, through the admission of refugees.” The first initial waves of migration create a difficult to control stream of further migration, and with governmental programs like family reunification simplifying the legal complications that tend to decentivize migration, over a million Sub-Saharan Africans have moved to Europe since 2010, mostly seeking asylum or irregularly migrating (Connor). In 2018, there were more Mediterranean migrants entering Spain than any other European country, naturally signifying that Morocco was seen as the leading transit country for African migrants attempting to enter into Western Europe.

Refugees and asylum-seekers are people who leave their homes because they are fleeing from war or persecution. However, to be granted either refugee or asylum status at their destination country, they need to prove legally that they had a well-founded fear of persecution on account of race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or social group affiliation. While hundreds of thousands of Sub-Saharan African undocumented migrants have been classified as refugees in the United States by the UNHCR, there are many more in Europe who have struggled to receive the same classification. Furthermore, most western countries use refugee quotas, allowing the reception or resettlement of a sometimes contentious number of refugees every year. This phenomenon can exclude asylum-seekers who find themselves outside the quite narrow legal definition of refugee. For poor migrants desperate for any source of income, the legal complexities of their situation can often be difficult to fully understand, especially in countries where their legal status can be easily manipulated by those who exploit their relative lack of knowledge.

While their situation is contextually quite different, Sub-Saharan African migrants who stay in Morocco struggle with many of the same issues as their counterparts in Western Europe. While there are many Sub-Saharan African migrants who immigrate specifically to Morocco, there is also a large number of them who find themselves with no other choice but to remain in Morocco as their window of opportunity to enter Western Europe subsides. In a feature article for the Migration Policy Institute, Driss El Ghazouanoi says that ‘stuck’ Sub-Saharan African migrants have become a familiar sight to many Moroccans, most of them living without proper documents. As of now, there are roughly 700,000 Sub-Saharan migrants living in Morocco, making up about 2% of the mostly homogenous population (MPI). The Moroccan government has committed to helping these migrants, writing and passing laws that provide pathways to full citizenship, but there will be a long process to fully acclimate them into Moroccan society. There have been some reports of social discontent towards migrants (Alami), and while the Moroccan government will need to keep an eye on the rise of hate that is often associated with immigration growth, their larger issue is likely the struggle for proper documentation.

The Legal Aid Clinic (CFJD), housed at the Faculty of Social, Legal, and Economic Sciences at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Adbellah in Fes, is one of the few opportunities for migrants currently living in Morocco to be provided the proper legal assistance that would allow them to have a source of income while living in Morocco. With funding from the National Endowment for Democracy and the Middle East Partnership Initiative, the CJFD trains law students to provide pro bono legal aid to those who are in need of it most. While there are country-wide economic issues in Morocco, such as unemployment and hard-to-access social services, there are still opportunities for migrants to carve out a life for themselves in the country, such as in the Fes-Meknes region, whose decreasing urban population growth could potentially be mitigated by a rise in the migrant population (Oxford Business Group).

For many Sub-Saharan African migrants, their future legal and economic situations are frustratingly insecure. There is a dearth of resources available to them, not only in Morocco but in all of Western Europe. The CJFD in Fes is, therefore, a helpful option for migrants who need guidance and support as they transit, integrate into Moroccan society, or prepare to repatriate back to their home countries.

Max Berengaut is a student at the University of Virginia and an Intern at the High Atlas
Foundation.

airamatin Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2021

Mutually Inclusive: The Relationship Between Development and Human Rights

By: Aira Matin

This word “development” is quite heavy. It is not just a matter of improving the economic conditions of a society, but of changing lives and trying to build a better present and future. As a student from the US, it’s valuable to recognize the position that countries such as the US and others in Europe are in with respect to development. Countries have initiated projects of development focused on outcomes, without considering the needs or interests of those they are trying to help.

Development as a process often suffers from traditions of ignoring the people and human conditions on the ground. Development tends to be concerned with numbers and economic improvements rather than working on the specific outcomes for a society. Where economic solutions seem like the most effective way to improve the quality of life of those in developing countries, poverty is now being understood as less about economic needs and more about addressing underlying factors like discrimination, exploitation, and abuse. This sets the stage for human rights to enter in the discussion.

Human rights activism in Morocco rose around the 1970s, with the 1980s marking the expansion of civil society. What we have seen is that rural and indigenous groups, those who would be most affected by and involved in the development process, are often left out of human rights discourse and government policies. Additionally, there has been a distance between the language used by the larger human rights organizations and the grassroots activism on the ground. Thus, the broader world of human rights has been characterized with a lack of focus on the people and the specific needs of diverse communities throughout the country. However, with more and more groups integrating human rights approaches to their development goals, this trend has begun to change.

Development and human rights are tied together by shared norms and values, united by a common goal of building a better society for the people. A rights-based approach (RBA) to human rights, then, can enhance development goals. The Danish Institute for Human Rights notes that RBA is “based on the concept that impoverished people must be protected from illegal and unjust discrimination, dispossession, denial and disenfranchisement.” This approach helps move development away from a merely economic process. Development and human rights mutually reinforce one another, as development secures access to rights while the existence of rights enhances development. RBA shifts development as a process away from providing needs to emphasizing “society’s obligation to respond to the rights of individuals.” Here, development is increasingly focusing on humans and the extent to which they can live their lives.

Rights-based approaches in Morocco and beyond have challenged the objective tone of development, transforming the process into one that centers on humanity. The people are the agents of change involved in building their communities for themselves. For example, many ethnic communities have used social-oriented partnerships rather than market-oriented ones in order to gain support for development projects.

Rural women are another group who are increasingly articulating collective rights in opposition to the standard outcome-based approach of development. What we see here are examples of groups in Morocco who have turned development into something that values their rights as people. Moroccan human rights organizations are taking explicitly proactive human rights stances that are consistent with international human rights standards, a contrast to Western stereotypes of Arab-Islamic culture, and therefore fight against Western ideas of what the world looks like by actively better lives for the people.

The High Atlas Foundation is one of the many organizations using RBA, integrating rights into a range of issues from land rights to women’s empowerment. For example, on the issue of land, many development projects have neglected the value that rural communities place on the land itself, preferring to commodify the homes of local peoples. But HAF places value into the land, understanding it as part of the community, and helps it flourish with commitments such as tree planting.

Women’s rights is another arena where HAF acknowledges the importance of rights in development. Using the framework of Moudawana, the Moroccan family code, “HAF aims to integrate a rights-based approach into existing programs to create an inclusive women’s empowerment strategy that involves strengthening capabilities, capacities, and implementation of rights.” HAF understands that development must recognize the relationship between rights, capacities, and a sense of capacity. As a process of change, development must begin with the humans themselves, and commit to building a better world for the sake of humanity.

SamirahJ Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2021

Harnessing Science for Sustainable Agriculture

By Samirah Jaigirdar

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Global Goals are a collection of 17 interlinked global goals designed to achieve a better and more sustainable future. The SDGs were set up in 2015 by the United Nations General Assembly, to be achieved by 2030. Nations around the world adopted these goals in recognition of the fact that ending poverty must be done in tandem with strategies that improve health and education, reduce inequality, and drive economic growth, while tackling climate change and preserving our oceans and forests.

The 17 SDGs are: (1) No Poverty, (2) Zero Hunger, (3) Good Health and Well-being, (4) Quality Education, (5) Gender Equality, (6) Clean Water and Sanitation, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (10) Reducing Inequality, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (13) Climate Action, (14) Life Below Water, (15) Life On Land, (16) Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, (17) Partnerships for the Goals.

On June 6, 2021, the United Nations Research Institute for Social Development (UNRISD) held a side event for the 2021 HLPF titled From Science to Practice: Harnessing Research to Build Forward Better. At this forum, a panel of experts from around the world discussed how research often fails to find its way into policy-making circles due to technical, cultural, political, institutional and financial barriers.

Unfortunately, progress on the 17 SDGs lags far behind. COVID-19 in particular has been challenging, and in some cases, the pandemic has exposed the gaps between the latest scientific discoveries and policy-making. While research and innovation alone cannot get us the 17 SDGs by 2030, collaboration across civil and political society can help get us there.

SDG 2’s aim is to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture. At the forum, the experts highlighted some of the challenges that SDG 2 faces while pursuing sustainable agriculture. For instance, the overexploitation of resources by industrial farming, exclusion of smallholder farmers, increasing precarity of subsistence farming, shifting consumption patterns, and the role of global trade in creating new nutrition challenges. Some recommendations to address these challenges were supporting farmers, drawing on local and traditional knowledge, and building collaborative networks.

In our increasingly connected world, we must find a way to bring together scientists and experts from different fields alongside public policy specialists and NGOs who can highlight historically marginalized voices. HAF’s Farmer-To-Farmer (F2F) program is an embodiment of this situation. F2F is a USAID initiative which aims to bring volunteers with expertise in numerous phases of the agricultural development value chain, including tree and plant nurseries, irrigation, cooperative-building, food safety, and commercialization of processed products to Morocco and other countries. The F2F program has demonstrated how volunteers can help individuals and organizations build local communities, bring new knowledge, and strengthen existing sustainable agriculture practices.

The COVID-19 pandemic, although devastating, showed how volunteers can even be useful in a virtual scenario. USAID encouraged F2F implementers to pair local volunteers with remote American volunteers to collaborate. HAF’s first partnership happened in the Tassa Ouirgane village in the Marrakech-Safi region. The results of this assignment include the young women registering as a formal cooperative. These women took this opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge themselves and societal norms. As F2F engages small farmers, this benefits both the farmers and the environment. Additionally, F2F builds on traditional Moroccan knowledge with the latest research on sustainable agricultural practices through volunteers. Hence, HAF’s implementation of F2F directly contributes to the pursuit of SDG 2.

Sustainable agricultural practices are sorely needed to protect the environment, preserve and expand the Earth’s natural resources, and improve soil fertility. Unfortunately, promoting industrial agriculture cannot be the answer to achieving food security through unsustainable agricultural practices. Hence, HAF helping small farmers learn and practice sustainable agriculture practices will help both economic development and achieve SDG 2.


Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/19/2021

With its 2013 New Migration Policy (NMP), Morocco is aiming to become a welcoming destination for sub-Saharan African migrants. While this step acknowledges the value migrants add to the economy, the Moroccan economy cannot reap the full benefits of the NPM as migrants are shunted to the margins of society. To fulfill the NPM’s promise of making migrants fully integrated members of Moroccan society, programs that train migrants in sustainable agricultural practices while giving them legal advice about labor laws will provide them the framework to integrate more fully into their communities.

Agriculture is one of the driving economic forces in Morocco. The sector reflects an average 15% of GDP and 23% of the country’s exports are agricultural products. However, smallholder farmers mainly use rain-fed land, have limited access to irrigation, and lack financial resources, all of which causes overgrazing, overharvesting, and agricultural pollution. This has led to land degradation, which the World Bank estimates has an annual economic cost of $134 million. The Moroccan government has deployed two projects that aim to support small farmers by training them in land and biodiversity conservation. These projects and USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program, which HAF implements in Morocco, have similar aims. The key difference between them is that the F2F program includes training on entrepreneurship and gives information on the entire agricultural chain. Hence, this program is uniquely positioned to be a crucial tool in helping irregular migrants learn farming and entrepreneurship skills that will benefit both themselves and the Moroccan economy.

Fes has become a host city for irregular migrants from sub-Saharan Africa. In the last wide-reaching survey conducted, it was revealed that secondary school education is widespread amongst them. Thus, they may be attracted towards labor intensive and/or agricultural jobs. As irregular migrants without work permits, they are highly susceptible to exploitation. Long-term migrant integration can only be successful if the migrants believe they can play a useful role in society, and if the host community welcomes them. A productive way to achieve integration is by training them to become productive agricultural workers and entrepreneurs. This method gives the migrants both job and food security while showing the local Moroccan community that they will not drain government resources. Additionally, this will make Fes a welcoming destination in which migrants can settle permanently, rather than trying to cross the Mediterranean to enter Europe.

Working together, the F2F program and the Fez Legal Aid Clinic can create a generation of migrants who are well-versed in sustainable agricultural practices and Moroccan labor laws. This sets them up for a successful integration into the Fes community. As the NMP gathers steam, the legal clinic can find ways to help irregular migrants in Fes get in line for the regularization program. During this process, the F2F program can train the migrants in sustainable agricultural practices and entrepreneurship. Their new skills will make them more marketable to local farms, and their knowledge of Moroccan labor laws will provide protection from exploitation and empower them to negotiate more favorable contracts. The extensive training they will receive from F2F, as well as the interactions they will have with the law students in the legal clinic, will also help their Darija fluency, making them more comfortable with everyday interactions in Fes.

Accepting, protecting, and empowering irregular migrants in Fez is a winning strategy for everyone. As can be observed in large refugee camps like Dadaab in Kenya, refugees and irregular migrants will try to cultivate crops in whatever space they find to ensure they have food. Unfortunately, this situation can make them feel helpless and isolated from the community into which they are attempting to integrate. Moreover, it risks land in Morocco becoming more hostile to crops due to overfarming. Equipping irregular migrants in Fez with the agricultural skills which F2F is experienced in teaching has numerous long-term benefits for both Fez and the Moroccan economy.

noahginsburg5 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2021

Nature’s Secret Healing Powers: A Look into Nature Therapy
By Noah Ginsburg

This morning I had the privilege of attending a very special event, hosted by the Beyond Trees Network’s Dr. Tamberly Kerr Conway, a trained and licensed nature therapist who has spent the last several years training more and more nature therapists and spreading this practice across the world. Although the pandemic is nearly over, the need for social distancing, as well as the long distances between many of the participants around the globe, from India to South America, has brought on the need for using Zoom to safely and universally share the experience. Many of the activities are normally done in a closely-knit group where the natural scenes are taken in together, but because of these circumstances, we all had to experience our own bit of nature behind our screens.
So, what exactly is nature therapy? I’ll admit that going into this session, I was very skeptical. I thought I would just be meditating and maybe even doing some yoga, but I soon realized that the process is much more experiential and sensory than I thought. We began by finding a comfortable and peaceful position outside in nature. I sat in my backyard in the grass with the computer on my lap. The grass tickled my legs and the sun flickered through the leaves above my head as my session leader, Toby Bloom, began speaking gently. She asked that we close our eyes and slow our breathing, feel the natural elements around us and be conscious of them but keep our minds quiet. She implored us to think about our skin and how it felt against the cool breeze, how the hairs on our arms danced as it flowed across. She asked us to listen closely to the sounds around us, the leaves rattling, the chirping of the birds, a plane flying swiftly overhead. She asked us to breathe deeply through our noses and bring in the smells around us, all the while keeping our eyes closed and our bodies still.
After several minutes of meditating and taking in nature, she asked us to spin around and slowly open our eyes as if the image we were about to see would be for the first time. I slowly opened my eyes to find myself facing the woods behind my house. They were brightly lit and splotched with patches of shadow. It was really quite beautiful and to see it after focusing all of my senses was really something special.
Throughout the rest of the session, we explored the texture of natural things around us like grass, leaves, and rocks, and at the end, Toby performed a small tea ceremony that is commonplace in these sessions. Unfortunately, I did not have any tea made for the session so I simply had to watch behind my screen. When the session was over, I closed my computer and sat outside for just a few more minutes. I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquility. My whole body felt relaxed and I felt an Earthly connection from my head to my feet. Wholistically, it made me feel very good.
Dr. Conway explained that these forms of therapy started to become popular in the late 80s and have spread across the globe, helping with depression, stress, and anxiety. The calming vibe of the therapy takes little to no effort to reach and can effectively center and relax a person in under an hour. Dr. Conway’s organization aims to improve forest welfare globally, hoping to bring economic, social, and emotional support to the public, with the aim of improving the public welfare.
If you have a moment in your day where you have just a few minutes to yourself, I would highly recommend taking the time to step outside, close your eyes, and open your senses to the natural world around you. Nature’s healing powers are nothing short of pure magic.

Krisod2346 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/06/2021

Academia Has an Obligation to Serve
Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights upholds education as a right to which every individual is entitled. The opportunity to attend an institute of higher learning and improve one’s position in society, however, is available only to those who can afford it.

In most nations, the cost of education is unconscionably high. In the United States, the average cost of attendance at a university is $35,720, which stands in stark contrast to the $6,750 per year salary that public school teachers in Morocco make.

Students who can afford to attend university have an obligation that extends beyond themselves: their duties as students should not be to exclusively improve their own social standing and maximize the money they make. Instead, their focus should be one of service. In their academic undertakings, they should seek to do more than write lofty thesis statements and present abstract principles. Instead, they should use their education to serve others, giving its usefulness a much wider scope.

Academia should not and cannot exist solely within its own realm; it must respond to the world it observes. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is not useful. To be blunt, it is a fruitless endeavor to write papers about social ills without trying to solve them.

Just as in development work, the impact of academic work should be tangible and measurable. Development organizations can appear to set out with noble goals that sound laudable on paper, but the organizations fail to execute their plans. It is easy to veil failed implementation efforts by claiming that the results are impossible to observe concretely, but this is often not the case.

While women’s empowerment, for example, sounds like an abstract concept that might be difficult to measure, the degree to which women are more empowered is demonstrable in literacy rates, women’s role in the economy, and family planning strategies. A paper on women’s empowerment that is full of feminist theories and purely hypothetical considerations is not as effectual in achieving social progress as one that points readers toward the application of theory to reality and needs.

One solution to this problem of theory vs. practicality is the wide-scale implementation of service-learning: an educational approach wherein students learn theories in the classroom and, at the same time, volunteer with an agency and engage in reflection activities to deepen their understanding of what is being taught. As stated in Multidisciplinary Perspectives on Higher Education for the Public Good: “At its best, higher education provides graduates with the ability and motivation to collaborate with others to improve their local schools, break bread with their refugee neighbor, resolve racial conflict in the community, and create economically and environmentally sustainable communities.” David Weerts believes that, ultimately, higher education for the public good may best be defined and measured by the “collective ability of postsecondary institutions to respond to key public agendas: improving economies, contributing to improved health and quality of life, and promoting the ideals of citizenship and democracy.”

The best hope we have for progress in this world is through collaboration in every area of life. A collaborative approach that involves interaction between those writing papers and those with local knowledge and lived experience on the ground will be infinitely more successful than one in which those spheres remain separate. Participatory development allows community beneficiaries to occupy a central position in creating solutions to the everyday problems they experience. This makes perfect sense: those with local knowledge understand what will prove most effective and what issues should be prioritized in the development of the nation.

Just as the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) employs a participatory approach in which the public and private sectors work together, university students who set out to write papers should consult with and be aware of the realities of the subjects of their writing. HAF President Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir argues that right now, “there is generally inadequate coordination among ministries to achieve the synergies of these national initiatives, and a lack of popular understanding and the needed skills in order to translate them into reality.” Partnerships among NGOs, business, and governments — local and national — generate solutions that cannot be achieved by any of these entities on their own.

British economist Kate Raworth has located this issue of academic isolation from the “real world” and has developed a solution. She calls it doughnut economics. The theory is based upon an economic model visually shaped like a donut, with an outer disc representing the ecological ceiling and the center hole representing the proportion of people that lack access to life’s essentials. It is meant to serve as a compass, directing human progress for the 21st century “to ensure that no one falls short on life’s essentials (from food and housing to healthcare and political voice), while ensuring that collectively we do not overextend our pressure on Earth’s life-supporting systems, on which we fundamentally depend – such as a stable climate, fertile soils, and a protective ozone layer,” says Raworth.



In her novel on the theory, Raworth writes about her time as an economics student, and her systemic lack of confrontation with real world issues and the need to problem-solve. She writes about an essay prompt she received two years into her tenure as an economics student that asked about the best way of assessing success in development. “Two years into my economic education and the question of purpose had arrived for the first time. Worse, I hadn’t even realized that it had been missing.”

Students in the 21st century are entering a world devastated by climate change and steeped with systemic social inequalities. A study of economics that responds to those realities is desperately needed. This theory identifies the issue of an economics education devoid of attention to the real world and presents a solution that should serve as a model for those of us seeking to use our education and tools for the public good.

In vain, we write papers that will never be seen by individuals other than the student and teacher. All of these projects, papers, and presentations are trapped inside a bubble, in a realm out of reach for those they are meant to help. Diagnosing problems is an essential task; however, we must also seek to develop solutions because identifying the problem is not enough. We must apply the knowledge we access to the world in which we live, striving to improve it for its inhabitants.

As a Jefferson Scholar at the University of Virginia, I am privileged to receive a free education and will not have to worry about the burden of student loan debt that weighs so heavily on so many young people today. The alleviation of this would-be financial and emotional burden frees me to dedicate my energy to service. It allows me to capitalize on my top-tier education to help those who I can help as I embark on a lifelong journey to perpetually learn from and alongside those I intend to serve. The cancellation of student loan debt would make working for the public good a possibility for many more students, enabling them to engage to a greater degree in mutually beneficial community service experiences.

A plan to solve problems includes the following steps: a) expand the reach of service-learning, b) teach subjects like politics and economics to respond to the reality in which we live and identify solutions for the crises we face, and c) advocate for the alleviation of student loan debt. Clearly, these goals cannot be met by one solitary entity; they require collaboration among universities, government agencies, and non-profit organizations, and the onus is on students themselves to serve. Together, we can progress. Alone and in isolation, we remain static.

aku5wb Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/06/2021

Crop Preservation Methods in Morocco
By Alyssa Underwood

Farmers employ a variety of post harvest crop storage to protect crops from post harvest damage. Many of the methods employed in developing countries and on small-scale farms are traditional methods that use local resources. Modern storage methods use modern technology to protect crops. Post harvest storage of horticulture crops is an important practice for small scale farmers to protect their crops. Traditional storage methods present an effective alternative to costly modern methods of storage in mitigating the effects of post harvest crop damage.


Post harvest crop damage is anything that damages the crop and keeps it from human consumption. It can be caused by insects, pests, microbes, and storage at improper humidity and temperature. Additionally, humans can cause post harvest damage by mishandling the crops. Proper storage of crops post harvest can decrease the threat of damage by isolating the crops from pests and microbes, as well as keeping crops temperature and humidity controlled to slow natural ripening processes.

Post crop harvest damage presents a large threat to agricultural profits. Post harvest damage causes 50 percent of horticultural products to be lost. Annual crop losses in Sub-Saharan Africa are equivalent to the loss of 4 billion USD. Fourteen percent of the Moroccan GDP is from agriculture, and horticultural crops comprise 85-90 percent of Moroccan market products. Therefore, proper storage practices are crucial to increasing the profitability of Moroccan farms. Farmers in one-fourth of developing countries use community level crop storage. If the storage at this level is not carried out effectively, small scale farmers could lose entire crops and their sources of income.



Traditional methods of horticultural crop storage employed on small scale farms are pits, clamps, cellars, zero energy chambers, and natural ventilation structures. These structures are generally used by small scale farmers because they employ local materials and store smaller quantities of food at a time. They are also cost effective alternatives to large, refrigerated warehouses. Pits are holes that are lined with straw or sand and use the natural coolness of the ground to keep the crops refrigerated. They are typically placed in areas of high elevation to avoid flooding due to rainfall. Clamps use straw and soil to insulate the crops. The horticultural crops are piled in a field and then covered with straw, followed by a layer of soil. Cellars are cool, dark, damp rooms that have enough ventilation to keep the humidity at the proper level. Cellars can be constructed as basements below existing buildings, built into the side of a hill for maximum drainage, or built as an aboveground structure covered by rocks and sod.




Zero energy chambers employ evaporative cooling to keep crops cool. When water evaporates, it cools the surface with which it was in contact. These structures use double brick walls, soaking the inner brick with water to keep crops cool. These can reduce the temperature by 10-15 degrees Celsius and keep humidity levels at 90 percent Finally, natural ventilation structures are constructed to maximize airflow to ensure the heat and humidity generated by the crops is removed. These structures are not well equipped to keep out pests, however spraying the crops can mitigate pest damage.

Modern storage structures employ the use of technology to control the temperature and humidity of crops. These methods are higher cost and less environmentally friendly. Cold storage is the process by which the temperature of an area is cooled to slow the cellular respiration of the crop. The lowered temperature is accomplished using refrigerants and well insulated buildings. A cold storage unit can cost as much as 170 USD per square foot. A Dutch study found that Morocco has great potential for cold storage development, as much as 1,700,000 m3. Additionally, hypobaric storage can be employed to reduce respiration of crops by keeping the atmospheric pressure low and decreasing the amount of oxygen in the environment.



Traditional methods of crop storage are effective for the short term storage of crops in high temperature arid regions like Morocco. These methods utilize low cost materials that can be found on many farms, often repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste. They are cost-effective methods of preservation that require little input and enable the majority of the profit from the sale of horticultural products to be retained by the farmer. Many Moroccan farmers operate on fewer than five hectares of land and are economically vulnerable. These traditional methods of storage present crop protection options that don’t require major up front investment. More technological methods, like refrigerated warehouses, are better for long term storage. These methods have greater control over the storage environment and increase the adaptability of the preservation of horticultural products. However, these methods are more costly as they require materials that are not local and require the input of energy.



Post harvest crop storage is key to maintaining the profitability of agriculture. Farmers can employ many methods to keep their crops safe. Traditional methods are less costly, but do present greater risk of crop loss. Modern methods of storage are more costly, but enable more control over the conditions in which the crops are kept.

The United States Agency for International Development’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program that is implemented by the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco is in a position to assist agricultural cooperatives and education centers in evaluating effective approaches to storing yields. It is a volunteer initiative that currently connects local and American experts as they share techniques that are then transferred to Moroccan agriculturalists. They are also committed to empowerment and follow-up which help to ensure the sustainability of community projects.



Alyssa Underwood is a student of Global Studies at the University of Virginia in the United States.

ssaksena00 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2021

Uniting Pathways for Landscape Restoration
By: Samarth Saksena

North African and Middle Eastern nations can combat climate change through well planned landscape restoration initiatives leading to carbon sequestration, but also indirect benefits like job creation, food security, and improved livelihoods and resilience. Restoration initiatives are best carried out when the right partnerships are formed between all sectors of society.

The webinar “Unlocking $100 Billion For Restoring Africa’s Landscapes: How Do We Get There?” hosted by the World Resources Institute, raised the issues of monitoring and accountability of progress on the project and a scientific approach, as required, which are vital factors for these initiatives to be successful. If nations on the edge of the ever-encroaching Sahara take these components into account, they can fight desertification and climate change through successful landscape restoration initiatives.

Countries that undertake landscape restoration projects will see environmental benefits as well as a positive change in the lives of local communities. In 2009, the International Food Policy Institute conducted a study on the impacts of agroforestry landscape restoration initiatives in Niger and Burkina Faso. In Niger, these led to carbon sequestration through an increase of 200 million new farm trees, but also increased food security in the form of 500,000 tons of additional cereal production per year. Women also saw increased equity. They had a stronger economic position due to selling products from the trees and benefited from the increased supply of firewood and water. Thus, landscape restoration through agroforestry benefits the environment and local communities.

Long-term strategic partnerships across all sectors are vital for the sustainability of landscape restoration initiatives. During the webinar, Carol Kariuki—founder of Greenpot, a bamboo company that seeks to establish nurseries in Kenya—mentioned that assessing and finding the right partners was imperative. Greenpot works with farmers, prioritizing getting money “down to the ground.”

Project monitoring and accountability enable progress to be checked, important for the success of such initiatives. Jennifer Merli, Vice-President of Corporate Sustainability at Mastercard, placed emphasis on the importance of monitoring the impacts of initiatives. In addition, Isaac Acquah of Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency said that a challenge often faced by land restoration initiatives is getting precise, accurate data on carbon flux and tree growth. With this data, money can be spent in the right places for the greatest benefit.

Countries undertaking these landscape restoration projects must adopt a scientific approach. This comes in two parts: data collection and ecosystem planning. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, former Costa Rican Environment and Energy Minister, explained the utilization of a land-use capacity map during Costa Rica’s initiative to restore forests that doubled their tree cover. These nations must also take a scientific approach to the species grown and planted and the ecosystems affected, taking care to use native species that will flourish. “The right trees in the right places,” as Merli called it.

Rodriguez also outlines how governments can take steps to fulfill their responsibility to ensure success in landscape restoration initiatives. First, they should take a streamlined institutional approach. In Costa Rica, the ministries that dealt with natural resources were combined into one agency, the Ministry of the Environment, removing bureaucratic obstacles. Second, governments must implement smart policies that encourage landscape restoration. Rodriguez explained that in Costa Rica, the government altered the land tenure system, recognizing private property of those living in the landscape, giving an incentive for land production and restoration. Costa Rica also taxes fossil fuels, leading to $35 million invested in payments for carbon sequestration in productive agriculture.

One non-profit organization successfully involved in landscape restoration initiatives as part of their participatory sustainable development projects is the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in Morocco. With thirteen nurseries and over four million trees grown, they work with farmers, governments, and the private sector to build partnerships that ensure long term success. HAF’s diverse partners include Ecosia, FRÉ Skincare, University of Virginia, Credit du Maroc, and the Moroccan High Commission of Water and Forests, among many others. They also responsibly monitor the progress of nurseries and gather data on the carbon flux with an adaptive management approach. Finally, they use scientific methodologies for tree planting like those recommended by Merli and Rodriguez. HAF plants in its nurseries those native species like fig, carob, and argan that will flourish and contribute to the local environment and biodiversity.

Well-planned landscape restoration initiatives can fight climate change in North Africa and the Middle East, but also have the potential to benefit the growth of local communities. Building upon the examples found in Niger and Burkina Faso, Greenpot, Costa Rica, and the High Atlas Foundation, these countries can advance their own initiatives—a powerful tool for sustainable human development, changing lives for years to come.

EllenH63

EllenH63 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/28/2021

Education: the Key to Unlock the Door to Freedom
[published in Modern Ghana, 6/23/21]
by Prof. Ellen Hernandez

On Saturday, June 19, 2021, Americans officially recognized “Juneteenth” as a national holiday. Most Americans understand the holiday to be a celebration of the end of slavery brought about by the U.S. Constitution’s 13th Amendment. However, the day is actually a recognition of when a remote enclave of enslaved people were informed of the end of slavery more than two years after its declaration and several months before the last states ratified the amendment. The difference between what many consider the holiday to celebrate and what it truly celebrates might seem negligible to some, yet it is certainly a very important distinction, recognizing both a literal and a symbolic moment for people who had been so long denied the right to physical freedom and human dignity as well as the right to education and literacy.

While the Emancipation Proclamation officially outlawing slavery was issued in September 1862, and became effective four months later, it was not until June 19, 1865—two months after the surrender of Confederate forces and the formal end of the U.S. Civil War—that enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, first heard that order of emancipation read aloud by the Union military and became aware that they were free. The following year, freed people in Galveston began what became known as “Jubilee Day,” and observation of the event and its symbolism has grown gradually over the 155 years since then, becoming an officially-recognized federal holiday signed into law in 2021 by President Biden.

This holiday brings to mind the ways in which we experience individual freedom. The people of Galveston in 1865 were unaware of the declaration, unaware of the law, unaware of their status. This was not solely because they were in a remote area some distance from the seat of government but also because they lacked the literacy that would have enabled them to read the posted notices. Without information, knowledge, and learning, how is one to know one’s rights and, with those rights, envision a future for oneself?

In Morocco, there is a vital code that governs family law but that is not known to all of the people it protects—particularly women—depending on whether they live in rural areas and are literate. The Moudawana (Ar. Mudawwanat al-aHwaal al-shakhSiyyah) is the Personal Status Code that encompasses issues of marriage, divorce, inheritance, self-guardianship, and child custody, among others. While first established in 1958 following the nation’s independence from France, the 2004 reform (also enshrined in the 2011 constitutional revision) addresses women’s rights and gender equality in ways that the original did not. Hence it appeased to some extent those feminist and human rights activist groups calling for more widespread attention to socioeconomic inequality and violence against women, groups such as l'Union de l'Action Féminine (UAF or Women’s Action Union).

Life and opportunity are quite different between urban and rural areas of Morocco. Some studies estimate that only about 16 percent of rural women are aware of their rights stipulated in the most recent amendments to the family code whereas 95 percent of urban women know about the code. In fact, five times as many rural women have never heard of it at all. For such women, this lack of awareness is due in a large part to an incomplete formal education since only about one-third of girls continue their schooling beyond primary level and about 60 percent of rural women are not literate. There is a direct correlation between level of education and awareness of rights with 100 percent of those with a secondary education knowing at least something about the Moudawana. Rural women are also less likely to be engaged in local governance or civil society than their urban counterparts and less likely to hold positions in the labor force or have financial independence, all factors that would increase the likelihood of awareness.

How does level of awareness impact Moroccan women? To begin, a girl who does not know that the legal age for marriage was raised from 15 to 18 and that she cannot be compelled by her father into a marriage or that she is legally entitled to schooling might believe she has no say over her own future. Likewise, a woman who does not know that she has a right to her financial assets or a right to enter into a business contract without her husband’s permission might not pursue her dream of financial contribution to her family’s income or financial independence for herself and her children. Furthermore, a woman who is unaware of her rights to a divorce or to child custody might remain in a dissatisfying marriage or, worse, continue to be physically or psychologically abused fearing the loss of her children or believing she has no options or protections.

There continue to be barriers to implementation of the laws in rural areas, as one might imagine. These include inadequate training about the reforms for judges in provincial government, paving the way for individual decisions that revert to older customs, and also the presence of a stronger sense of traditionalism. In rural areas, the more immediate everyday needs take precedence, and concepts of legal equality hold a lower priority than food, clean water, adequate housing, and sanitation. The lack of access to education due to distance or finances and its attendant illiteracy coupled with the home languages of the largely Amazigh population in the rural areas concentrated in the Rif and Atlas Mountains additionally prohibit awareness of laws written in formal Arabic.

Current efforts to address the lack of awareness are occurring through “Imagine” women’s self-discovery and empowerment workshops led by the High Atlas Foundation, including through its implementation of a Legal Aid clinic in partnership with the Faculty of Social, Juridical, and Economic Legal Studies at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (FSJES-USMBA). The High Atlas Foundation is a Moroccan association and a U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2000 by former Peace Corps Volunteers committed to furthering sustainable development. HAF supports Moroccan communities in implementing human development initiatives by promoting organic agriculture, women’s empowerment, youth development, education, and health. The Legal Aid Clinic (CFJD)—funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI)—actively engages students in experiential and service learning for the benefit of marginalized communities in the Fes-Meknes region. Recently, for example, one such workshop was held in Sefrou; these four-day workshops include Moudawana rights-based education in the curriculum. Vulnerable populations such as women and migrants provided with legal assistance and information are more supported in knowing and exercising their rights.

To achieve greater gender parity and protection for women, they must first be informed of their rights under the Moudawana. Steady but slow increases in access to formal education must be supported and enhanced to bring the literacy levels of rural women into alignment with their more educated urban peers. Participatory community development that includes women’s empowerment and rights-based education must continue to spread across the nation to give women a voice and a vision and a say over the course of their lives. Training and recruitment and capacity-building must be a priority to increase women’s employment opportunities, and even more importantly for the good of Morocco, presence in economic and political leadership roles. As former Chilean president Michelle Bachelet once remarked, “When one woman is a leader, it changes her. When more women are leaders, it changes politics and policies.” An empowered woman is imbued with self-confidence that benefits her family, her village, and her society. It begins with the knowledge that allows her to imagine her future.

MarijMWJ Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/27/2021

Progress at the Imegdale Nursery

By: Said Bennani, HAF Project Manager and HAF Team

On June 4, 2021, Project Manager Said Bennani and a group of volunteers visited the Imegdal and Tassa Ouirgane nurseries.

The first stop was the Imegdal nursery, where they met nursery caretaker Hassan Ait Ba on the new nursery land. To date, five terraces have been built on the new land. Three greenhouses have been installed, and a water storage system has also been built. The greenhouses will have the capacity to plant almost 60,000 carob seeds.

The planting and the irrigation system installation should be completed in a two-week time frame. After that, Hassan will plant 20,000 argan seeds. The old nursery also has 50,000 argan seeds and 60,000 carob. The carob and the argan seeds are growing very well but more slowly on the sides that face a lot of wind.

By the end of this year, after transplanting all the saplings grown at the old nursery, Said and the volunteers will move all the materials, greenhouses, and irrigation system to the new land. Hassan was asked to plant as many trees as possible on the old land for when they return it to the local cooperative.

Said and his group hope to visit the nursery often to make sure everything is installed and working well on the new nursery land and to monitor Hassan’s progress. There are now four employees working at the nursery in addition to Hassan, and the plan is to add two more workers to complete the planting process swiftly.

MarijWJ Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/27/2021

Tadmamt and Akrich Fruit Tree Nurseries

By Said Bennani, HAF Project Manager and HAF Team

HAF Project Manager Said Bennani, Driver Abdelghani Kastih, and volunteer Youssef Tahri, all visited the Tadmamt and Akrich nurseries on June 3, 2021, to start off an insightful visit and viewing of the communities. The first stop was in Tadmamt, where they met assistant nursery caretaker Abdeltif Outazki, who walked them around the nursery and checked on the saplings and the seeds. They observed that since the last visit to the nursery, progress has been made, but there is still more to be done in choosing the best seeds and installing the irrigation system.

The challenge they examined at the nursery then is that the weeds grow very quickly since the saplings are frequently watered. The caretaking team, including nursery caretaker Si Omar Outazki, increased their work time in order to keep up with weeding while simultaneously preparing the almond and cherry saplings for grafting. In utilizing a teamwork approach, weeding should only take one week of dedicated work. Another two or more days are needed to prepare the grafting of the almond and cherry saplings. Hopefully, if the almond saplings grow efficiently enough, they will only take four weeks, and the cherry only two.
Additionally, the water storage system was full. Alhamdulillah, this year there is enough water for the nursery. Two more people will be hired to remove the dirt and plants that grow in the storage container so that the irrigation system will be filled with clean water and its space for water storage optimized. For the irrigation, more valves must be added at the main pipelines to control and distribute the pressure for each part of the nursery equally since work is being done on the terraces.

That same afternoon, the team also met with Akrich nursery caretaker Abderrahim Beddah to monitor the nursery together. Abderrahim is giving great attention to the carob saplings every day, and next year, 30,000 carob saplings may be distributed from this nursery. Abderrahim is very happy with the solar water pumping system at the nursery that was donated by FENELEC, and he informed us that the local communities of and around Akrich are learning the importance and the advantages of the solar system when they visit the Akrich nursery. Abderrahim enjoys explaining its function at the nursery. What is encouraging is that the local people are eager to learn more about how solar energy can help to pump their drinking water.

The Akrich nursery was the first of HAF’s “House of Life” interfaith nurseries, beginning as a pilot project in 2012 and built adjacent to the seven-hundred-year-old tomb of Rabbi Raphael Hacohen. Its success influenced the establishment of a second such nursery in Imerdal, near Ouarzazate, which overlooks the 1,000-year-old burial place of the Moroccan Jewish saint Rabbi David-ou-Moché and was built at the direction of His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco with funding from the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH).

Hanna Hassan Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/18/2021

The Real Price of Marriage in South Sudan

By Hanna Hassan
Virginia, USA

August of this year will mark the one-year anniversary of the end of South Sudan’s civil war, yet recent surges of violence suggest that peace is far from being realized. These attacks by armed groups include instances of sexual violence against women and girls.

Sexual and gender-based violence (GBV) continues to be a significant characteristic in South Sudan’s conflict, threatening the livelihood and human rights of women and girls. UNICEF reports approximately 65% of women and girls in South Sudan have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetimes. These forms of GBV can leave women and girls with severe mental and physical health problems.

Why is the rate of sexual violence so high in South Sudan? According to human rights experts, the answer can be found in a fundamental element of South Sudan’s local economy—bride price.

In South Sudan, if a man would like to marry a woman, his family would have to pay for her, often in cows or goats, based on her negotiated value. Once women are married off, they are expected to bear many children, including daughters who are viewed as assets to acquire more cattle. Therefore, early and forced marriages are common with more than 50 percent of girls married before the age of 18. Many young girls are married to elderly suitors because those men have more assets.

The objectification and commodification of women in South Sudanese society allow for a culture in which GBV is accepted and normalized. Traditional gender roles and conditions of poverty sustain the practice of paying bride price.

The lack of women’s rights in South Sudan not only leads to suffering but also challenges efforts to promote peace. Cultural notions that women are homemakers and child-bearers drive inequity. Only 7 percent of girls finish primary school and fewer than 2 percent go on to high school. Families may also worry that girls may be sexually assaulted on their journeys to school, lowering their value and bride price. GBV prevents girls from pursuing their dreams and keeps families trapped in generational poverty. The return on education is worth re-evaluating the importance placed on paying bride price. Studies show that a single year of primary school education has been shown to increase women’s wages by up to 20% later in life.

If South Sudan is to undergo significant economic development, women and girls must have access to education. “Women have the opportunity to contribute in building this nation into a country that is stable and peaceful,” said South Sudanese activist Rita Lopidia at the inaugural Women Building Peace Award. Gender equity is intimately tied to achieving stability in South Sudan.

It is imperative that the government of South Sudan takes steps to reduce the prevalence of GBV and increase access to education. Addressing the root of this issue, begins with regulating bride price. Excessive bride prices are a burden on both men and women. Men who can not afford bride prices experience feelings of inadequacy and social seclusion. Village youths put their life at risk during livestock raids in neighboring tribes to be able to afford marriage. Women experience violence in the form of physical and sexual violence resulting from the valuation of their worth in terms of livestock. By targeting social norms that perpetuate these levels of violence, South Sudan can inspire a movement towards rehabilitation and rebuilding.

Although commonly held perceptions will not change overnight, community-based efforts towards GBV education and awareness-raising will lay the foundation for establishing lasting women's rights laws and policies. If women can become workshop leaders, teachers, and decision-makers in implementing the peace accords, South Sudan will be able to envision a country that serves the needs of all of its people.

The real price of marriage in South Sudan is the opportunity to realize peace and stability. Although bride price is commonly paid in cows and goats, families also sacrifice the well-being of their daughters and higher earning potentials.

The rise of physical and sexual violence in recent weeks indicates that South Sudan is at risk of falling back into large-scale conflict. If South Sudan is to continue on the path of peacemaking and change conditions of underdevelopment, regulating bride prices needs to be on the agenda.

Hanna Hassan is an undergraduate student at the University of Virginia, currently interning at the High Atlas Foundation.

1

Zainab H. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/08/2021

The OES Closing Ceremony:
A Final Chapter and a New Beginning !

The closing ceremony of the OES small grants program took place on zoom on the 2nd of June, 2021. It was an opportunity for the CSO sub-grantees and the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs representatives to get together to share the results achieved during the 2 year program duration.

The program, which is funded by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with OES, seeks to increase civil society engagement in environmental protection and to promote public participation in environmental decision-making. It enabled four 4 selected CSOs in Jordan and Morocco to launch their projects in order to benefit local communities socially, economically and environmentally. All of the associations, including MIRRA, Dar Si Hmad, AFCD and Al-Fath association were able to present the objectives, results and impact of their projects.

Taking the example of Al-Fath for culture and development, the association, which is a Moroccan CSO operating in Bouchane and Ait Taleb villages in Rhamna Province north of Marrakech, was able to implement a project entitled The Environmental Challenge thanks to OES funding in order to contribute to the alleviation of pollution in the region and establish a culture of environmental preservation. According to Mr. Aichane, 70 % of the objectives were met, however, 30% were difficult to be achieved due to some problems in relation to the sanitary crisis that impeded the process of the project. Generally, among the goals met we find:
● the implementation of a nursery and 2 greenhouses
● provision of 12 agricultural farms with natural organic fertilizers
● the planting of 113760 fruit trees,
● the provision of 3 wells with solar pumps

Similarly in Jordan, MIRRA association was able to implement a project entitled “Realizing Sustainable Agriculture in Azraq” in order to overcome the problem of water pumping overuse while stimulating agricultural activities as well as economic and social growth in the area. The project implementation according to Ms Ahlam Al Shufarat, representative of MIRRA, ensured:
● The achievement of sustainable, decentralized farm models in the area,
● the reduction of the electricity bills for farmers
● the increase of the annual food production to meet local needs without depending on imports.
● Building capacity for farmers and students through the implementation of trainings and workshops
● the writing of two booklets which gathered the knowledge on the application of sustainable rural agriculture in Azraq

The impact of the projects both in Morocco and Jordan have had a remarkable positive effect on the local communities. Mr. Yossef Ben-Meir mentioned that the bureau’s support in implementing these projects has built a firm basis for the organization’s growth while creating partnerships between different CSOs. It is in fact a meeting that marks both the closing ceremony and the beginning of sustainable commitment to carry on this initiative and to move it forward in order to achieve the visions of different communities on a national and an international level.

Simona_Zupanc Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/31/2021

WALK ON THE GREEN TERRACES
Fieldwork in the Toubkal community

by Simona Zupanc

On Tuesday, 25th of May we started our journey to the Toubkal community. We went together with the project manager Amina El Hajjami, program assistant Safae Ben Karroum and volunteer Youssef Tahiri. Although we did not know each other, I easily joined the group of highly motivated, knowledgeable and smiling people. The way to Toubkal was marked by many bends, small villages on the way and beautiful views. Millennial relationships between humans and nature have shaped the landscapes of the High Atlas Mountain and this is certainly breathtaking.

After we arrived at our accomodation Dar Amsouzzart we met with a group of women from the local cooperative from the village called Aguerzrane. The women with the support of HAF and the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Program recently started a cherry tree nursery. The tree nursery is set in the terraced area of ​​the Atlas Mountains. During the workshops women learned how to plant trees, watering plants, managing the field etc. and this helped them to independently manage the tree nursery which gives women the monthly income. That day highly motivated women were also discussing with us about their future plans and how HAF can support them.

During the fieldwork we met a lot of happy faces of the locals, those faces are definitely proof that HAF projects are achieving their purpose. As director of the project Amina El Hajjami said to me: “As long as I see the result, nothing is too hard to do.” Gratitude was repeatedly expressed to us by invitations to traditional Moroccan tea, coffee or to homemade delicacies.

Afterwards, we were warmly welcomed by the president of the village called Missour. The Foundation would like to help the women of this community to build new terraces for agriculture in order to support their cooperative and the local economy. HAF staff checked the area where they could build new terraces and plant more trees in the future.

On the 26th we spent mostly in the fields of the nearby village Amosart. HAF in collaboration with Credit Agricole Foundation helps local farmers to secure organic certification. In order to apply for the certification for mainly walnuts and almonds we measured the sizes of each farmer's lands. Farmers recognize the added value of organically grown plants and they were proud to tell us that they do not use any chemicals for their trees. We could hear farmers saying many times: “here everything is bio.”

The day was spent by tracking the farmer’s land with the accompaniment of a local farmer. Despite walking a lot up and down the terraced fields, we still had a chance to sweeten up with nicely ripe cherries, and refresh ourselves with water from springs.

The third day we continued tracking the farmer’s land sizes. Farmer Lachen received us and took us through the terraces of Agadir village. Farmers here seem to feel very comfortable in the mysterious Atlas mountain. They deftly overcome the ascents and valleys of this hilly area without much difficulty. They also find themselves very well among the fields, which are intertwined with various waterways, water springs, terraces and trees.




Despite being inspired by the amazing work of the project director Amina El Hajjami, I was also fascinated about the passion and joy of local farmers. Devoted volunteer Youssef Tahiri and always smiling project assistant Safae Ben Karroum also contributed to the smooth running of the fieldwork. Even though the terrain in the Toubkal region is not easy - we have seen villages that are facing lack of water, the terrain is difficult, the chances of landslides are high - people still find amazing ways to grow vegetables and plant fruit trees. Green terraces into rocky slopes and countless waterways, give the villages a unique view. This is proof of a strong will and connection with nature.

As someone who grew up on a high mountain farm myself, I was able to identify extremely well with the locals. At the same time, a visit to the Toubkal community inspired me for new projects in my home community. Above all, I recognized the tremendous importance of planting trees, which is important not only for the local economy but also for the environment.

rohankrishnan Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/29/2021

After nearly a year of working with the High Atlas Foundation on the development of a business plan for value added-walnut processing as volunteer consultants from the University of Pennsylvania, our team had the opportunity to visit several of HAF’s agricultural cooperatives and walnut tree nurseries in the Al Haouz province of Morocco. While visiting these sites, we spoke to local growers and processors in order to understand the progress of existing projects, goals for future development, and barriers that remain to maximizing economic and social returns for rural communities.

We began our trip with a visit to the House of Life Fruit Tree Nursery in Akrich. We were amazed by the innovative agricultural techniques that have allowed this nursery to sustainably grow and thrive. After a tour of the nursery and burial ground of a Jewish-Moroccan saint, we enjoyed a traditional Moroccan breakfast with the caretaker and another volunteer from Slovenia who has been in Akrich since January conducting anthropological research. In addition to issues related to sustainable agriculture, we discussed structural barriers to girls’ education in the region.

From Akrich, we continued our journey and made our next stop at HAF’s walnut processing facility in Al Haouz. This visit was particularly meaningful as it imbued our work from the past several months with a concrete, perceptible dimension. Seated at the front steps of the facility, in a small courtyard with a breathtaking view of the High Atlas Mountains, we received a highly detailed account of the various steps involved in walnut-processing operations, from the initial purchase of raw walnuts from local growers to the packaging, labeling and certification of finished products. This conversation was invaluable to our finalization of the business plan, helping us to verify and adjust our assumptions to fit the specific social, economic, and environmental context of the local community.

Our final visit of the afternoon was to the Takhrkhourt Women’s Cooperative. After sharing some laughs over stories of their time attending primary school together, the young women emphasized to us the sense of inner peace and happiness that they had found in their work at the cooperative. They disclosed that after years of staying at home, the opportunity to go to work each day and to witness and enjoy the fruits of their labor has been enormously fulfilling.

The following day, we visited the Aboghlo Cooperative in Asni. The women here shared with us their experiences in HAF’s Imagine Workshop, an empowerment program that provides training in communication, coalition-building, and conflict mediation. We were struck by the strong sense of camaraderie among these women, and the candor and conviction with which they articulated their needs for improving working conditions.

At another cooperative higher up in the mountains, our conversations centered around the continued challenge of securing funding for solar panels and sustainable water systems to support the continued growth of tree planting initiatives in the region. We learned about HAF’s youth environmental training and educational programs which focus on the importance of planting trees for sustainable carbon reduction, food security, and stable income for village communities. Additionally, we spoke to a women’s cooperative about their personal goals and aspirations, from finishing their studies to pursuing careers in programming and fashion design.

Our final visit was to one of HAF’s largest nurseries, which has been operational for 13 years and is tucked away in a shaded terrace of incredibly beautiful and verdant land. We were shown the advanced irrigation system that waters the trees and learned about HAF’s ongoing effort to transition away from a gas-powered water source to solar-powered irrigation.

Our visits to HAF’s sites these past two days have been incredibly informative and serve as a powerful reminder of the reasons we remain committed to this work and the lives and livelihoods that are at stake.

spl2kr Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/19/2021

I was as an intern with HAF through UVA's Global Internships Program in the spring of 2021. Here is one of the articles that I wrote as part of my internship that was published in Morocco World News:

Empowering Women to Combat Climate Change
By Shivani Lakshman / May 8, 2021

Climate change is likely the most urgent crisis facing us in the 21st century. Rising temperatures are causing increasingly frequent and severe natural disasters, more droughts and heat waves, precipitation changes, and sea level rise. Consequently, this is leading to high levels of food insecurity, mass displacements, the spread of disease, and many other social, economic, and political challenges worldwide.

Morocco is particularly vulnerable to climate change. Since the 1960s, Morocco’s climate has increased by 1°C, and projections indicate an increase of 1-1.5° until 2050. This temperature increase is associated with reductions in mountain snow cover and in rainfall; projections indicate a decline of 10 to 20 percent in average precipitation across the country by 2100.
Consequently, droughts are becoming more frequent. Sea level is projected to rise between 18-59 centimeters by 2100, threatening 60 percent of Morocco’s population in coastal cities. Some areas of the northern coast are already eroding by 1 meter each year. Lastly, water resources are also under increasing pressure, with water shortages now expected by 2020 and 2050 in many southern regions.

Climate change will have devastating consequences on all sectors of the population, but women will bear the brunt. Women across the globe are highly dependent on natural resources, as they are typically tasked with collecting water, food, and fuel for cooking. As droughts and water scarcity increase, women and girls spend more time and energy collecting water instead of earning money or attending school.

Furthermore, women often face unequal access to resources and limited mobility in rural areas, restricting their ability to provide for themselves and their families. A World Bank survey in 141 countries in 2012 reported that 103 nations impose legal differences on the basis of gender that hinder women’s economic opportunities.

With fewer rights and economic capacities, women are often at greatest risk when natural disasters strike. Disasters such as extreme droughts or floods can lead to women’s displacement from their homes Some may resort to early marriage or prostitution to alleviate financial pressures caused by the loss of livelihoods.

Women are one of the most vulnerable demographics to the climate change crisis, but their involvement and empowerment is also crucial to its solution. Women and girls make up 51 percent of the world’s population, and their needs, perspectives, and ideas must be considered in effective, equitable, and sustainable planning to curb global warming.

For one, the climate crisis threatens the world’s food systems, and the Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that we must raise food production by 70 percent by 2050 to feed the growing population.

Women comprise 43 percent of the agricultural labor force in developing nations, yet they are often deniedloans, land ownership rights, and other resources. This in turn hinders their ability to produce maximum yields. Meanwhile, many forests are cleared each year to grow more crops, contributing significantly to climate warming. If provided with the same access to resources as men, women could increase their agricultural yields by 20 to 30 percent, reducing world hunger by 12 to17 percent. If women’s farms yielded as much as men’s, about 2 billion tons of carbon dioxide would be prevented from entering the atmosphere between now and 2050.

A report by the climate research organization Project Drawdown estimates that increasing girls’ education and women’s access to family planning would reduce the amount of carbon that enters the atmosphere by 85 gigatons by 2050. Giving women access to high-quality reproductive healthcare allows them to choosethe number of children they want to have, curbing population growth and reducing global emissions. Additionally, the more education a woman has, the fewer children she has. Granting women and girls the right to education also increases their economic opportunities, decreasing their vulnerability to climate change, and may also increase their influence in the political sphere. Countries with high representation of women in politics are more likely to ratify international environmental treaties and undertake stronger efforts to combat climate change. Yet a 2015 study reviewing 881 environmental sector ministries from 193 countries found that only 12 percent of environmental ministers were women.

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is doing important work to empower women in the agricultural sector, including through the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Program, to tackle climate change in Morocco. HAF engages women in rural communities to plant organic fruit trees that build food security and reduce carbon emissions.

Through a participatory development approach, HAF also works to improve women’s project management, decision- making, and leadership capacities, empowering them to initiate changes in their communities that promote the well- being of both people and the planet. Ultimately, empowering women empowers societies to tackle climate change, and we must engage women if we want to protect the planet and humanity.

safaehaddaj1990 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/05/2021


زيارة السفارة الأمريكية للعيادة القانونية
بكلية الحقوق بفاس

تشرفت جامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله ومؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، يوم الجمعة 9 أبريل 2021،بالترحيب بالسيد ديفيد غرين القائم بأعمال سفارة الولايات المتحدة الأمريكية بالرباط وعضو السلك الديبلوماسي الأمريكي، رفقة رئيس الجامعة السيد رضوان مرابط،وعميد كلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس السيد محمد بوزلافة، وممثلي مبادرة الشراكة الشرق أوسطية ميبي، وأعضاء العيادة القانونية لكلية الحقوق في مركز
الندوات والتكوين بفاس.

وتأتي هذه الزيارة في إطار انفتاح كليتنا على مختلف الشركاء، وتوطيد أواصر التعاون المشترك الذي يطلق عليه في إطار التعاون الدولي بشراكة "رابح-رابح "،ولا يسعنا في هذا المقام سوى الإفتخار بالنتائج الملموسة التي تحققت والأهداف التي أنجزت ،التي تنصب بالأساس في تحقيق التنمية البشرية بوضع الإنسان في صميم أولوياتها.
وبهذه المناسبة ألقى الأستاذ السيد رضوان مرابط رئيس جامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله بفاس، كلمات شكر وترحيب بهذا الوفد،مع إلحاحه على أن يكون تكوين أي طالب مهما كان تخصصه في إطار مختبر،والعيادة القانونية هي أفضل مثال للمختبر المفتوح في وجه الطلبة للتداريب ، كما أوضح بأن كليتنا تطمح إلى إحداث مشاريع لمختبرات في المستقبل القريب كالبنك البيداغوجي، وما هذه المشاريع إلا تكميلية للتكوين النظري للطالب.
بعدها قدم الأستاذ السيد محمد بوزلافة عميد كلية الحقوق بفاس، بدوره كلمات شكر واعتزاز بهذه الشراكة، الذي ألح على أن العيادة القانونية أصبح مشروعا مجتمعيا يفرض نفسه بإلحاح خاصة في مجال التدريس ،وذلك لتحقيق نوع من التكامل بين الدراسة النظرية و الممارسة الميدانية في المهن القانونية .كما أضاف أن العيادة القانونية بمثابة وحدات دراسية تتيح للطلبة مجالا تطبيقيا، لربط المعارف النظرية بالواقع الميداني تحت إشراف أساتذة باحثين خبراء وممارسين ،من قضاة محامون لتكوين رصيد معرفي مهم عن الجانب العملي،كما تهتم أيضا هذه العيادة خدمة المجتمع، خاصة الطبقات الفقيرة المهمشة، فهي بالتالي فضاء لنشر الوعي القانوني وتعزيز سيادة القانون واحترام حقوق الإنسان في المجتمع ،وتقديم الدعم و الاستشارة القانونية والوساطة لتحقيق العدالة الإجتماعية.
كما أن الأستاذ السيد يوسف بنمير رئيس مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير أتحفنا بدوره بتقديم كلمات قوية بسيطة حول واقع المجتمع المغربي ومعانات الطبقة الفقيرة فيه،وأكد على مفهوم المقاربة التشاركية ودورها المهم في تحقيق التنمية المستدامة التي تنبع بالأساس من أفكار جميع مكونات هذا المجتمع من نساء وأطفال ،شباب و شيوخ وحاجياتهم،مع احترام الوقت الذي لا يعوض بثمن.
وقد قدمت الأستاذة إيمان أخزان مديرة البرامج بمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، عرضا عبارة عن بطاقة تعريفية للعيادة القانونية الكائن مقرها بكلية الحقوق بفاس ،والقضايا التي تشتغل عليها ومنجزاتها ،وقد أكدت أن هذه العيادة القانونية التابعة لجامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله ،تهدف في بنيتها الرئيسية إلى تحسين وضعية الشباب والنساء و الجماعات الأقل تمثيلية من خلال منحهم مساعدة قانونية مجانية في مجالات متعددة ؛ الهجرة واللجوء ،الإتجار بالبشر وكذا الوساطة والصلح الأسري،مع تسهيل مشاركتهم المدنية والإقتصادية ،والنهوض بقانون الهجرة واللجوء وقانون الوساطة الأسرية كنشاط أكاديمي داخل كلية الحقوق بفاس وتعزيز الدراسات والأبحاث في هذه الميادين.تلتها إلقاء عرضين باللغتين الإنجليزية والعربية لعضوين من أعضاء العيادة القانونية اللذان ينصبان نحو نفس المضمون ألا وهو تقريب أنشطة العيادة لشركائنا الكرام.
وبالفعل فإن عقد مثل هذه اللقاءات سيكون له وقع كبير على الطاقم المكون للعيادة القانونية من جهة ،و لتكثيف الجهود من أجل تجويد عمل هذه الأخيرة من جهة أخرى ،خدمة للجانب الإنساني.وقد تمت تغطية هذا اللقاء الهام من قبل قناة كافا بريس وعدة قنوات إعلامية.
وتكمن الغاية الأساسية من عقد مثل هذه اللقاءات هو إصدار توصيات أكاديمية حول قضايا الهجرة واللجوء والاتجار بالبشر والوساطة الأسرية لفائدة فاعلين من قبيل المحامين والقضاة والمنظمات غير الحكومية.
من إنجاز : صفاء هداج باحثة بسلك الدكتوراه مختبر القانون الخاص ورهانات التنمية بكلية العلوم القانونية والإقتصادية والإجتماعية بفاس- جامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله -عضوة بالعيادة القانونية.

Tahiri Y. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/26/2021

Climate Change, its Relationship to Afforestation, and the Contribution of the High Atlas Foundation


Caption: A photo exemplifying the effect of climate change


Written by Youssef Tahiri, HAF Volunteer
Translated from Arabic by Kaoutar Ait Lahaj, HAF Program Coordinator


What is meant by climate change?

The concept of climate change is generally defined as the changes that occur at the level of the climate with a rise in the temperature of the planet as well as the change that occurs at the level of natural phenomena, which often results in damage and degradation to the environment and biological diversity.

In other words, climate change is an imbalance in the usual climatic conditions, which is attributed to human activity that leads to a change in the composition of the atmosphere.

Climate change and afforestation: Morocco as an example

The whole world has recently witnessed unusual and unprecedented climatic phenomena that have produced countless effects. The number of people at risk due to the increase in water stress grew to about 75 million in 2020, according to the forecasts of the Intergovernmental Committee on Climate Change. This number is likely to rise in the following years, and many parts of the globe are drier today due to the lack of rain. This imbalance in rain across the globe is attributed to sudden climatic changes, which prompted countries to move to alleviate the impact of this phenomenon by holding several conferences and meetings that prompted the study of global warming and the awareness of countries regarding its impact that threatens the future of life on the planet.

Specialists believe that human activities are the most prominent cause of climate change and global warming, as the industrial activities on which modern life depends have greatly raised the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially with the beginning of the industrial revolution.

The decline of forest areas is also one of the main causes of climate change, as people cut trees in most regions to create space for agriculture and construction. Morocco, for example, has a depleted forest area of ​​more than 30,000 hectares annually, according to the Moroccan High Commission of Water and Forests (HCWF).


Summer floods in Morocco

If one of the main causes of climate change is the earth losing, in general, a large proportion of plant species and living organisms, then the solution to overcoming this dilemma is to rebuild this land with trees, which is what most countries of the world have been involved in. This is the case in Morocco, whose goal has been to move forward in overcoming or mitigating the phenomenon and the consequences of climate change.

The High Atlas Foundation is a Moroccan-American organization, and it has been one of the contributors to this process since 2000. Since then, it has devoted all its activities to the long-term alleviation of rural poverty and the promotion of agricultural development, especially afforestation. Additionally, HAF works toward the empowerment of women and youth through capacity-building efforts, strengthening confidence, skills, and livelihoods.


The HAF team distributing trees in the Boulemane region.


The efforts made by HAF enabled a significant increase in the area and rate of afforestation in Morocco. It has been able to accomplish this by working in partnership with the Department of Water and Forests and some other partners (i.e., ECOSIA, F2F Farmer-to-Farmer). The rate of trees distributed by HAF has continued to increase each year. This year alone, HAF planted approximately 700,000 trees throughout the regions in Morocco. The trees were transplanted from the HAF’s 11 nurseries. HAF takes into consideration the quality of the trees, the appropriate conditions in which seedlings are prepared through the introduction of modern techniques that are compatible with a healthy environment, and the safety precautions enforced by the Moroccan Ministry of Health.

What distinguishes the trees grown in HAF-community nurseries is that they are of high value compared to other agricultural crops. Fruit trees contribute to environmental awareness and food security. They also reduce soil erosion while providing fresh air.

This has inspired HAF to pursue its work passionately and persistently, as it aims to contribute to the reversal of climate change that threatens the future of humanity, by increasing the quality and quantity of trees grown and planted within the Kingdom of Morocco.

One of the sources of the foundation's trees, the Akrich community nursery.


ZuhaAfzal Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/18/2021

Blooming Morocco: One Argan Seed at a Time
Zuha Afzal –
HAF-UVA Intern


Deciphering effective mechanisms for long term growth is a journey that most certainly involves a variety of factors to be considered. Factors such as sustainable growth, women empowerment, clean drinking water, and planting trees are all integral in order to ensure brighter futures for Moroccan communities. Planting trees, in particular, is a unique factor that promises a greener, more vibrant, and interconnected future for Morocco. Morocco is gifted with an abundance of tree varieties, from pine forests to poplars to jujube trees. The most notable one, however, is the famed argan tree, better known as “The Tree of Life”.

Primarily prevalent in the south west region of Morocco, the argan tree is renowned for its plethora of health and environmental benefits as well as women empowerment. Henceforth, the preservation of argan trees in Morocco is a vital development strategy that ensures positive developmental growth for coming generations.

Health Benefits of Argan Trees

The overarching use of argan trees for Moroccans is argan oil which involves an extraction method that has been utilized for years. Argan oil has a valuable fatty acid profile, as it contains 13% palmitic acid, and more than 80% monosaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids including 48-59% oleic acid and 30-50% of linoleic acid. It is also noted that argan oil contains large amounts of vitamin E and can reduce harmful cholesterol and triglycerides. Interestingly, an old tradition in one of the benefits of using argan oil is that its residue can be collected and mixed with honey which makes a paste similar to that of peanut butter; hence providing another food source. The chemical makeup of argan oil proves to be especially useful in cooking foods, including a variety of salads and couscous, thus providing a healthy diet.

Moreover, argan oil is abundant in dermatological benefits as well as for hair and skin products. It may be used for growing stronger hair, treat belly stretch marks, chicken pox pustules and acne. Additionally, as with most trees, the wood from argan trees serves multiple purposes, from construction to firewood, though what is unique about wood from argan trees is that they are generally resistant to insects. Due to this fact, this would ensure that local communities are able to construct stable houses that ensure cleaner, non-infested environments.

Environmental Benefits of Argan Trees and Morocco

One of the most notable distinctions of the argan trees are the goats that grow on it. Known as the tree climbing goats, these goats climb the argan trees and can comfortably climb up to 30 ft above the ground. What attracts them to the argan trees are its fruits and leaves which, interestingly, after munching on these fruits, the seeds are recovered from their excretions. These seeds are then used to make argan oil. Thus, not only do these goats serve the farmers, which are notably mostly women, a source of income by retrieving the seeds to make argan oil, but it also serves as a popular tourist attraction which can also provide a source of income through tips from tourists. In short, argan trees and tree climbing goats have a commensalism relationship in that the recovered seeds can grow more argan trees and also provide a source of income to local farmers. Additionally, not only are argan trees hotspots for goats, but it is also a food source for other livestock, including but not limited to sheep, camels, and cattle.

As with the beauty of trees, the argan tree also serves as a source of shade and rest for travelers as well as windbreakers in times of extreme weather. Furthermore, argan trees play a significant role to combat desertification and erosion in Morocco. Their large and dense crown protects the soil and pasture from sun damage and its deep root system binds the soil and helps water infiltration, which replenishes ground water. The plethora of argan trees also prevents southern Morocco from deforestation which negatively impacts various spheres of life, including agricultural impacts, the livelihood of livestock, and drastic changes in normal temperatures. In other words, the diminishing of argan trees contributes to the negative impacts of climate change.

Women Empowerment and Development Strategies at HAF

As mentioned, women primarily harvest the seeds from the argan trees and goats which provides a source of income, and put simply, opportunities for women involvement in managing household finances. Important to note is that generally, the extraction process to finally retrieve the argan seeds is a very time-consuming. According to National Geographic, this process usually consists of two parts: First, separating animal feed, then cracking open the nuts by hand for their oil-rich kernels to make very expensive cosmetics or food. Nonetheless, it is a profitable opportunity that many farmers in Morocco partake due to the countless benefits of argan trees. In essence, this opportunity is not looked down upon rather it serves as a mechanism for the women of Morocco to be able to educate themselves on having a financial responsibility as opposed to men being the sole head of the household. Producing argan oil has been a generational aspect of Moroccan people’s lives with women taking the primary lead on this endeavor.

Highlighting this resourceful opportunity, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) recognized this and included planting trees as part of their mission to support and grow Morocco’s vibrant community. In 2018, HAF partnered with FRÉ Skincare, a woman centered beauty company that utilizes argan in its products and is set to give back to the Moroccan community by planting an argan tree with every purchase. Since the start of their collaboration, 65,000 argan seeds have been planted in an organic community managed tree nursery, and 23,075 young trees have been transplanted with seven associations of farming families in four provinces - Beni Mella, Essaouira, Oujda, and the Sahara. Thus, partnerships such as this not only instill confidence in the women of Morocco, but it also serves to combat climate change that threatens the very beauty of argan trees. Overall, be it tree-climbing goats, skin care benefits, or women empowerment, argan trees promises fruitful futures for a brighter Morocco.

The Provincial Director of Water and Forests in Essaouira confirmed that one argan tree can yield 15 kg of nuts annually. Therefore, 65,000 mature argan trees after 15 years can provide nearly one million kilograms of nuts, rehabilitate argan cooperatives, result into argan oil and its derivatives, create job opportunities, and preserve the environment by its capacity to resist hydric stress and climate change.

Alone I can save my trees, but together we can save the heritage of our children. Sustainable development can become planting trees for our children to reap the rewards as our grandparents did for us.

nicoleml Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/16/2021

Hello! I am currently an intern with the High Atlas Foundation, and I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience thus far. The staff is incredibly kind and hardworking, and part of their hard work is dedicated to raising awareness about issues impacting the people of Morocco. I feel thankful to be able to contribute to this effort. I recently had the amazing opportunity to have an article I wrote about human trafficking and HAF's legal aid clinic (run in collaboration with the University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah) published on Morocco World News. I thought I might share it here: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2021/04/338833/how-morocco-can-protect-migrants-in-efforts-against-human-trafficking/

shivanil455 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/15/2021

I served as an intern with HAF through UVA's Global Internships Program in the spring of 2021 and have enjoyed working with HAF very much. Here is an example of an article that I wrote as part of my work:

The Role of Women in Mimouna: A Moroccan-Jewish Celebration of Creation and Cultural Diversity
By Shivani Lakshman
HAF-UVA Intern

On Tuesday, April 6, the Mimouna Association hosted a virtual event titled “Celebrating Mimouna: From a Feminine Perspective.” The Mimouna Association is a non-profit founded in 2007 by Muslim students aiming to promote and preserve Morocco’s Jewish heritage and reclaim the cultural diversity of Morocco. The April 6th event is an example of one of the organization’s efforts to engage and educate youth about Moroccan-Jewish heritage.

Mimouna itself is a unique tradition in Morocco which is a result of its rich cultural heritage. On the last night of Passover, Jewish families in Morocco invite their non-Jewish neighbors into their homes for a large celebration. Traditionally, the neighbors bring bread, butter, and other foods that are forbidden during the week of Passover. In this way, the non-Jewish neighbors help the Jewish families readjust and reintegrate back into regular life. Mimouna is a shared celebration of prosperity, fertility, the coming of spring, and the growth of new life between people of different faiths and backgrounds, a powerful symbol of Morocco’s cultural diversity.

There are many theories about the origin of the word “mimouna”, which remind us of Morocco’s rich multiplicity of cultures and faiths. “Mimouna” may come from an old Hebrew word for money or an Arabic word for faith. It may also be linked etymologically to the Jewish philosopher Maimonides or to the name of a Berber goddess.

At the virtual event, the Mimouna Association showed a brief video created by Moroccan-Jewish singers Suzanne Harroch and Maxime Karoutchi on the Mimouna celebration. Afterwards, the organization invited Dr. Vanessa Paloma Elbaz, a singer and researcher of Moroccan-Jewish heritage at the University of Cambridge, to speak about the unique and vital role of women in Mimouna.

Dr. Elbaz discussed how the Mimouna celebration emphasizes women’s role as creators. This begins with the creation of a space for social and cultural exchange on the night of the Mimouna. The eight days of Passover are celebrated within the closed, private space of the home with only the family, but on the last night – the night of Mimouna – the door is opened to outside guests and neighbors. Traditionally, women were confined to the private space of the home and would only see their neighbors from the terraces of their houses or when they would go outside to fetch water. However, on the night of Mimouna, the women would invite their neighbors inside of the home, creating a new, sacred, celebratory space of “porosity” and exchange.

The food, traditionally prepared by the woman, also symbolizes creativity, prosperity, fertility, and the creation of new life. The woman of the house often makes a sponge from flour and yeast, representing creativity and growth, that would serve as the starter to make bread and create sustenance throughout the entire year. Moreover, in many households, the woman will lay out an uncooked fish on the table as a symbol of fertility, a cup of oil with five coins to represent prosperity, and a bowl containing five fava bean stalks and five eggs to symbolize fertility, new life, and new growth. The woman traditionally feeds each guest lettuce dipped in honey, wishing them a sweet year to come, and sometimes the woman will put her hand in flour and stamp each guest’s shirt as they walk out, imprinting them symbolically with this spirit of creativity, creation, and prosperity.

Mimouna is a beautiful tradition that illustrates creation and the cultural diversity of Morocco. At the end of her discussion, Dr. Elbaz underscored the importance of passing down the unique tradition to younger generations. She emphasized the need to educate Moroccan youth on the practices, recipes, and music associated with Mimouna in the hopes that this custom will continue for generations to come. Her presentation at the Mimouna Association’s event was an important step to spread knowledge and appreciation of Mimouna and the rich Jewish heritage that lives on in Morocco.

Safae_Ben_Karroum

Safae_Ben_Karroum General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

04/15/2021

In the Hospitality of Sidi Kaouki

By Safae Ben Karroum
HAF Programs Coordinator

Since its establishment in 2000, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) has witnessed continuous growth and success in promoting sustainable development projects. By instilling the values of afforestation and passing it on across generations, engaging in the continuity of the initiatives carried out, and adopting a participatory approach that encourages the introduction of new models for sustainable development, HAF works in partnership with a number of institutions, companies, cooperatives, and associations in order to establish an environmentally-aware culture and encourage economic empowerment.

With this mission in mind, HAF’s Director of Projects, Amina El-Hajjami, and HAF Program Coordinator, Safae Ben Karroum, recently took part in a tree planting initiative with HAF partner Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy as a part of the season of planting trees in Morocco. Siemens Gamesa team members Noureddin Oukarroum, Youssef Tawfik, and Farid Id Ben Touil joined HAF. Representatives from Association Cape City Youth for the Environment also joined them for this initiative.

On February 8, 2021, these three entities gathered to plant a total of 800 fruit trees in Oussen, a village located in the Sidi Kaouki commune of the Essaouira province. This grand event took place as part of Siemens Gamesa’s initiative known as "The Social Solidarity Project to Reduce the Negative Effects of the Covid-19 Virus," which has resulted in a number of development projects in a number of regions of the Kingdom.

The February tree planting activity began with a meeting with representatives of Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy and members of the local association at the association’s headquarters. During this meeting, they discussed potential development projects for the region, its natural wealth, and its tourist qualifications. After the meeting, the attendees moved to a field in order to plant seedlings, learn the correct method of planting, and identify the necessary tools for successfully planting fruit trees according to their type. Some key points they learned were how to measure out the safe distance between trees to ensure their survival and how to test the quality of the soil.

After each of the representatives of Siemens Gamesa and the High Atlas Foundation spoke about the importance of planting trees, both in terms of economy and environment, the president of Association Cape City Youth Society for the Environment, Mr. Youssef Ben Sghir, declared his admiration for the initiative. Mrs. Rashida Benfanzi, the president of the women's association in the area, added that this gesture showed them the importance of planting trees in the long run, as it has inspired thinking about establishing a cooperative for fruit trees, particularly olives and Argan, especially since the land is fertile and vital.

Also, Mr. Noureddine Oukkarroum said that the tourist sites that abound in the region, whose inhabitants depend mostly on marine fishing, will help in its development if an agricultural cooperative is established, and the culture of agriculture is established among the local population and between future generations. Mrs. Amina El-Hajjami talked about the correct way to plant trees, the distance between two trees, the natural and tourist paths of the area and their role in developing them.

This is not the first time the two organizations have collaborated to help marginalized communities during the pandemic. In fact, HAF and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy have worked together on many other initiatives throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to distribute food and hygienic supplies to communities in need.

HAF is grateful for its partnership with organizations such as Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy. Their support helps maintain our 12 community-managed fruit tree nurseries and plant trees with farming families to increase financial independence in marginalized communities.

websterhill4 Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/12/2021

I am an intern with the High Atlas Foundation through UVA's Global Internships Program in the spring of 2021. Below is an article from an event that was moderated by Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, the president of HAF:

Before I begin, I have a simple request to ask of you: take a moment to step outside into the natural environment and look around. What is one issue that you notice and how would you go about fixing said issue? Keep that in mind as I continue forward.

On February 23, 2021, remarkable individuals based in Morocco were called upon to share their inspirational stories of positivity and social empowerment via an online event hosted by the Generation Share Changemakers World Digital Tour. Benita Matofska and Sophie Sheinwald, co-authors of the incredible book Generation Share, have spear-headed the digital tour series to introduce the world to these inspiring tales. In these stories, viewers were able to not only visualize a Morocco that is teeming with power and immense potential, but we were also provided insight into what shaped the paths of each Changemaker, and how we, too, can facilitate positive change in our respective communities. Change in Morocco has focused primarily on building sustainable infrastructure and improving agroforestry, as well as improving education and literacy rates to the degree in which Morocco can be a self-reliant nation one day. Self-reliance from an economic standpoint is the goal, but these Changemakers have proven that this idea extends to social interaction and community empowerment.

Meet the Changemakers
Larbi Arbaoui is high school English teacher and a longstanding member of the Morocco Library Project, an organization founded by Barb Mackraz that constructs English libraries in under-privileged Moroccan communities to facilitate social equity and educational development. Arbaoui is credited with developing the Short Story Writing Competition. This competition allows high school students to produce original stories that are rich in culture and meaning. The 2021 competition is currently underway with a theme titled “Life in Morocco” and can capture any aspects of Moroccan life.

Mouhcine Camel is a teacher of languages and the founder of English Street Class, a project that provides free teachings of many different languages, such as English, French, and Spanish. His initiative is unique in the fact that it actually takes place on the streets of Essaouira in an effort to change the narrative about “street life” to be one that focuses on growth, knowledge, and community.

Amina El Hajjami is the Director of Projects at the High Atlas Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to facilitating sustainable development in Morocco. She oversees projects in the following areas of HAF’s mission: sustainable agriculture, education, health, women’s and youth empowerment, and capacity-building. Hajjami has been a key figure in the immense progress in women’s empowerment projects for Moroccan communities.

Leila Lebbar is a musician and the founder of Crescendo, a musical workshop that allows children of young ages to discover the world of music. Children are accompanied by family and learn the basics of music and instruments. By using the art of music, Lebbar hopes to solidify the Moroccan identity and love for the nation of Morocco.

Lucas Peters is a travel writer, photographer, and the Managing Director of Journey Beyond Travel, a tour operator that provides private tours of destinations all across the incredible Moroccan landscape. In this role, he seeks to provide a cultural immersion that changes how people imagine Morocco.

Yossef Ben-Meir is the President and co-founder of the High Atlas Foundation. He developed HAF in an attempt to facilitate sustainable development in Moroccan communities. Ben-Meir oversees a dedicated team as well as volunteers and interns who use participatory methods to understand how to best serve Morocco. His organization hopes to inspire positive change in the African continent, the Middle Eastern region, and the greater global society.

Global Change Starts in Morocco
As Dr. Ben-Meir mentioned during the event, Morocco is positioned at the forefront of sustainable development. At the moment, many organizations, community groups, and individuals nationwide are dynamically changing the scope of Moroccan society. Though significant progress has been made, Morocco has a lot more room for improvement. Education has been prioritized as the starting point from which the economy and other facets of life will follow. The process of implementing participatory methods in development has major implications to how other countries view their development. Also, with the steady emergence of Changemakers, Morocco stands to see dramatic changes in the coming years. The vision is to become a nation that is self-sufficient, but also able to influence the global market. Morocco already exists as an immense cultural hub teeming with potential. If everything continues trending upward, the sky’s the limit in terms of Morocco’s future.

Am I a Changemaker?
Now, please recall the answer you determined from my question. I dare you to act upon it, there is nothing to lose…only something to gain. This is part of being a Changemaker. Changemaking is simple in theory but may be challenging in practice. Simply put, being a changemaker means envisioning change and then acting on that vision. You can make a difference no matter where you are or what you do. Changemakers have a capacity for love and positivity. They are brave enough to follow a road less traveled. They are willing to share knowledge and resources. They can adapt to ever-changing situations. They are always thinking of what the future holds. This is the message each of the panelists made clear during the digital tour. This is what Benita Matofska imagined when she began her journey and created Generation Share. Be the change you want to see. Morocco depends on it. Africa depends on it. The whole world depends on it.




Please visit Generation Share to learn more about the book and more events that are hosted. You can also make donations and purchasing the book will plant one tree and educate one young girl in the slums of India.

Review from Guidestar

Megan W.5 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/28/2021

I served as an intern with HAF through UVA's Global Internships Program in the spring of 2021. The following is an example of an article that I wrote as part of my work–

Factors Affecting the Essential Provision of Clean Water

Megan Williams
HAF-UVA Intern

According to the World Health Organization, in 2017, 5.3 billion people used safely managed drinking-water services located on premises, available when needed, and free from contamination. However, this leaves approximately 2.2 billion people without such access, with around 1.4 billion people with basic services (an improved water source within a 30-minute round trip), and 206 million people with limited services (an improved water source requiring more than a 30-minute round trip). Improved sources are categorized as household taps, public standpipes, boreholes, protected dug wells, protected springs, and collected rainwater. And worse still, 435 million people take water from unprotected wells and springs, and 144 million people collect untreated surface water from lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. Uncontaminated water is not only necessary for drinking, but also for cooking, cleaning, personal and medical hygiene, and agriculture. Clean drinking water is a basic human right, and the causes and effects of a lack of access to uncontaminated water must be investigated and rectified.
Clean water scarcity can have different causes. There can either be a “physical scarcity” of sufficient fresh water, or an “economic scarcity” where freshwater is available but is expensive to use. Physical scarcity can vary by region based on climate, and physical scarcity is becoming increasingly common due to climate change. It is predicted that global warming will reach at least 1.5 degrees celsius above pre-industrial levels. With this warming comes climate reactions, including changes in precipitation patterns. Such changes include glacial and snowpack melting due to increased temperatures, which depletes both the mountain stream runoff and groundwater supplies. Mountain meltwater and runoff provide more than 50% of the world’s freshwater. Surface and groundwater supplies are also impacted by climate-change related drought. Lack of precipitation impedes groundwater recharge, meaning that those who rely on wells for clean drinking water will be impacted. Worldwide, 2.5 billion people depend solely on groundwater resources.
The opposite of drought that is just as damaging is increased intense precipitation in some areas. Such precipitation can lead to major flooding. While the overabundance of water in a flood may seem helpful in drought-stricken areas, floods in fact can affect water safety by contaminating otherwise safe water with sewage and other pollutants. Surface and groundwater contamination can be introduced from other sources as well. Surface and groundwater resources in unmanaged or mismanaged systems are increasingly polluted with human and animal waste, agricultural runoff, chemicals such as fluorine or arsenic, and industrial effluents. Agricultural runoff into streams and lakes can lead to eutrophication and toxic algal blooms which not only makes the water undrinkable but also chokes out animal life that may be relied upon for food or important ecosystem services. It is predicted that Globally, the number of lakes with harmful algal blooms will increase by at least 20% until 2050. All of the above factors impede the essential provision of clean drinking water to billions of people around the world, and have the capacity to worsen. It is predicted that by 2030, the world will face a 40% global water deficit under the current climate change scenario.
The lack of access to clean water sources has a host of negative impacts to individuals and communities. Ingestion and use of contaminated water are linked to diseases including cholera, diarrhea, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid, and polio. All of these diseases can be deadly, but they are also preventable with access to clean water. Unsafe drinking water not only kills, but prevents equal opportunity and economic productivity. Internationally, women and girls have a larger role in water collection than men. Women and girls often spend hours out of their day traveling long distances to the nearest clean water source. This often prevents girls from being able to attend school or hold a steady-income job. Women's health is also disproportionately affected by lack of access to clean water, as women are more vulnerable to the health effects of contamination of water such as infection during menstruation and reproduction. Improving access to clean water can allow women and girls to invest more time into their education and economic development, which will benefit their communities as a whole and greatly contribute to poverty reduction.
As of 2017, 70% of the Moroccan population had access to safely managed drinking water services. However, this leaves approximately 10.7 million Moroccans without such access. There especially is a disparity in clean drinking water access between urban and rural Moroccans, with 88.9% of people in urban areas having access to safely managed drinking water services, while only 39.9% of people in rural areas having such access. This creates obvious room for improvement of the infrastructure in rural areas of Morocco in order to promote equality of standard of living and opportunity. Morocco is at a high risk of further clean-water scarcity as the effects of climate change worsen and populations continue to rise. Morocco is expected to see temperature increases between 2 and 3 ◦C by 2050, which has the potential to decrease precipitation between 10 and 20%, while populations are expected to grow to 46 million people before 2050.
Improving access to clean water sources is essential in Morocco and Globally. Water scarcity will only worsen with increased climate impact and global population. Communities and governing organizations must invest in providing the infrastructure for clean drinking water delivery and storage to all citizens in all locations and of all socio-economic statuses.



oukerroumaissam General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/24/2021

Blog by Aissam Oukerroum, Program Coordinaror

January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Student clinicians at the Legal Clinic housed at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah’s Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences in Fes (FSJES-USMBA) will be working with some of the most vulnerable populations in the Fes-Meknes region.

January 2021 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. While countries across the world have their own national human trafficking laws that broadly align with UN human trafficking protocol, there are still people around the world who are victims of human trafficking and modern slavery. From 2017 to 2019, Morocco registered 719 victims of human trafficking. According to the US State Department’s 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report, Morocco is ranked as a Tier 2 country, meaning that it needs to continue to implement certain measures before its human trafficking approach can be considered satisfactory.

According to the UN protocol, special attention should be devoted to identifying victims and strengthening domestic frameworks for victim protection, objectives that can only be sustainably achieved through strengthened institutional efforts to respond to all aspects of human trafficking. Whether policy or services, national or community-based, all responses should be human rights-based, age and gender-responsive, and victim-centered to assist those most vulnerable and in need of protection and support. This is one of the very fruitful approaches that the legal clinic is using in order to have more impact on the beneficiaries and the participants of its activities.

One of the most vulnerable populations to trafficking in Morocco, sub-Saharan migrants, are put at more risk when they are relocated by the government without implementation of proper screening measures to recognize the signs of trafficking. Victims of trafficking may have trouble trusting others. They may also exhibit fear of the police, limited freedom of movement, seem to be in debt to someone, have no passport or say someone else is holding it, or have limited access to medical care. There are other more specific indicators that pertain to sexual exploitation, forced labor, child abuse, criminal activities, and domestic servitude.

Student clinicians at the Legal Clinic housed at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah’s Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences in Fes (FSJES-USMBA) will be working with some of the most vulnerable populations in the Fes-Meknes region. Students have also received training on topics including but not limited to migration, asylum, and participatory communication.

Learn more about how you can support the efforts of the Legal Aid Clinic here.

The High Atlas Foundation is working in partnership with the Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences at the University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA) in Fes to operate and grow a Law Clinic and Legal Aid program that actively engages students in experiential and service learning for the benefit of marginalized communities in the Fes-Meknes region. The project is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Fre4me. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/14/2021

Meet Hajiba Boumasmar, Program Coordinator of the High Atlas Foundation

The High Atlas Foundation

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is an American-Moroccan nonprofit that focuses on different areas: youth, women, water, capacity building, cuture, and agriculture. HAF's work in the agricultural sector includes building tree nurseries, planting seeds, planting and distributing saplings and monitoring tree growth. HAF has a focused program on cooperatives funded by USAID called “farmer to farmer” to follow up with agricultural cooperatives and women’s cooperatives and provide them with American agricultural expertise. At HAF, we facilitate youth workshops and a special series of Imagine empowerment workshops to help women build and run cooperatives. The sessions include everything from managing financials to building interpersonal relationships. We distribute food where needed and we plant trees across Morocco with partners like FRÉ. We are aiming to plant 1 million trees all over Morocco by the end of March.

My role at HAF

I’ve worked for HAF for one year and gained a lot of skills and knowledge. I’ve developed a lot both professionally and personally. I have a masters degree in the biotechnology of trees and sustainable development of agriculture. I started volunteering with HAF as soon as I graduated. I’m currently responsible for the tree nurseries: monitoring the logistics, soil, saplings, and more. I work with the team that monitors the trees and distributes them. It’s amazing to see the trees grow! I’m also a program coordinator, meaning I’m the liaison with people in the field. And I’m in charge of financials.



How FRÉ & HAF grow and plant Argan trees together

Argan is the tree that is most in demand in Morocco, and most endangered. We have to save this tree—it’s our heritage. It is challenging to grow argan seeds. FRÉ, one of our wonderful partners, supports the Imagdal nursery, which is a special tree nursery just for argan. It has the best conditions for the seeds to grow and the caretaker has the right skills and competence. We have adopted new agricultural techniques and almost 90% of our seeds become saplings. Once they grow, we plant the argan saplings in the Essaouira region.

FRÉ has planted a total of 33,000 argan trees in Morocco and has committed to planting another 32,000 argan trees in 2021. These trees support the environment and women’s cooperatives in the region.


FRÉ has committed to planting 32,000 trees in 2021 to support the environment and women’s cooperatives in the region.

Why argan matters

Argan is Morocco’s heritage. It is endemic to the country. It’s our gold and it’s our duty to protect and save this resource. There are lots of strategies to conserve the trees here. HAF’s main strategy is to increase the argan tree population by planting more. If there isn't enough water the adult trees can survive, but they are vulnerable and need the right care and attention in the first 2 years.

The impact of argan on the environment

Humanity has had a negative impact on the environment. But one of the things we can do to save the Earth is plant trees. Planting trees reduces CO2 and produces oxygen. Reducing the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere has a huge positive impact on the environment, as it reduces climate change. Additionally, the roots of the argan tree also stabilize and nourish the soil around it.

The impact of argan on women’s cooperatives

If women have jobs, they can support their children, family and community. The majority of the women in the cooperatives are illiterate or have limited formal education, but working for a cooperative is a way for them to learn and become financially independent. When we plant trees, we plant them with women’s cooperatives. The argan tree is their livelihood; the women work to produce argan oil from the trees’ kernels. We work with five cooperatives in the region, each of which are made up of 30-35 women.
The majority of the women in the argan cooperatives have limited formal education, but working for a cooperative is a way for them to learn and become financially independent.

Argan is used to produce cosmetics and cooking oil. These products are produced differently. Most cooperatives prepare both types of oils. The oils sell well. Producing argan for skincare is a complex process and a certification is needed. Most cooperatives start with cooking oil and work their way up to skincare oil.

The challenges facing women in Morocco in 2021

Society still oppresses women. Internally, women have so much power, but they need help to harness their abilities for the betterment of themselves, their families and their communities. At HAF, we help women discover their abilities. I love running the empowerment workshops that help women discover their talents.

HAF’s vision for the future

HAF’s mission is to help local women and youth to implement sustainable development projects that will in turn support rural communities and improve the economic situation in each family. By planting trees, we fulfill this mission. It’s not easy, but it is achievable. I’m grateful to be a part of this mission and to be able to help empower my community and country.

1

Nabil B. Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/18/2020

FAMILY MEDIATION & RECONCILIATION IN MOROCCO | USMBA LEGAL AID CLINIC, FES
By Sofia Ashooh, Program Manager & Nabil Bouagba, Program Coordinator

On November 7, 2020 the Legal Clinic housed at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah’s Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences in Fes (FSJES-USMBA) held trainings on family law in Morocco, specifically mediation and reconciliation. These are two of several thematic trainings designed to strengthen the capacity of students who are preparing to become student clinicians.

Professor Moutaki, a specialist in family law, facilitated the session designed to give students practical information on family mediation. Indeed, training relating to this topic is of crucial interest to clinicians insofar as they will be responsible for playing the role of family mediator, in order to avoid any recourse to court. Due to their academic training as lawyers, the clinicians were able to understand and follow the training with the professor by asking him relevant questions relating to special and practical cases. Some students already had a background in family law, which made this training particularly pertinent.

In addition to allowing students the time to discuss important questions related to family mediation, Professor Moutaki also focused on building their capacity in terms of soft skills related to family reconciliation. Mr. Moutaki discussed his experience related to the determination of the legal domain of family mediation, as well as their main characteristics and the cases in which mediation cannot be applied.

Students were then encouraged to apply what they had learned in the form of an interactive skit supervised by Professor Moutaki with the aim of better understanding the concept of mediation by clinicians. A student shared that Professor Moutaki’s roleplay exercise “solidified the theoretical information.”
Lack of access to legal aid
During the previous week, on October 31, 2020, Professor Amir el Mazarah facilitated a session on family reconciliation. Professor el Mazarah began with a word on the importance of family in society. He emphasized the importance of protecting it by effective means, hence the need for a technique for dealing with conflicts within the family. Professor el Mazarah specified the legal nature of this technique, its main characteristics, and the situations in which family conciliation cannot be applied.

Family mediation and reconciliation is particularly important in Morocco. Financial restrictions are a primary reason why people don’t seek legal advice, and this constraint is exacerbated for people facing family disputes. Furthermore, emerging data shows that all types of violence (particularly violence that occurs at home) against women and girls has intensified since the outbreak of COVID-19. This indicates a need for legal counsel, and a decrease in access due to public health restrictions. The clinic offers virtual counsel to increase access to those who may not be able to leave their home -- whether it be for health or safety reasons.

These sessions were one of several trainings organized by the High Atlas Foundation that is designed to prepare students to become practitioners of pro bono legal aid to people in vulnerable situations in the Fes-Meknes region. Students have also received training on topics including but not limited to migration, asylum, and participatory communication.

Learn more about how you can support the efforts of the Legal Aid Clinic here.

The High Atlas Foundation is working in partnership with the Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences at the University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA) in Fes to operate and grow a Law Clinic and Legal Aid program which actively engages students in experiential and service learning for the benefit of marginalized communities in the Fes-Meknes region. The project is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

1

Moulay Hassan A. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/14/2020

If you prefer mint in your tea, then you should read this
By: Moulay Hassan Aladlouni
HAF Country Director
Marrakech: A few years back, Moroccans started talking about how the use of pesticides negatively affected their desire to use mint when making tea. When I asked why, someone explained that many farmers use pesticides when growing mint that are harmful to the human body. At the time, it was not clear to me why people stopped using mint. After attending a webinar on pesticides safe use, however, I fully understood why and how pesticides can harm humans.
On November 12th, the Agricultural Volunteer Opportunity Program (AVOP) organized a webinar where Tim McCoy, an extension associate at Virginia Tech, gave a talk to participants who were largely from African countries. The webinar covered topics such as exposure to pesticides during application, disposal of spilled pesticides, keeping pesticides away from home, and finally unsafe residues found on vegetable crops.
Exposure to pesticides during application
When applying pesticides, it is imperative that applicators wear personal protective equipment (PPE) at all times. The first and most important protective item is a good pair of gloves. They not only protect applicators, but they also set the standard for safe applications and serve as a visual reminder of the potential risks applicators face if not worn. PPE can be seen as an unnecessary expense, but farmers should be reminded that this is a good investment to protect their health.
Another factor that can reduce pesticide exposure is the nozzle that the applicator uses. Full cone nozzles and flat fan nozzles can give good coverage without exposing the applicator to the harmful pesticides as much.. On the other hand, pin streams and hollow cones can more easily expose farmers to pesticides. Therefore, before applying pesticides, the applicator should read the instructions carefully and use the nozzle that will provide better protection.
The third factor that will protect farmers and others from pesticide exposure is reentry intervals (REI). Each pesticide’s package will specify how long one should wait before reentering a treated field. Many farmers overlook this recommendation for two reasons: either they do not read the instructions or they do not read them thoroughly. A good practice to reinforce this, and remind others, is to label the field in a way that specifies when people can safely re-enter that area. The label must be visible, readable, and weather proof. (see graph)
One downside to PPE that often deters farming from using PPE is that it can also add to heat stress risk, which can look like pesticide exposure. Symptoms include disorientation, impaired sweating, headache, pupil dilation, and unconsciousness. There are two heat risks: heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The first can have symptoms such as excessive sweating or muscle cramps. The signs of heat stroke include no sweating, nausea, or vomiting.
Disposal of spilled pesticides
When pesticides are spilled, it is best to use the three Cs protocol: Control, Contain, and Clean-up.
The first priority should be to control the leak or spill so it is stopped immediately. Once the spill or leak is under control, it is important to contain the contaminated area in order to keep the spill from spreading any further.
Next, the farmer should clean up the spilled pesticide using rags or other material that will help absorb the pesticide. If the pesticide can be reused, do so immediately or return it to its proper storage container until time for use. Otherwise dispose of the pesticide and all cleaning materials safely.
Lastly, dig up the contaminated soil, spread it in a safe space, and leave it in the sun for plenty of time to decontaminate.
Keeping pesticides away from home
When applicators finish working with these dangerous chemicals, they should follow a protocol to keep pesticides from entering their living quarters. Knowing that pesticide residues can be found on clothes, applicators should follow these steps each time they are working with them
Wear PPE
Wearing PPE is the first step to protecting one’s skin and clothes from exposure to harmful chemicals. PPE Also Limits the amount of chemicals that might be transported from the field and into the home.
Use different clothes for work
Clothes that are worn for application should be kept separate from everyday clothes, as they may become saturated with the pesticides.
Keep applicator clothes separate
Remove any work clothes before entering your home. Avoid mixing clothes that are used for pesticide application with the rest of the family's clothes.

Do not mix clothing that has been exposed to pesticides with the rest of the laundry. Washing these clothes together could cause the pesticides to transfer onto other family member’s clothes and cause them harm.
Use hot water and soap

Hot water and soap is crucial when washing clothing that has been exposed to pesticides. This will help break down the chemicals and remove them from the cloth.
Discard clothes if badly contaminated
Clothing that has been saturated in pesticides absorb the chemicals and cause a risk of exposure to the wearer. These clothes should be thrown out immediately to reduce the risk of further exposure.

The main thing to keep in mind is that pesticide residues can get into your food or your pet's food, resulting in serious illness. Therefore, keeping contaminated clothing away from home altogether is the right thing to do.
Unsafe residues found on vegetable crops
Several scientific studies in the last ten years have shown that many vegetable crops retain unsafe pesticide residue at harvest. Almost 10% of tested produce had unsafe levels of residue. This is caused by three main factors: use of banned pesticides, overuse of acceptable pesticides, and not following recommended waiting periods before harvest.
Farmers choose to use banned pesticides because they are cheaper or because they do not know that certain pesticides are prohibited. Others use higher concentrations of acceptable pesticides thinking that it will protect the crop better.
However, the most common factor in traces of pesticides being found in food is rushing to sell the produce to reduce the cost. Farmers will harvest produce before the end of the recommended waiting period, meaning the produce may not have had enough time in the field for the pesticides to wear off. This results in having pesticide residue in the marketed produce.
What is the solution?
Higher concentration of pesticide residues can cause acute illnesses. More concerning effects are the chronic ones such as cancer, endocrine disruption, neurological dysfunction, and mutations.
To prevent this from happening, farmers should seek training to protect themselves, their families, and other people. The USAID Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program can be of good use to farmers who are looking for pesticide use experts. F2F can bring experts from the U.S. to work with farmers to learn how to use pesticides safely.
Moulay Hassan Aladlouni is the High Atlas Foundation’s Country Director of the USAID Farmer-to-Farmer Program in Morocco.

sofia.haf Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/02/2020

As part of International Entrepreneurship Week, the Legal Clinic (CJFD) of the Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences at the University Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah (USMBA) in Fes and the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) organized a training for students in partnership with the Observatory of Technology and Corporate Governance and the Regional Council of Fes- Meknes. The theme of the training was "Entrepreneurship from Vision to Implementation,” which took place on Friday, November 20, 2020.

Those present at the training included several entrepreneurship specialists: Mr. Mustafa Ghalib, Mr. Abderrahman Haddad, and Mr. Abderrahim Shmiaa. The Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences at USMBA, Dr. Mohammed Bouzlafa was also present in addition to the director of the Legal Clinic, Mr. Said El Bakkouri, and Director of Programs at High Atlas Foundation, Ms. Imane Akhezzane.

The subject matter experts began by presenting their professional backgrounds and their history of engagement with entrepreneurship in a professional capacity through the formation and strengthening of various partnerships. Mr. Mustafa Ghalib shared with the group that entrepreneurship is a lifestyle that begins with a vision, followed by actions and the application of various skills in order to create a company.

In the rural world, the creation of cooperatives and other organizations is a vital component in the capacity building of young minds in order to benefit employability, according to Mr. Abderrahim Shmiaa. The facilitators shared that vision must be at the core of all activities because it allows us to visualize the future and our direction, without detaching ourselves from the values of sharing, an important element in our lives.

The facilitators then shared a quote from Marcel Proust: “The true voyage of discovery is not about looking for new landscapes, but about having new eyes.” This sentiment allowed the participants to consider the impact of communication and perception of things. Mr. Ghalib presented the participants with information related to the nervous system and how it relates to motivation. He shared that motivation is the means of engaging the parties by manipulating the three components that form the basis of the creative unconscious: cognitive mind, somatic mind, and field-relationships/system.

According to the facilitators, limited beliefs and motivational growths are states of mind that impact us either positively or negatively. An entrepreneur is a project manager that has the role as the lead with a vision of the future, and they must manage the means to reach an objective.

Mr. Ghalib shared his recommendations to break into the field of entrepreneurship. He shared with participants that they must follow their intuition and stay true to their beliefs. He highlighted the importance of vision in guiding their path. He also shared the importance of mission and ambition in reaching their goals, and that of good communication and a strong network of contacts.

Entrepreneurship is first of all a choice, but it is also an adventure for those who have the capacity to take risks. Above all, it is necessary for an entrepreneur to reflect on their vision, values, and mission before making decisions.

The session concluded with a lively discussion with many questions on how to develop the young entrepreneurial spirit. In a part of the world where the higher level of education results in a higher likelihood of unemployment, discussions such as these which focus on empowering students to achieve their goals are vital. This session was one of several trainings organized by the High Atlas Foundation that is designed to prepare students to become practitioners of pro bono legal aid to people in vulnerable situations in the Fes-Meknes region.

Safae.bouhlala Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/20/2020

“To save lives, stay at home!”

These words are an injunction to avoid the worst of the health crisis. It was the necessary collective response to the outbreak of a virus whose human-to-human transmission caused the first pandemic of the 21st century.

In this crucial period, one wonders if humanity is worth more than material possessions and profit.

Morocco is one of the African countries most affected by immigration. Refugees require added considerations including legal aid and financial assistance — these needs are heightened in a time of crisis such as a pandemic.

In this context, the High Atlas Foundation has partnered with the Faculty of Economic and Social Legal Sciences at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in Fes to launch a legal clinic to benefit the general population. The clinic promotes access to justice by providing free legal aid to refugees, among other vulnerable communities in the Fes-Meknes region.

The impact of the pandemic is worse for migrants and refugees
No matter who we are, the pandemic has come to impact our way of thinking and functioning. It invites us to examine our true nature. How can we face the challenges to come if not by refusing the old way of doing things and opening our hearts?

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a disaster for humanity and people from all walks of life, but it has been an absolute catastrophe for the world’s most vulnerable: migrants, people seeking asylum, and refugees.

Almost 34,000 refugees per day are exposed to acts of violence, loss of culture, and family separation. The COVID-19 pandemic is a new threat that could prove to be more devastating than the events forcing them to flee their homelands.

The situation in Africa is daunting with 6,348,744 refugees recorded in 2019, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. Simultaneously, this pandemic is hitting the continent at a time when it is facing an alimentation crisis of exceptional proportions.

It’s hard to imagine coping with the virus with no access to basic needs, and this is the tragic reality for far too many refugees and displaced families around the world. They face immense amounts of fear when being forced to leave their hometowns by war or other unlivable conditions. Once they arrive, there’s no hope of isolating because of overcrowded conditions and no shelter to stay safely inside.

Furthermore, preventative measures to avoid illness are often not possible. Many refugees and migrants lack funds to provide for themselves beyond their most basic needs and are forced to work under less than ideal conditions in order to make ends meet. How can we ask them to choose between starvation while being confined to their homes or risking their health in order to earn a wage?

How can we ask people in such situations to protect themselves when they do not have access to basic hygiene materials? Or to self-isolate when they live in one place with multiple individuals?

The pandemic is challenging us to ask these difficult questions whose answers reveal a global health system that lacks any sign of humanity. It is necessary to unite citizens and the state to overcome this crisis that has affected all levels of society.

The intervention of humanist values (Islamic philanthropy): protecting the world’s most vulnerable people

A way to move through this crisis is through the generosity of others.

Islamic philanthropy (IP), also called Islamic social finance, refers to zakat. It is a pillar of Islam that presents itself in the form of financial mechanisms such as donations or investments that fight poverty and foster socio-economic development.

Whether it is a monetary contribution, a gift of food, or psychological support, there is nothing more honorable than helping others. “Zakat is not just a fundamental pillar of Islam. It is also a revolutionary concept with the potential to ease the suffering of millions around the world.”

The current crisis requires wealthier individuals and institutions to put their hands in their pockets. Civil society and government must bring solidarity and humanity to the forefront in order to weather this pandemic.

The UNHCR revealed that they have recorded “over 1 million Zakat beneficiaries through the Refugee Zakat Fund” amid the COVID-19 emergency. This shows the generosity that has come about as a result of Islamic Philanthropy, as well as the potential for change.

To assist refugee families and individuals who are experiencing income loss due to enforced quarantines, cash assistance programs have been put in place as well.

As Allah (SWT) tells us in the Holy Qur’an: “And be steadfast in prayer and regular in charity: And whatever good ye send forth for your souls before you, ye shall find it with Allah” (Qur’an 2:110). In this spirit, to avoid irreversible damage, every member of society must continue to contribute and share responsibility in order to protect those who are most vulnerable.

This is a historical crisis that must challenge our economic and political systems. The time has come for the return of humanist values.

The role of the legal clinic in assisting refugees

The Legal Clinic is a non-profit organization run by student volunteers from the Department of Legal Science at University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah in partnership with the High Atlas Foundation. It is funded by the National Endowment for Democracy and the US-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI).

Its role is crucial in a society that welcomes refugees and asylum seekers. Law students are trained to aid displaced persons in all matters related to their settlement, including but not limited to citizenship, employability, and security.

During this difficult time, refugees will benefit not only from financial aid, but also from legal counsel, thus facilitating the continuation of their lives by providing them with opportunities for work and integration into society.

The role of the foundation is to promote the humanist aspect of this global refugee crisis, committing the society to exploit its human, natural, and material resources to support those who are most vulnerable.

Let us detach ourselves from egoism and commit ourselves solidly against this virus.

Safae Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/05/2020

By engaging members of the steering comity and encourage them for their important role in the association, we decided to thank them by sending them a letter of appreciation and celebrate one year of engagement since the creation of this comity!

FMA2020 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/28/2020

Reviving a Monastery for Community Development
By Lamia Radi
Rabat, Morocco
In Morocco’s Middle Atlas Mountains near the town of Azrou, travelers come for hiking or to see the famed Barbary macaque apes in the Cedar Forest. Near Azrou, nestled high in the mountains and overlooking the green valleys below, the Toumliline Monastery was established by a group of French monks in 1952 because it was “suitably remote for contemplation,” as noted by a Time’s journalist in 1969. Pressured at first by colonial authorities to try to convert the local Amazigh tribesmen to Christianity, the monks refused, explaining that it would cause the people to be “outcasts in their own country.” Instead, they planted an orchard.
Morocco has long been a place where East meets West. There are churches, cathedrals, and other Christian sites. Yet, due to the changing political climate of the 1960s, the once thriving monastery of 40 dwindled down to 7 and to three and finally closed in 1968. Before that, it was a place open to people of all beliefs. The monastery welcomed students and local villagers for practical training in how to deal with differences of opinion. It was the site that brought together those of the Abrahamic faiths - the “Three Religions of the Book” - to find shared values and common ground. From the French Jewish philosopher, Emmanuel Levinas, to the local farmers, hundreds of people from different religions, ethnicities, continents, and social statuses gathered to debate how different faiths could live together and interact for the benefit of the majority.
Today, the High Atlas Foundation, the Association Mimouna and the Foundation Memories for the Future work all together and with the local people to restore this once-vital part of the community for economic and cultural development. Through several planned projects, the site will concretely and symbolically teach us the lessons of openness, compassion, and cooperation.
They will gather the recollections of the region’s inhabitants for preservation of the important interfaith dialogues that took place at the monastery, adapting them for transmission to new generations.
With the monastery as a base for trekking tours, visitors will have the opportunity to experience sleeping in the monks’ rehabilitated living quarters and visit the small museum that will be created with a permanent photo exhibition, cultural tourism activities that will aid the local economy. By connecting to existing structures in the region, the project will gradually expand and diversify.
Visitors will also be treated to local honey for consumption or purchase when the monks’ bee-breeding program is reintroduced in partnership with a Moroccan association. This project will train local youngsters in the techniques of honey production as a sustainable venture.
Another project will train youth to be “global guides” to transmit to visitors important information about nature and the local ecosystems as well as the history of the monastery and the monks who lived there, how they interacted with the local communities, and the interfaith dialogues that took place within the monastery’s walls. Both projects for Moroccan youth honor the history of the monastery as an orphanage and place of teaching Islam to the young children, as meaningful today as it was in the past.
Partners in developing these tourist activities include the Ministry of Tourism and the city of Azrou, its institutions and local associations. The Ministry of Culture has also recently opened a small museum in Azrou dedicated to the history, culture, fauna, and flora of the region. In addition, a women’s cooperative that produces handmade carpets is supported by a collaboration between the nearby Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane and the Azrou Center for Local Community Development.
The crown jewel of the plan is to restore the monastery’s two famous gardens, one botanical - to heal the body with medicinal plants - and one Buddhist - to heal the mind with meditation. HAF’s partnership includes training in arboriculture skills and planting a fruit tree nursery with local seeds, a formerly significant agricultural activity benefiting farming families of this region. Taking care of the site long term will provide jobs to local gardeners as well.
Together, these partnerships and projects represent the rich heritage of the area and the philosophy that was the foundation of the monks who sought a place to meaningfully live their faith. With the revival of the Monastery at Toumliline, the people will enjoy the “fruits of community” planted in that long-ago orchard.

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Lamia Radi, President of the foundation, is a political scientist and a career diplomat. This project has been developed by the Memories for the Future Foundation, a Moroccan NGO founded in 2008 that is dedicated to countering radical and violent ideologies in the Maghreb through the revitalization of interfaith sites and meaningful historical events.

FinnG Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/28/2020

Forests capture more than carbon. While through the mechanism of photosynthesis, plants are experts at retrieving carbon dioxide from the air, they have also perfected strategies to retain water in their natural surroundings. When thinking of the benefits of future forests, it is crucial to think beyond the tree level. Tree roots loosen the soil, and by creating macropores, they drastically increase infiltration rates and help recharge groundwater levels. The effect of just one tree on those soil properties can be measured within a radius of 25 meters around the tree crown. So, by planting just a hundred trees, an area as big as 32 full-size football fields can be restored.

Reforestation reduces the risk of ecosystems drying out in a warming climate by keeping water in the soil. But that is not all. Through their roots that hold onto fertile soil, they prevent erosion and reduce the risk of flooding. Especially in mountainous areas, these properties are essential to keep farmland fertile. And because healthy soils lead to thriving communities, trees planted with the High Atlas Foundation provide a promising future for farming communities in Morocco.

The much-needed positive effects of newly planted forests go far beyond the local scale of villages, cities, and countries. Researchers have recently discovered that forests are the main link for oceanic precipitation to reach the drier continental regions. By releasing water vapour through tree leaves, forests create clouds and cool the climate dramatically. Through this recycling of rainfall, water gets transported over long distances, and the release of microorganisms and organic compounds triggers rainfall along the way. Hence, investing in trees means the containment of carbon, retention of water, support to livelihoods, and, most importantly, the creation of a green link into our future.

morganwolf Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/17/2020

An Expression of Gratitude for my Internship Experience with HAF

It’s been a month since the conclusion of my virtual, remote internship with the High Atlas Foundation. I wasn’t sure what to expect going into the internship, but in hindsight, I couldn’t have imagined a better remote experience (other than maybe one that happened in-person, in Morocco).

The internship took place during a difficult time in our world. There was (and still is) a global pandemic going on, as well as re-exposure of gross injustices happening against Black men and women in the US (and abroad), and hence, a massive outpour of anger, sadness, and support for the Black Lives Matter movement. I say this because these dark, sad truths of the world were (and still are) sometimes difficult to process on my own. For that, I was grateful to have my fellow HAF-UVA interns, as well as Yossef, Katie, and Sanae from HAF, for eight weeks— in the thick of it all— to have the hard conversations with, and sort through, cope, and better understand these realities of the US, Morocco, and the world.

Further, given that our international internship was conducted remotely in the US, I appreciated the way Yossef, Katie, and Sanae encouraged us to make the connections between our lives and reality in the US, and that in Morocco and the work HAF does. I appreciated the effort they put into showing, creating, and allowing us to experience Moroccan culture as much as possible, even though we couldn’t be there this summer. I appreciated the regular and consistent communication with Yossef and our HAF supervisors, and the way they allowed me to explore different avenues of HAF’s work and complete a variety of tasks. I was able to work on a few different projects, from the EU grant proposal for the Legal Aid clinic, to writing a blog post, and interacting with HAF’s audience through a Facebook Live on HAF’s page for World Rainforest Day (alongside fellow intern Leigh Kesser), and some others in between.

If it is not yet clear, all of this is to say I am grateful for the kindness, care, knowledge, and skills shared, and conversations had, during my time interning with HAF. I deeply appreciate the work HAF is doing in Moroccan communities, as it aligns with some of my strongest values, and I gained insight into the ways that it is impacting Moroccan people.
Ultimately, times have been tough for people everywhere, and this pandemic has affected us all in different, yet real and hard ways. My internship experience with HAF provided some light, connection, and purpose during this time, and for that I am eternally grateful.

3 Sanae Benaadim

Sanae Benaadim Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

07/28/2020

Changing the Destiny of Women during the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Sanae Benaadim, HAF’s Office Manager & Volunteer Coordinator

Can you imagine that due to COVID-19, several problems related to women have only increased, but these issues haven’t been given attention? For years, different NGOs worked on empowering women and gender equality, but with the unexpected appearance of an invisible enemy (the virus), those activities that used to raise awareness about injustices and discrimination against women have been stopped.
On Tuesday, July 21, Fatima Zahra Laaribi, Administrative Support and Finance, Farmer-to-Farmer program and I participated in a virtual platform in the Multi-Stakeholder Hearing Accelerating the Realization of Gender Equality and the Empowerment of All Women and Girls as part of the preparations for the high-level meeting of the General Assembly in accordance with UN GA resolution. The virtual platform was held and facilitated by the United Nations Conference Services, and it was live-streamed on UN Web TV and social media channels. Participants entailed world leaders, NGO representatives, and intergovernmental organizations from around the world.
The main objective of the multi-stakeholder hearing was to evaluate the outcomes and recommendations of the 25-year review processes as well as the situation of women in the 64th session of the Commission. In addition, it was an opportunity to exchange experiences and lessons about women's situations among speakers from various countries through interactive dialogues for the implementation of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.
I noticed that the situation of women in each country differs from their needs. One of the critical areas identified by the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action is violence against women and education. Besides physical and sexual violence, women also experience state-perpetrated gender-based violence. Empowerment must begin from home. Both parents should equally participate in the children’s activities apart from other household responsibilities. Also, an honest and courteous exchange of ideas can plant the seed for successful equality. I believe that those three words can be the first step toward the resolution of women’s issues in general: education, empowerment, and equality.

The High Atlas Foundation’s heart is with women. It has the vision to continue to provide as much support as possible by preparing and developing new trainers for the IMAGINE Women’s Empowerment Program. Coaches will host and facilitate virtual webinars in order to train the apprentices. Once COVID-19 is under control and conditions are safe, HAF will begin direct workshops with women in their communities as always and provide them the support they need.

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Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

02/03/2020

What does the 20th of January mean to HAF?
Sanae Benaadim
HAF's Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator
Every third Monday of January, HAF takes the initiative of planting trees in different places around Morocco. I heard many positive things about this special day back when I was a volunteer. And I wished to be part of it one day!
President Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, USAID Driver Lahcen Ait Ouatouch, the volunteer Giovanni Ferreira Cunha, Tree Monitoring Officer Hajiba Boumasmar and I headed towards Lala Takerkoust to the Ajbane Al Olfa Cooperative that produces goat cheese first before planting trees with the farmers. We met with the president of the cooperative, who shared with us glimpses of their daily hard work, such as feeding 60 sheep every day for six and a half dirhams per animal.
Hajiba and I started the activities with a speech about HAF and its missions with Moroccan communities, how it is important to plant trees around Morocco, and why HAF is working on this project. We talked with farmers, who freely expressed their gratitude towards us. They talked about the problems that they face daily, and we shared information regarding planting pomegranate trees.
After finishing the workshop, we gave the one thousand trees to the farmers. With the help of Mr. Hassan Chaarouf - to whom I offer sincere thanks for transporting us to the beautiful planting sites - we drove to see the first farmer and to plant the pomegranate trees. I saw the farmer’s strength and his love towards his land. In fact, he told us that he had previously refused many lucrative offers to sell his land for buildings.
We continued planting trees for two other farmers who lived far from each other, approximately 5 to 10 kilometers away. I was delighted at the sight of the silky soil and its color that matches the color of the mountains. It was an enjoyable atmosphere with hearts full of hope for how these trees will prosper in the future.




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houdabe Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/23/2020

This article discusses the coalition between sustainable development and deradicalization, due to meeting individuals’ needs changing their understanding of belonging to society.

The Shared Characteristics of Sustainable Development and Deradicalization.

Houda Barroug
Marrakech, HAF Intern

Sustainable development refers to the pattern through which we meet human needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs. It requires a comprehensive approach with components that can be individually achieved, including but not limited to economic prosperity, independence, and social well-being. In some ways, individuals may become radicalized precisely because these components are not met.
In ‘The Three Pillars of Radicalization’, Arie W. Kruglanski and Rohan Gunaratna defined the 3Ns: three determinant factors that result in individuals’ radicalization. The first N refers to these individuals’ need to feel valued and personally significant within their society. The second determinant is the [ideological] narrative these individuals have been exposed to while growing up that influences not only their personalities but their relationships with their states, society, and environment. The third and final N refers to the network these individuals are embedded in that validates, if not nourishes, their narratives. While the literature on this topic mainly focuses on the reasons leading to individuals’ decisions to join extremist groups, deradicalization -- the ways we could disconnect them from these groups--is equally important.
The term deradicalization remains broadly used, usually referring to the programs, methods, and techniques aimed at stopping or controlling radicalization by the state. But is full-scale deradicalization possible? Are the rehabilitation programs sufficient and effective? To answer these questions, this article explains how sustainable development can decrease radicalization.
Sustainability as an integral part of the human development
Environmental education helps change our awareness, values, and ethics, all of which are fundamental parts of sustainable development. Sustainability acts as an organizing principle and connects bridges between different parties -- the state, NGOs, and civil society. It legitimizes state actions and is integral to economic and human development. However, we find that radicalization seeks to delegitimize the state and official actors and to create gaps between the state and its people, giving extremist groups the opportunity to brainwash and overtake the dominant rhetoric in the public sphere.
American psychologist Abraham Maslow argued in 1954 that people’s needs are ranked in ascending order from physiological to self-actualization. And according to Micheal Redclift’s Sustainable Development: Exploring the Contradictions, the priority of peoples’ needs changes in the course of development, from the satisfaction of basic needs, such as clean water, food, and shelter in developing countries, to more aesthetic and extravagant ones in more developed nations. Putting this into perspective with the three pillars of radicalization, achieving sustainable development helps to deradicalize society as it allows various groups to meet not just their basic needs but also psychological ones by fostering a sense of belongingness, accomplishment, and fulfillment. Met needs that achieve the people’s quest for significance change the narratives they are exposed to and their membership, or network, in the authors’ words, that adheres to the narratives. Sustainable development has a critical impact on social cohesion, human security, the efficiency of state institutions, and their alignment with society and individuals. Strengthening the relationship and trust between the different parties that constitute a society increases the feeling of belonging and self-value, which, if absent, pushes people to seek it elsewhere through radicalization.
Sustainable development for long-term deradicalization
Deradicalization programs have regularly been described within the realm of counter-terrorism strategies and policies as well as in the capture of violent extremists. This will not guarantee the end of a radicalized group, nor would the use of violence and military power, because these groups can continue to recruit more new members. However, offering prospective recruits concrete reasons not to join extremist groups in the first place has a greater potential to stifle the proliferation and existence of such groups. Meaning, as mentioned above, the people who seek radicalization tend to be those who have nothing to hold on to economically and socially. A study conducted in India by A. Nageswara Rao and Dr. Kumara Srivedi titled Economic Importance of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) in India has proven that sustainable development offers opportunities for poverty eradication, enhanced human well-being, and increased livelihoods that ensure the socio-cultural integrity of people. According to the study, as much as 50 to 90 percent of the total source of livelihoods of poor people is said to come from non-market natural goods and ecosystem services.
Sustainable development calls on everyone to participate. Local and small businesses and initiatives, for instance, enable the creation of wealth and skills necessary for a better future, cultivate personal significance, improve the quality of the economy, and target the gap between the rich and the poor. The state must give them a seat at the decision-making table, either directly or indirectly. Giving small communities the ability to learn and develop their own projects generates collaborative efforts and fosters free decision-making. Members of society learn the necessary skills to efficiently put the resources available into appropriate use. This requires engagement and a high level of commitment from various stakeholders for a sustained period of time. In the end, it will provide the economic stability and self-empowerment necessary for the people to achieve their goals.

Houda Barroug is an undergraduate student at Brown University and an intern at the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco.

Anya F. Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/21/2020

A Personal Journey with the High Atlas Foundation

Anya Faruki
HAF Intern / UVA student

As I conclude this virtual internship, I cannot help but reflect on the connections I made and the valuable skills I learned. Firstly, getting the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of people enhanced my communication skills, as I learned to adapt to the new circumstances of a virtual environment and improve my cultural competence.

Intercultural communication is a tenet that has guided me throughout this experience, as I constantly drew parallels and differences between the United States and Morocco. For instance, during our last meeting today, the UVA interns extended their gratitude to Yossef and Katie because they have been so attentive to our interests and constantly made us feel valued. One of the UVA interns pointed out that at her past internship, she met with her supervisor a few times over the course of the internship, but she was not given as much attention and equal treatment as this. When thanking Katie, Yossef, and other High Atlas Foundation (HAF) staff, I was thinking about the cultural component of this internship, as it played a huge role in shaping my relationships and comfort levels with HAF colleagues. The warmth and words of encouragement that were constantly reiterated made me feel validated and as though I was doing meaningful work.

In contrast, if I was to have done an internship in the United States, I feel that my colleagues and supervisor would have viewed me as inexperienced and unworthy of recognition. The reason I think this is because exchanges in the American workplace tend to be transactional and mainly focused on the completion of tasks. In Morocco, it seems as though the work culture is centered around relationship-building and individual development.

Another takeaway from this internship was the fact that I was still able to enhance my critical thinking skills and engage in a variety of tasks from a remote place. I am sure that if I had gone to Morocco, each day would have invited a new adventure for me to explore; thus, I would have been preoccupied with different activities and allured by opportunities for discovery. I was scared that the virtual conditions of this internship would limit my creativity and result in a lack of energy on my part. This unique virtual setting ended up re-energizing my passion for development work and desire to help marginalized communities due to the fact that I became more intentional about the articles and media I was exposing myself to.

I read personal accounts and heard from HAF staff about people’s experiences of not being able to continue their studies, having women’s reproductive rights policed, and seeing statistics of domestic violence cases surge during this pandemic. In absorbing all this information, I wanted to force myself to feel uncomfortable and envision myself in another person’s shoes. As a result, I humbled myself with these stories and fueled greater energy to affect economic and social change in my community and other corners of the world.

I will continue to hold myself accountable and take social responsibility for my life as well as the lives of others because in a world as unstable and scary as this, it is important to engage in small acts of kindness and keep service as a core value. To conclude, humility and discovery were the biggest takeaways from this internship, as I was able to find out more about myself as well as learn compassion from others. The High Atlas Foundation created a platform for me to raise awareness about historically silenced voices and delve deeper into my career interests, two areas of my life that I will continue exploring more in the future.

Jacqueline715 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/03/2020

HOW A PARADE OF PROTESTERS CAN INSPIRE A WORLDWIDE MOVEMENT
By Jacqueline Skalski-Fouts, HAF intern

In June I attended a protest for the Black Lives Matter movement in downtown DC. Despite the heat, hundreds of young people, most wearing masks (to limit spread of COVID-19) and carrying home-made signs, crowded the streets, which had been blocked off by police to stop traffic and make it safe to march peacefully. Along the sidewalks, families held signs in the shade, children on their parents’ shoulders, and people handed out water bottles and snacks.
The march began at Dupont Circle where Christele Mushagasha, who organized the event, spoke of the injustices against black people throughout the United States, and of the intentions of the march. She demanded change for the DC police department, including immediate jailing of officers who kill innocent people, reforming police training, and providing compensation to the families of the three recent victims of police brutality at that time—George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, and Breonna Taylor.
After a short introduction to inspire the crowd, which included a performance by a local choir group, the march headed towards the White House, where protesters stalled, chanting slogans like “say their names” and “enough is enough.” A shrine of colorful papers, depicting images of people killed by police and some inspiring words, flowed gently in the breeze along the fence.
This is a movement that has captured not just the United States, but has made impressions on countries around the world. People are protesting in London, Berlin, Paris, and Sydney—demanding justice and an end to police brutality.
I think there is something inspiring in the way people can come together, the way someone in-need is taken care of, the way society embraces interdependence, especially at a time when we are forced to accept our own vulnerability under the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
I saw this sense of solidarity best when everyone took a knee on the hot asphalt in remembrance of the death of George Floyd, and a woman to my left offered me the end of her scarf, which she laid on the ground to protect our knees from burning. And maybe this is what it means to be part of something—a community, a society, a movement. It was Margaret Mead who explained that the most important evidence of civilization was a broken and healed femur, because someone had stayed, tended to, and defended the one who was injured. The foundation of human connection is empathy, the inclination to protect. That was the most important and defining aspect of community, not the creation of clay pots or tools carved from rock.
Morocco is a good example of successful multiculturalism, where Amazigh and Arab, Muslim and Jewish, Mediterranean and African cultures coexist in relative harmony, yet similar outbreaks of anti-discrimination movements have centered around the Amazigh people, who make up 40% of the nation’s population. With the adoption of a new constitution in 2011, Tamazight (spoken by Amazigh) was recognized as an official language, and measures have been taken to include the language on road signs and in academic curricula.
But, in 2016, Mohsin Fekri, a fish vendor, was killed after trying to reclaim his confiscated product, leading to an outbreak of protests against social inequality. These protests developed into the Hirak movement, taking place mainly in the Rif region where many Amazigh live, condemning socioeconomic and race-based exclusion, corruption, and unemployment. Protestors clashed violently with police and by 2018, about 400 people involved in the demonstrations had been detained.
“Equality in law alone does not ensure equality in fact.”
These protests follow a similar theme to movements condemning violence against migrants and racial profiling. As irregular migration through the MENA region towards Europe grows, race-related discrimination follows, targeting the nearly 700,000 sub-Saharan African migrants (roughly 2.1% of Morocco’s population) who reside within the country.
Injustices against migrants have been a point of focus for international human rights groups since 2005 when sub-Saharan migrants were killed along the Spanish border in the enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta. Local organizations began campaigning against race discrimination, and in 2014, GADEM introduced a campaign with the slogan “Masmiytich Azzi” (My Name is Not Negro) in an effort to reduce race-related injustices and improve migrants’ legal status, which resulted in the regularization of over 25,000 migrants living in Morocco.
Morocco has since developed several policy initiatives to reduce discrimination, such as the National Action Plan on Democracy and Human Rights, and the Government Plan for Equality. However, as Tendayi Achiume, the special rapporteur to the UN for Morocco, comments, “equality in law alone does not ensure equality in fact.” It is up the people, the young and the old, to progress towards betterment, the first step of which is to recognize and acknowledge the existence of injustices. Our communities cannot grow unless every member is taken care of, unless every member has a sense of belonging and respect—that is freedom.
Perhaps this year, we can take these events as an opportunity to change what has failed us in the past, and rather than dwell on the injustices today, we can progress towards a better tomorrow.

kaoutarait Board Member

Rating: 5

07/02/2020

A Common Vision: Multi-Actor Partnerships Worldwide for Renewable Energy

By kaoutar Ait Lahaj, Project Coordinator

During the first week of September, representatives of the Multi-Actor Partnership (MAP) project from around the world gathered for their monthly virtual meeting. The participants were from Morocco, represented by the High Atlas Foundation, India, Ukraine, Kenya, Kosovo, Senegal, Sri Lanka, and Madagascar.

The meeting’s purpose was to monitor the progress of the MAP project while appreciating and recognizing the success made so far. That the same project is being implemented in different countries with different policies and governments makes the processes unique and customized. However, it also proves that renewable energies are a topic that concerns all the nations no matter what their policies are, as they all share the same environment.

As the MAP project is reaching the end of the second phase of its implementation in most countries, some challenges are starting to appear, especially as participants are getting close to the execution phase. These challenges can be summarized in two categories: governmental challenges and partnership challenges.

In some countries, having an agreement with the government or even getting them involved in environmental initiatives is a real challenge. The second challenge is attracting partners from different sectors and fields and keeping them involved and interested in renewable energies.

These challenges had an even bigger impact during the pandemic of COVID-19, as it temporarily disconnected the partners and the government from the environmental goals that they were seeking and shifted their focus toward the fight against the virus. As a result, some projects were put on hold until the pandemic ends, and this may cause a delay in the project’s process.

Feedback and suggestions were exchanged during the meeting to help each country create solutions that are self-customized in order to deal with the current challenges, such as sharing success stories to re-motivate the partners to be engaged in the common vision.

The High Atlas Foundation continues to lead the Morocco-based MAP project, which is starting to reach the implementation phase. This will enable concrete results, and soon.

To help advance renewable energies in Morocco, please consider supporting our ongoing project on GlobalGiving: https://bit.ly/3kqB0PU.



leighkesser Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/23/2020

Leigh Kesser
HAF-UVA Intern

The Role of Technology in Virtual Work

When I first started the internship for the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), I also had to take a UVA class to complement the internship experience. Our first assignment, Envisioning Your Learning Chart, stated, “it is almost guaranteed that your internship will not be what you expect it to be.” There was no way I would have ever predicted my summer turning out the way it has, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Although I was and still am slightly sad that I was not able to physically go to Morocco, I am still so grateful to be able to learn as much as I can through a global, virtual internship. Even though I was hesitant about what a virtual internship would look like, I have been pleasantly surprised by how consistent we have been able to meet and talk, and I have enjoyed being able to get to know and work with my fellow interns. Working with the other interns and the HAF staff has made the virtual work feel more connected and meaningful.

When we were talking about the benefits and challenges of virtual work, I have somewhat struggled with keeping a consistent schedule. I tend to do my internship work at a variety of times throughout the day, and I would like to have a more regular schedule during the day. Maybe I’ll try planning out my week more. With the move to virtual work, Morgan, a fellow intern, brought up an interesting point about work-life balance in view of the fact that many people are now available on a 24/7 basis. I have also wondered how much technology will continue to be implemented in our daily lives, because it seems as if the pandemic has only cemented the integral role technology plays in people’s lives. It scares me how much society, including myself, relies on our phones, laptops, tablets etc., because I cannot imagine a world without these gadgets now. Especially with all the crazy events in the world recently, people rely on getting their news and social interactions through technology, which has its benefits. I hope the world will better learn how to use technology as a tool without it becoming a crutch we cannot live without. But, honestly, I think we have already passed that point.

Amina2020 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

04/28/2020

Climate change is one of the major issues that humans face in this day and age. It is a phenomenon that has social, economic, and political impacts. As the progress of a community is directly correlated with the advancement of women and their capability to participate in economic, social and environmental development, women around the world are contributing to the reduction of climate change and its effects.
Moroccan women play a crucial role in the development of the community on a local and professional level. They support the reduction of climate change, for example, by working in agriculture. The High Atlas Foundation works with two groups of women in Toubkal National Park in the High Atlas Mountains who are engaged in planting organic fruit trees--almond, walnut, olive, and cherry trees-- in two separate nurseries.
Working with women in the High Atlas Mountains
Thanks to a project financed by the United Nations Development Program, the High Atlas Foundation facilitated the creation of an organic tree nursery, the implementation of a new well, and the organization of a participatory meeting and training concerning environmental protections with the farmers and the men’s association in the village of Tassa Ouirgane in Al Haouz Province. The project incorporated a crucial gender approach that is both encouraged and supported by the National Coordinator Microfinance Program UNDP-FEM Morocco.
After the project was completed in October 2019, HAF and Ecosia committed to the vision to plant 40,000 almond, walnut, and olive seeds and cuttings in 2020. The nursery is managed by the High Atlas Foundation and five members of the women’s cooperative in Tassa Ouirgane. The women have also benefited from a participatory approach meeting as well as empowerment workshops. They have established cooperative policies and procedures and participated in democratic voting for decision-making in the cooperative. They also learned more about cooperative management, how to plant seeds and irrigate fruit trees, and how to create and implement a strategic plan. In addition, they received visits and workshops about the needs of the nursery by an American expert that is part of USAID’s Farmer-to-Farmer Program.
In January 2020, the High Atlas Foundation, with Ecosia, helped 27 women in Aguerzrane village in the Toubkal commune of the Taroudant province to create a nursery of 30,000 organic almond, walnut, and cherry trees. The women in this village benefited from participatory approach meetings, empowerment workshops, and training about creating cooperatives and how to plant seeds and cuttings.
This project, in which women plant organic fruit trees, aims to:
Create an income for the women to enhance their quality of life and for the girls to complete their studies;
Learn how to plant several types of organic fruit trees;
Support the reduction of the effect of climate change by planting trees;
Provide fruit trees to Ouirgane commune, Toubkal commune, and for other Morocco communities;
Exchange knowledge and experiences with other women in other villages and other provinces in Morocco; and
Create a strong personality for the women and the girls and create a great relationship between the women in the villages.
Witnessing Women’s Transformations
Even though the women started work in the nurseries just four months ago, and even though they are from rural areas, they have already learned a lot about agriculture for the first time in their lives. They are very happy to work together, and they are starting to feel small transformations within themselves--step by step.
Each time I visited with these women, I witnessed a slight change in their personas. They are more positive and they want to know more. Instead of investing their time and thoughts into the opinions of others, they now focus on their own personal and professional visions.
One of the women was very timid during our first empowerment workshop. When I asked her to share her story with the group, she started to cry. She shared with us that she is divorced and has a daughter. She felt that society viewed her as a bad woman because of this. She admitted wanting to work but allowed her fear of what other people might say about it interfere with pursuing a job search.

After one year of workshops, meetings, and follow up, she is now the leader of one of the groups working in the nursery. Not only that, but she is also responsible for the management of the nursery along with her colleagues as well as the payroll for male caretakers. She is very happy about the way her confidence and self-image have improved through this experience. Through her involvement in the tree nursery and the empowerment training, she has begun to claim the power she has always harbored within her and feels more comfortable with who she is.

Review from Guidestar

ainine

ainine Client Served

Rating: 5

02/28/2020

AININE Mohamed
Étudiant chercheur « Master Juriste d’affaires »
Faculté des sciences juridiques économiques et sociales de Fès

L'EXPÉRIENCE DE FORMATION DE LA CLINIQUE JURIDIQUE DE LA PERSPECTIVE D'UN ÉTUDIANT:

Faire partie d’une formation qui s’achèvera par la naissance d’une clinique juridique est d’une importance fondamentale et ce pour plusieurs considérations ; mais avant de les décortiquer, je me présente, AININE Mohamed, vingt-deux ans, étudiant en deuxième année Master « Juriste d’affaires » à la faculté des sciences juridiques, économiques et sociales de Fès.

De prime-abord et sans être Machiavélique, la finalité de la clinique est la suivante : donner un conseil juridique pro bono supervisé aux personnes marginalisées de Fès, notamment les familles et les immigrés des États qui subissent une instabilité politique, économique ou sociale…etc.

Cette finalité va certainement m’accorder la chance de m’améliorer grâce à la supervision, l’aide et l’accompagnement assurés par des Professeurs miroitants en droit, à l’image du directeur de la clinique le Professeur EL BAKOURI Said et du co-directeur le Professeur ALOUI Bouchta, qui sans leurs efforts et acharnements cette formation n’aura jamais vu le jour. Ceci dit, grâce à cette formation j’aurai non seulement l’opportunité de pratiquer mes acquis en droit, mais encore aider des personnes ayant besoin.

De surcroit, le programme de formation m’a été d’une très grande utilité, vu que celui- ci s’est focalisé sur l’essence du sujet, à savoir son esprit philanthropique. C’est pour cette raison que nous avons commencé par des séances de formation en développement personnel animé par un coach professionnel, Mohammed Squalli . Ce fut une occasion pour explorer mes propres objectifs - comment faire face aux obstacles- chose qui va m’aider ultérieurement à réussir mes projets personnels et professionnels. De même, nous avons discuté aussi les défis communs que peuvent affronter la clinique et les solutions à prévoir.

S’inscrivant dans la même démarche, les ateliers suivants m’ont été d’une très grande utilité, puisque je me suis approfondi en plusieurs matières juridiques relatives à la clinique notamment la conciliation familiale avec le Professeur Lamzaraa, l’arbitrage et la médiation à l’aide du Professeur Moutakki et enfin la question d’immigration dans son aspect juridique national, communautaire et international avec Mr. El Makouti du bureau des réfugiés et des apatrides de Rabat.

Katie Bercegeay « dirigeante des projets de HAF », nous a expliqué la démarche à entreprendre pour la réalisation de l’analyse S.W.O.T. par laquelle nous avons schématisé l’ensemble de nos forces et faiblesses, de même les opportunités et menaces que peut affronter la bonne marche de la clinique. La participation dans ces ateliers m’a permis de réaliser le fait que le moyen le plus efficace pour réussir la clinique juridique se concrétise bien évidemment dans le travail en groupe), le cas de la matrice S.W.O.T. en est la preuve.

En définitive, la ville de Fès comprendra un havre « au sein de la faculté des sciences juridiques économiques et sociales » où les familles et les immigrés, qui se trouvent dans une obscurité juridique, peuvent avoir toute espèce de renseignements sur leurs situations légales ; Ainsi, la clinique comportera un amas d’écrits qui sera mis à la disposition de tout étudiant souhaitant approfondir ses connaissances en matière de droit d’immigration, d’asile et de droit de famille.

Review from Guidestar

OussamaD Client Served

Rating: 5

02/28/2020

تجربة المصحة القانونية

السلام عليكم ورحمة الله
أسامة دمغي، 24سنة، طالب باحث تخصص ماستر الأسرة والتوثيق، حاصل على شهادة الإجازة تخصص القانون الخاص بكلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس جامعة سيدي محمد بن عبد الله سنة 2018، وفي نفس السنة الجامعية 2018/2019 التحقت بماستر الأسرة والتوثيق الذي شكَّل نقطة الوصل بيني وبين مشروع المصحة القانونية بعد اختيار الأساتذة المشرفين على هذا المشروع بشراكة مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير لمجموعة من طلبة كلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس على اختلاف مستوياتهم و تخصصاتهم العلمية ذات الارتباط بالدراسات القانونية للانضمام لأسرة المصحة القانونية، ليشكل هذا التنوع إضافة كان لها الأثر الواضح على سير فترة التكوين من حيث تبادل التجارب والخبرات وإغناء النقاش حول مختلف مواضيع التي تم تناولها في هذه الفترة.
هذا ما اعتبره الحافز الأساسي بالنسبة لي للاستمرار في المشاركة المتواصلة في دورات التكوين للإعداد لمشروع المصحة القانونية، وأن أكون عضو فعال بشكل إيجابي في مختلف أنشطته والخدمات التي يقدمها. أما بالنسبة للدوافع التي تحثني على الانخراط في عضوية المصحة القانونية فيمكن إجمالها فيما يلي:
•البعد الإنساني لمشروع المصحة القانونية والمتمثل في تقديم المساعدة للأشخاص الذين هم في أمس الحاجة لها، وذلك عن طريق استقبالهم و الاستماع لهم و توضيح المساطر و الإجراءات القانونية و الإدارية التي يجب عليهم اتباعها لحل المشاكل التي تواجههم.
•التنزيل العملي للمعارف النظرية التي تلقيتها في المجال القانوني في مختلف سنوات الدراسة الجامعية، وذلك من خلال الاطلاع على الإجراءات المتبعة في الملفات التي ستعرض على المصحة القانونية سواء منها تلك القضايا المتعلقة بالأسرة المغربية أو قضايا المهاجرين و اللاجئين الأجانب..
•رغبتي في استمرارية رابطة الصلة بيني وبين الكلية التي قضيت فيها سنوات عديدة لتحصيل العلم وتطوير المعرفة القانونية.. وختم هذا المسار الجامعي بمساهمة بسيطة على قدر المستطاع لفائدة الكلية التي تخرجت منها ولفائدة الأشخاص الذين تقدم لهم هذه الخدمة.
ومن خلال فترة التكوين الذي تلقيناه قبل البدء في انطلاق تقديم خدمات المصحة القانونية بمدينة فاس، استفدت كثيرا من مختلف المواضيع والأنشطة التي تضمنها هذا التكوين خاصة في الجانب المتعلق بتنمية القدرات الذاتية لغرض تحقيق أفضل نتيجة في إطار التعامل مع الأشخاص الذين هم في حاجة لحل مشاكلهم وتقديم النصح لهم، وبذلك يمكن أن أحدد أهم النقط التي تعلمتها من مرحلة التكوين فيما يلي:
• ضرورة الحرص على ضبط مستوى التفاعل مع مشاكل الآخرين(سبعة مستويات لضبط النفس) بم يضمن حل هذه المشاكل بأفضل الطرق، وتفادي الوقوع في الغضب والانفعال والتجاهل الذي قد يؤدي لتفاقم المشكل.
• دور الفكرة في التأثير على السلوك الإنساني.
• التخطيط و الاستمرارية بغرض تحقيق الأهداف.
• حسن الاستقبال والاستماع بتمعن.
• فهم المشكل المطروح وبذل جهد أكبر في البحث عن الحل بدل الخوض في المشكل دون أي فائدة.
• الحرص على التفاعل مع أعضاء المصحة القانونية في إطار عمل جماعي يحقق الهدف المشترك وهو تقديم أفضل خدمة للمستفيدين.
• بالإضافة للتكوين النظري حول العديد من المواضيع المهمة ذات الارتباط الوثيق بمهام المصحة القانونية سواء ما يتعلق بالوساطة الأسرية و الصلح الأسري وأيضا قضايا الهجرة واللجوء..
كما أن مرحلة التكوين تخللتها بعض الأنشطة التي أعتبرها ذات أهمية بالغة على اعتبار أنها تؤسس لترسيخ فكرة عمل المصحة القانونية في وجدان أعضائها حتى قبل انطلاقها، والمتمثلة فيما يلي:
- ice break: بحيث تقوم فكرة هذا النشاط على كسر حاجز التواصل بين أعضاء المصحة القانونية من خلال مجموعة من الآليات كالتواصل المباشر بين عضوين لمدة معينة، التواصل بالإشارة، مشاركة الأهداف والطموحات.. ومن هنا يتجلى دور ice break في تيسير التواصل بين أعضاء المصحة القانونية، وهذا من شأنه أن يعود بالنفع حتى على التواصل بطريقة أفضل مع المستفيدين من خدمة المصحة القانونية.
- SWOT: وهي اختصار لكلمات (strength=القوة ، weakness=الضعف ، opportunities=الفرص ، threats=التهديدات (هذا النشاط الذي يقوم على استقراء نقط القوة والضعف في مشروع المصحة القانونية بالإضافة إلى الوقوف على التهديدات والفرص المتاحة.. والذي قام به أعضاء المصحة القانونية، أعتبره بمثابة نقد ذاتي من الداخل لمختلف الصعوبات التي قد تواجه عمل أعضاء المصحة القانونية بداية من الصعوبات المادية (تمويل المصحة، وتجيزها بمختلف أدوات العمل..) والصعوبات المرتبطة بالموارد البشرية(التخوف من عدم التزام بعض الأعضاء بالحضور، التخوف من ضعف التنوع من حيث التخصص العلمي بين مجموعات العمل داخل المصحة..)، ولا بد هنا من التنويه بالمقترحات التي تقدم بها أعضاء المصحة القانونية لتجاوز هذه الصعوبات أو الحد منها سواء تعلق الأمر بإحداث "مجلة المصحة القانونية" كخطوة يساهم من خلالها جميع الأعضاء في تمويل المصحة القانونية ونشر الوعي للعموم حول دورها.. بالإضافة إلى الإشارة لطبيعة العلاقة بين الأعضاء و المصحة القانونية التي تعتبر بمثابة التزام أخلاقي يلتزم من خلاله العضو بأداء مهامه التي من أبرزها الالتزام بالحضور وإلا فإنه غير مجبر في الأصل بالالتحاق بهذا العمل الإنساني.. وغيرها من المقترحات التي يصعب حصرها هنا والتي تبرهن على روح المسؤولية في أعضاء المصحة القانونية على اعتبار أن كل من التحديات والحلول المقرحة لتجاوزها هي صادرة عنهم، ومن هنا يتضح لنا أهمية نشاط SWOT في التأسيس لأرضية متينة لعمل المصحة القانونية قائمة على النقد الذاتي و تقديم الحلول المناسبة.
-الأنشطة العملية في مجموعات: وهذه الأنشطة تعتبر جزء مهم في تكوين أعضاء المصحة القانونية وذلك بمحاولة تنزيل المحاور النظرية(التنمية الذاتية، آلية التعامل مع مشاكل الأشخاص، الوساطة الأسرية...) في تجارب واقعية جسدنا من خلالها مجموعة من الأدوار التي قد تواجهنا في الواقع بعد انطلاق عمل المصحة القانونية، وهذه الأنشطة العملية تعطي للأعضاء نظرة مسبقة حول المشاكل التي قد تبرز أثناء سير عمل المصحة القانونية وذلك ما من شأنه أن يساعدنا على تجاوز هذه المشاكل والتعامل معها بالحكمة.
إن فترة التكوين التي استمرت لمدة ثلاثة أشهر مهدت لانطلاقة ممنهجة لمشروع المصحة القانونية و وفرت الأرضية العلمية و العملية التي يمكن أن يستند عليها هذا المشروع بما يضمن له نسبة نجاح عالية، وهذا ما أتمناه بشدة من موقعي كعضو في المصحة القانونية نظرا للدور الإنساني الذي تطلع به المصحة و الموجه أساسا للمستفيدين من هذه الخدمة وذلك بتمكين الأشخاص الذين تواجههم مشاكل إدارية أو صعوبات إجرائية قانونية من حل هذه المشاكل وتوجيههم وتأطيرهم.. ومن خلال هذا الدور الأساسي للمصحة القانونية المتمثل في تقديم الاستشارة والتوجيه للمستفيدين من هذه الخدمة، فإنني أتطلع لأن لا يقف دور المصحة القانونية عند هذا الدور فقط بل آمل من خلال هذه المصحة تحقيق مجموعة من الأهداف الأخرى:
-زيادة الوعي المجتمعي بأهمية دور المصحة القانونية في معالجة الصعوبات والمشاكل الإجرائية التي تواجه مجموعة من الفئات الهشة كالمهاجرين واللاجئين.. وذلك عن طريق وسائل الإعلام المختلفة بالإضافة لمواقع التواصل الاجتماعي.
-المساهمة في مجال البحث العلمي من خلال تقديم إحصائيات ودراسات علمية تستند على قاعدة المعلومات المتوفرة في المصحة القانونية.
-كما أتمنى أن لا ينحصر دور المصحة القانونية في تقديم الاستشارة والتوجيه ويتجاوزه مستقبلا للاطلاع بأدوار الوساطة القانونية لحل النزاعات، وذلك بعد أن يتم تقنين الوساطة في التشريع المغربي خاصة في المجال الأسري، على اعتبار أن الخبرة التي يتلقاها أعضاء المصحة القانونية عن طريق الاحتكاك بالواقع العملي تؤهلهم للاطلاع بهذا الدور.
وفي الختام لابد من توجيه جزيل الشكر والتقدير لإدارة كلية العلوم القانونية والاقتصادية والاجتماعية بفاس وللأساتذة المشرفين على مشروع المصحة القانونية بشراكة مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير على هذه الفرصة الثمينة لتمكين الطلبة بمختلف توجهاتهم العلمية من المساهمة في مجال تقديم المساعدات الإنسانية في مجال يضمن لنا أيضا تكوين عملي موازي للتكوين النظري الذي تلقيناه في مختلف سنوات الدراسة الجامعية.

Review from Guidestar

jxwang Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/25/2020

A glimpse of the High Atlas Mountain
(I’m a college student from China and I go to school in Philadelphia. Right now I’m taking a gap year and volunteering with High Atlas Foundation.)

The trip to Nzalat Laadam was just like any other. If it weren’t for the ever so imposing red in the background, we could easily be driving to the grocery store in downtown Philadelphia, not on a volunteering mission through the High Atlas Mountain. The laughter in the car, the comfortable silence, the occasional friendly quarrels about what route to take… all of it screamed familiar. Well, except for the thumping heart in my chest- this was for my first ever field trip with High Atlas Foundation, and I had no idea what to expect.

We were going to conduct a workshop in sustainable development and our destination was an “integrated pedagogic complex”, a cumbersome phrase in French meaning the school covered everything from kindergarten to high school. As one stepped in, what seized one’s eyes immediately was the complex builders’ generosity with colors – the light red façade, the lilac inner walls, the cyan columns… It took some getting used to when one was accustomed to the imperial red of Marrakech.

“Look,” Léo, my fellow volunteer from France tapped on my shoulder as I was still admiring the building’s architectural merits, “they put our names on the poster, too.” I looked at where he was pointing, and saw that even Léo’s middle name was printed there.
This turned out to be only the prelude of their unrelenting hospitality. The school principals as well as many senior teachers were all there to greet us, shaking our hands and muttering welcome in three languages. Then there was tea, another round of handshaking, and a photo shoot – the first of many.

The French teacher introduced us to an always-smiling middle-aged man with full beard. The whole time we were there he never took a rest, always carrying chairs and equipment around and making sure no one was neglected. The teacher told us this man poured his heart and soul into the school, that he had laid its every stone. Quite literally, for even the traffic sign was hand-made by him.

The sustainability workshop was conducted in the open air. Students of all ages -about 80 of them- attended, and everybody was standing.
Our project manager Imane won the crowd immediately with her characteristic charm, as per usual. She used every chance to engage with the students, playing games and asking questions, and she kept walking around to make sure that she was addressing everybody.
Having just entered the wonderful age of adolescence, some girls were clearly struggling with their newly-developed self-consciousness and got intimidated by the crowd. But every time they spoke, Imane would ask for their names, and dedicated to them a round of applause when they finished. Soon enough, everybody was participating.
As the discussion was in Arabic, I didn’t understand much of it. But the laughter, the enthusiasm and the warmth transcended all linguistic barriers. It was a language understood by all.

After the discussion, we started to plant trees. The holes were already dug out and were carefully aligned at even intervals. I was in charge of 10, 15 girls, who, after a quick exchange in Arabic, promptly decided to name the tree Jingxin. Sure, as kids we seldom dream about having a tree named after us 10,000 miles from home, but the moment when the girls pointed to the fragile sapling and shouted my name (not the correct pronunciation, but who cares?) felt more like dream-come-true than any other.
Later, a girl showed me a collection of her artworks. They were all abstract splash-inks, and they came in the wildest combination of colors. You never know underneath the monotonous red of the High Atlas mountain there lies the surging black, the blossoming orange, the pouring blue and the burning yellow, all of it stirring and igniting a young girl’s heart.


At Nzalat Laadam I was impressed by many things: the astonishing organizational efficiency, the compassion and mutual respect, the dedication to service, and of course, the splendid colors of the High Atlas Mountain. Trust me, there’s more to it than meets the eye.


Review from Guidestar

1

williamnichols Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/20/2020

Tree Nurseries Have Needs Too

I am a late career American businessman. Currently I volunteer about four times each year with NGOs in developing and middle income countries. I assist across a range of business disciplines (marketing, sales, strategic planning, and organizational improvement.) Over the past 10 years I have conducted 55 volunteer assignments in more than 20 countries.
I am just now completing a 15 day volunteer business assignment in Marrakech, Morocco. My client is the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), a United States and Moroccan NGO offering as its core mission the operation of 11 tree nurseries in Morocco. These nurseries provide fruit and nut trees at no- or low-cost to communities, schools, hospitals, and small farmers. Recipients of the trees earn revenue from the resultant fruits and nuts, use the trees as windbreaks, and, at schools, provide lessons in agriculture for students.
My specific assignment has been to evaluate four of HAF’s tree nurseries, determine their needs - - especially blockages to their growth - - and propose follow on activity to address their needs. Each nursery had its own special set of needs. Some needs are beyond my expertise so I am developing recommendations to HAF to bring in expert volunteers to support areas where I am deficient. For example, HAF will need a cost accountant to establish tracking of financial results and to calculate payback of greenhouse construction. Other needs include soil analysis, nursery operations, and cooperative leadership and management.
One of the nurseries I evaluated is being run by a women’s cooperative. This female co-op was granted the franchise to manage the nursery about one month ago without any prior training. To ensure that this group is not being set up to fail, HAF has already conducted co-op management lessons for the women as well as introductory nursery operations classes. I did my small part by delivering marketing and sales instruction.
The Moroccan Ministry of Agriculture has established a goal of planting one billion trees in the country. I suspect no one thought to run the numbers to determine that planting so many trees would actually take close to 1000 years. But on the positive side, it does provide an attention grabbing aspiration. And HAF is doing its part to chip away at that one billion tree goal.
After viewing four existing nurseries for HAF, I was asked to conduct a site visit to a prospective new nursery. But there was a special twist to this land. It is currently occupied by a 300 year old Jewish Cemetery. The Jewish population of Morocco has dwindled from 250,000 after World War II to about 900 today. The small but active remnant community has discovered that offering old cemeteries to HAF as tree nurseries actually helps to preserve them as historical and memorial sites for diasporic Jews to return to and visit. As long as no gravesites are damaged, the disused cemeteries actually receive refurbishment and ongoing care from a joint nursery/cemetery caretaker.
HAF does more that grow and distribute trees. It provides social services to poor communities. For example, one small village in the High Atlas Mountains has no nearby source of clean drinking water. Consequently, the village girls (but not the boys) spend16% of their time fetching water from a distant source. Of course such a time consuming daily task cuts into their education. In fact, not a single girl in the village attends school beyond the sixth grade. HAF has offered to pay for and organize a clean water source in the village. Just one caveat: every household in the village must sign a contract that they will send their daughters to school beyond primary school. All families must sign on before HAF will pay for the water. As of my writing, HAF is expecting their collective response any day now.

One morning on the road to visit a tree nursery we stopped for breakfast at a roadside café. And this wasn’t just any roadside café. Their standard breakfast is famous in these parts. One doesn’t order, you just sit down and they bring you mint tea, chick peas, lentils, fried eggs, olives. Also no utensils, but bread to sop up the breakfast offerings. Quite delicious. Oh, and one more item: boiled cows’ feet.

Now I’m not a big consumer of beef but I figured this was mostly just fat and keratin. Anyway, my hosts were digging in so I followed suit. What looks like a cow’s hoof, once boiled, is soft and mushy. It is gelatin, mostly used in pet food but sometimes used as an ingredient in marshmallows. Look it up, I did. I do not plan to repeat this gastronomic experience again, but at least I tried it.

And now as I wrap up my volunteer assignment I thank HAF for 15 pleasurable and professionally satisfying days.





Review from Guidestar

ellen.hernandez1963 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/19/2020

Planning for Planting Day
By Professor Ellen Hernandez
HAF Volunteer

The High Atlas Foundation’s office in Marrakech is a beehive of activity. I am a new volunteer who arrived in Morocco yesterday and already met with office staff. Today, I have been invited to return to meet Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, the HAF president, and I have just entered during an afternoon staff meeting. I am immediately encouraged to pull up a chair and join them as they discuss the logistics of next week’s Annual Tree Planting Day, when they will simultaneously distribute 200,000 fruit tree saplings from HAF’s nurseries to a number of villages around the nation.

I am struck by the egalitarian style of the meeting, with Dr. Ben-Meier inviting suggestions and contributions from volunteers and staff members. They are young and enthusiastic, full of energy, thoughtful about how best to coordinate each site’s activities. In this room, there is plenty of sunlight and camaraderie, but no space for ego, and we work collaboratively, women as well as men taking turns at decision-making about who will go to which village and what community-members will be present for the plantings and so on. Their conversation flows easily in and out of Arabic and English as the cook peeks in, smiling, to see whether we are ready for the midday meal.

Former volunteers will be invited, a press release sent out, but the final question arises: “Where will Yossef be that day?” To this, he asks for a recommendation. After some deliberation, it is decided that he will be in the small town of Amizmiz about one hour away from here because he has not visited there in a while and this will let them know that he cares. Lunch is served, and we gather around the long table in the front room, each with our own spoon and two large platters of hot couscous and vegetables with chicken. As we dip into this shared traditional Friday dish, Dr. Ben-Meir formally introduces me to the group, and I am welcomed and encouraged to get closer and dig in. I do.

JulieDnts Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/13/2020

Selma
By Julie Dintras
HAF Intern

This is the story of Selma, a little girl who is 11 years-old. She is one the 38% of the population who live in the rural areas, and of the mere 26% of girls living there who go to school. She lives in a small village in the heights of the Atlas Mountains, close to Marrakech, a cosmopolitan city.

Selma is very lucky because her parents push her to study, which is far from being the case for all the families living in the rural areas. For many, the “good place” of a woman is still at home, ideally fuelled by cultural norms where the so-called traditional roles of men and women predominate. Selma’s mother, Janna, is illiterate, and she only knows how to write her name. She is one the millions of Moroccans who have never entered a classroom. She got married at 16, the age at which most European girls are in their first year of high school.

In Selma’s village, there is a school. Sometimes the access conditions to the educational infrastructures are very bad: the closest schools are still far from home, or to reach them requires taking dirt roads that can be dangerous. Out of 100 girls in her village, Selma is one of 48 who will go on to secondary school. Will she be among the 40.8% to continue to college?

Also, Selma has the opportunity to speak Amazigh and Arabic languages thanks to her aunt, who was able to leave her village to live in the city. Rural people speak some form of Tamazight when Arabic is the most commonly spoken language in the country. Selma’s neighbour and friend, Yasmine, only speaks Tamazight so she has to stay at home while Selma is going to school. The classes are taught in Arabic and the teachers, who are not from the village, know nothing about Selma and Yasmine’s first language.

The omnipresence of school dropouts, especially girls, causes problems in rural Morocco. Parents provide for their families, sometimes with great difficulty. Poor living conditions force girls to stay at home to help.

It has been suggested that education threatens a woman's likelihood and ability to marry. Let us stop defining a woman by her status as a mother or a wife; she is foremost a woman. Not all women aspire to the same life, and this is fortunate, for variety is “the spice of life.”

Too often, the first question a woman is asked, even before knowing her first name, is "Do you have children,” thus positioning motherhood as the pinnacle of her life. But not all women dream of giving birth, of having a nice husband with whom she could buy a detached house, own a dog, and go on holiday to a seaside resort. What could be more reductive than to lock a woman into the sole role of being procreative, making a woman who does not want children "abnormal" or a sterile woman "shameful"? Why point the finger at this woman who doesn't want to be a mother and accuse her of selfishness? Isn't it the opposite? Isn’t the woman who chooses not to raise children not only protecting unwanted children from growing up in potentially poor conditions but also sparing the Earth from population beyond its capacity?

The key to emancipation, to open-mindedness, is education; it is also a fundamental right of every human being. A woman is a human being, entitled to the same rights.

Review from Guidestar

LeoGG Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/07/2020

Cooperation on a common project in Demnate

By Leo Guesne, HAF Volunteer

An HAF delegation went on February 4th to Demnate, small city in the Azilal province, to the east of Marrakech. The aim of this day trip was to create, in the near future, a tree nursery that could grow up to 100,000 saplings. Demnate, whose population used to be one-third comprised of Jewish people, means “fertile soil” in the Amazigh language. It is then logical for this region known for the quality of its soils to welcome a tree nursery.
After several contacts with the Jewish community of the region, a parcel of the old Jewish cemetery - neglected since the 60s - was allocated for the tree nursery. Just a few meters above a river, the old cemetery, demarcated with a stone wall and cactus further down, is home to very few graves in unkept condition.

During this visit, HAF members and HAF president Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, met the Jewish delegation composed of descendants from the local Jewish community. Demnate’s Mayor, a representative from the Ministry of the Interior, and inhabitants also took part in the meeting. After some discussion about the condition of the parcel, a consensus was reached for the creation of the nursery, including two greenhouses.

INSERT PHOTO OF GRAVES ON A HILL HERE

The cemetery has about 2,000 graves on the upper side of the hill. However, this section will not be modified by the establishment of the nursery. On the other side of the river, an unused site is home to a place of worship where a Jewish Saint is buried. The latter belongs to the 600 Jewish Saints in Morocco; it was buried under the rubble, and the building is now an empty place. The two terraces to be used for the nursery are vacant unused spaces, starting about 30 meters from the tomb of the saint. The Government of Morocco partners with HAF in the Ourzazate province, where we are now building together a tree nursery also nearby a scared burial site of an ancient Jewish saint.

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The Kingdom has a long Jewish history and for several years cooperation projects for the rehabilitation of cemeteries like this have been initiated by the Jewish community. That is why the reconstruction of this pilgrimage place is planned to restore its beauty and the meaning.

Therefore, this project carried by the local population, the Jewish community and the High Atlas Foundation is a perfect match that will benefit all the parties involved. Indeed, it will promote sustainable development in the Region, recreate a meeting place by re-installing benches but also revive the cultural heritage of the site and the history of the city.

On the second day, the Jewish delegation met the Governor in order to have the “green light” on this project.

As a volunteer-intern for HAF, my first mission with the NGO proved to me that in spite of the difficulties that might occur in such projects that combine territorial and intercultural statements, it is still possible to create new economic activities that may benefit at the same time social and environmental aspects for each actor on a common project. The optimisation and rehabilitation of those neglected but very meaningful places show us the mutual respect between the Moroccan Jewish and Muslim communities.

INSERT PHOTO OF PEOPLE DISCUSSING HERE

Review from Guidestar

ABaamrani Volunteer

Rating: 4

02/05/2020

My first experience with HAF
Aisha Baamrani
HAF Volunteer

On January 15, my journey with Nora to Toubkal Mountains began with much enthusiasm and excitement. In the first day, things were like a surprise box. We headed to the first village “Missour”, where we felt very welcomed. After getting to work, we tried to set a comfortable environment for families, make the communication as smooth as possible and establish a good atmosphere to exchange with the participants.

The families were very generous. Despite their hard living conditions, every family we had been visiting, had welcomed us with tea. We visited 46 houses; Nora is a very hard working and determinant person, so we used to work until 9 PM trying to meet the whole families.

The most challenging task was explaining to the participants the project details and the purpose of it, even though I was keen to explain everything in the beginning of each meeting.

This experience was deeply touching. Every day was better than the day before, especially in the second village “Agrzrane”. Moreover, working with Nora was a good collaboration. It was an experience with much lessons learned.

Review from Guidestar

1

Ghita22 Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/03/2020

HAF’s 2020 Vision to Increase Human Development

By Ghita Alaoui
HAF Volunteer

My name is Ghita. My first time outside my hometown, on 29 January 2020, I had a very cool experience going out in the field with these funny, wonderful human beings – High Atlas Foundation (HAF) staff members Hassan, Imane, Hajiba, and Youness – to different rural areas, visiting nurseries and participating in a workshop for women.
We left the office at 10:30 that morning, heading towards Tadmamt, an area that I never knew existed.Each of us had a quest for this day: Hajiba had to evaluate the nursery and see if the co-workers achieved what she requested of them; Imane had to give a workshop in Agadir Tassawt to help women stand up, make decisions, and find solutions for their issues; Youness was there to make new contacts and recruit more volunteers, and Hassan was our coordinator.
On the road, everyone was swimming in their own thoughts, with Hassan driving the car while Hajiba made business calls, and Youness was doing something to pass the time. Imane worked on her marketing presentation and was speaking what is to me a foreign language (Tamazight, the language of the rural people), but, meanwhile, I was horror-strickenfrom the drive along the endlessly curving road through the mountains with its many switchbacks.
Despite my fears, we arrived safely at the site just after noon thanks to Hassan’s skillful driving. It was a magical climb to Tadmamt, and seeing the green, snowcapped mountains left me in awe. Right away, Hajiba joined her co-worker Omar to evaluate what he had done with his team; her evaluation showed that the nursery produced 10,000 walnut and almond trees as well as 20,000 cherry trees. Omar and his team were very pleased by the weather and the irrigated soil this year that helped the planting go smoothly. I noticed that Omar, who has worked for HAF for 11 years,is very ambitious, determined and hardworking.He is taking care of the soil, which is a very hard job due to the many factors involved in growing the plants, not to mention the sometimes-uncooperative climate. However, he does have a strong perseverance and the will to achieve his goal. I admire him for this as well as his happy, pleasant demeanor.
By the end of her assessment, Hajiba was pleased with her caretaker Omar and his co-workers.In these couple of hours, HAFhad achieved one ofits objectives, the tens of thousands of saplings contributing toward the goal of planting over 1.2 million trees by the end of 2021.
Two hours later, we went to our next destinationin Agadir Tassawt for a women’s workshop presented by Imane. There was a huge welcome waiting for us by the association president,Zahra Ouchraa,and the other volunteers.There were more than 40 excited women inside, some knitting as they awaited our arrival. This group was very thrilled by the HAF visitors, and therefore they made all kinds of cakes with hot tea and coffee, welcoming us within their inner circle.
As a warmup, Imane played a really creative game with the group. In order to relax them and lighten their mood, she engaged them with a word-association game that began with her offering a relevant starter word (such as one about the environment, women or the weather), and the workshop participants responding with related words. One example went like this: green, seed, soil, plant, weather. It was very fun, involving the women in this momentous experience.
In this brief encounter with these women, I noticed that Imane was actually just conversing with them and encouraging them to share what their daily lives are like, eliciting the issues that are most common in rural areas, like illiteracy, underage marriage,inadequate healthcare, and so on. Indeed, women started bringing up these problems and asking themselves one word: How?Howcan they overcome such problems and move forward? Surprisingly, the answers arose enthusiastically with comments like,“What young girls needs most is the will and courage to say ‘Noooo!!!!! No, I will not stop attending school because I want to continue my studies.No, I will not get married yet because I want to pursue my dreams.’”Their voices were raised with No, No and more No, not to defy or disrespect their parents but to express their desire to live their lives to the fullest.
Women made a huge impact during this presentation; they were very supportive and determined to end child marriage.These women are trying to achieve the nearly-impossible, dealing with everything from environmental issues to societal problems. Hajiba noted a specific action that they could take: “We must find a fix for trash cans to prevent allergies in children in the future.” When Jamila said, “If we all help each other, we can do it.” It was very enlightening for me. There was clear agreement that all they have to do is to be willing and determined in their quest and they can achieve anything. The workshop ended with a round of applause.
Before departing, we took a group photo with the children in it. Thiswas very touching. We drank their tea, ate their cookies, and received their grateful hugs. Imane concluded, “The ladies were very interactive and dynamic – Ilove it!”

Soon, we got back on the road,making our way to the last nursery in Akrich. The road was steadier this time, somewhat deserted, and without much of a view, but my heartbeat was pleasingly slowed.
Arriving on site, we found Abdulrahimand his two co-workerswaiting for us. They showed us the pomegranate trees and the vineyard they had planted a month before and reported that these were already growing well. They will leave these for nine months until they have grown well enough to be put in plastic containers and, by this time next year, these will be re-planted throughout the whole land. This is another part of High Atlas Foundation’s target to produce 31,000 grape, olive, and pomegranate trees here by the end of 2020 by God’s will. Of note, the land that has been provided for this nursery is actually a Jewish cemetery. Hajiba remarked, “I believe in increasing the partnership between HAF and Jewish communities, which will have a huge impact on creating new job opportunities and increasing sustainable development.”

Meanwhile, Youness had his own project to make known the association between HAF and his company and to increase his contacts. To that end, he interviewed Omar and Abdulrahim during the earlier visits to get more information about their specialties and the sacrifices they make to improve the environment. He learned that they have been working to increase the number of volunteers who will help and hopefully donate to this incredible cause,working hard for the nursery’s success.In this way, they will be able to improve their own society, have employment, and support their families and the community. In addition to this, Youness remarked, “It was my first time on site with the foundation; it opened my eyes to the human conditions and the sight of the work, the people, the partners, the farmers, the women, and the tangible impact that HAF has in terms of environmental protection, economic improvement, and empowerment of women.”
I found it eye-opening and very pleasant to be a part of this process,to see what significance High Atlas Foundation has in human development. I’m so delighted and thankful to be a part of this.

Review from Guidestar

Mohamed El Kadiri Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/23/2020

التشجير أولوية الجميع
يوم وطني نظمته مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير
بقلم محمد القادري
متدرب مع مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير

تحتفل مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير في كل سنة بيوم وطني تسعى من خلاله الى غرس العديد من الاشجار بجل مناطق المغرب لخلق الشعور بالارتباط وتعزيز بناء الشراكات ولما لهذه المبادرة ايضا من اهمية كبيرة سواء من خلال التشجيع على ثقافة التشجيرأو على مستوى الزيادة في الدخل للفلاحين الذين استفادوا من الأشجار المثمرة.
شاركت في تخليد اليوم الوطني كباقي اعضاء المكتب بمؤسسة الاطلس الكبير بمعية السيد كرم يان أزابي متجهين الى مدينة أكادير.
بعد الانطلاقة صباحا من مدينة مراكش صوب اكادير في اجواء ممطرة في نسيم الصباح استقبلتنا السيدة السعدية رئيسة "جمعية اقدام الخير تفاخت للتنمية،" بحماسها الذي يحمل بين طياته حنينها و غيرتها على بلدتها الجميلة، حضر الفلاحين في البيت الذي تم اعداده للقيام بالورشة، حيت استهل السيد كرم الورشة، ورشة حول" تأثير التغيرات المناخية" وتمثلت في التغير الحاصل بين الماضي وما نعيشه اليوم من اختلالات على المستوى البيئي وفي خضم الحديث كذلك فقد لامس الفلاحون التغير الجدري الذي عرفه المناخ بمنطقتهم والذي عبروا عليه بقلة التساقطات وارتفاع درجة الحرارة ثم كذلك تراجع محصولهم الزراعي .
أتيرت كذلك مجموعة من الأمور فيما يخص المشاكل التي تواجه الفلاحين بالمنطقة (مشكل الماء-الحاجة الى لوحات شمسية لضخ المياه ...)
بعد ان تمت الورشة في اجواء الاستفادة والافادة بين كل الافراد قمنا بعملية توزيع الأشجار على الفلاحين أشجار تشمل 670 شجرة (اللوز، الكرم، التين الرمان...)
وكانت الخطوة الموالية الوجهة الى ضيعة أحد الفلاحين بالمنطقة من اجل غرس الأشجار يعتبر من كبار المعمرين بالمنطقة لكبر سنه الذي يناهز الستين سنة وشيبه لكنه لازال يزرع ويعمل في ضيعته الصغيرة لتوفير قوت يومه.
اتخد يوم عشرين يباير 2020 بجماعة تيقيت مشعل التشجير واعادة الحياة للبيئة تم كذلك الحفاظ على حياة الابناء والاحفاد والاجيال القادمة عن طريق غرس الاشجار
يسرني كثيرا المشارك في مثل هذه المبادرات وتساهم في رفع مشعل التشجير كثقافة للمحافظة على البيئة في ظل الوضع الذي تؤول اليه البيئة وان تقدم كذلك امتنانك للبيئة وتشجيع التنمية المستدامة.
ECOSIA-OESشكر جزيل لمؤسسة الاطلس الكبير على دعمها الدائم للتنمية المستدامة في المغرب، وشكر كذاك لشركائها
كما أقدم شكري الى سكان جماعة "تقيت" على الضيافة والكرم.

Review from Guidestar

ilana_shap Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/23/2020

To Peace Corps Volunteers in Morocco and others living in the country with connections to rural communities:

High Atlas Foundation, an organization that works on environmental and development projects in Morocco, is looking to partner with Peace Corps Volunteers and local communities in Morocco on tree planting projects around the country. High Atlas provides the trees at a heavily subsidized price and assists in the planting process. If you're interested, you can reach out to High Atlas Foundation President Yossef Ben-Meir (a former Morocco Peace Corps Volunteer and Associate Country Director) at yossef@highatlasfoundation.org.

Review from Guidestar

1

MathLuz Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/22/2020

My name is Matheus Luz and I’m a Brazilian college student studying International Relations. I am working as a volunteer at the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), which is a Moroccan nonprofit organization responsible for promoting sustainable development in rural communities. On the 20th of January, I had an opportunity to visit El Youssofia province with HAF staff members Mohamed and Errachid.

With our clear objective for the day, we met up with some local farmers shortly after our arrival. After our initial meeting, we gathered in a large circle so that we could discuss our actions, and how we wanted to put them into practice. I was impressed with the engagement of the community members, and I knew, at that moment, we would make history.

As soon as we finished the official meeting, we began our tree planting. I watched closely as farmers demonstrated the planting process, paying attention to even the most minute details. If I summarized the activity in one word, most accurately I would call it a “reflection.” The day’s events had a profound impact on me, so much so that when I arrived back in Marrakech, I did some follow up research on the importance of trees in our lives. I discovered that trees, beyond providing oxygen and absorbing carbon dioxide, are a central point of life, connecting our past, present, and future.

I would like to thank the High Atlas Foundation for giving me an amazing experience and the opportunity to develop greater professional and personal skills. I will return to Brazil full of plans and actions because I have learned that you don’t need to be a superhero to save the world if you believe in the work you are doing. At HAF, we are surrounded by incredible people who are committed to enacting the meaningful difference they want to see in the world.

Overall, it was one of the best days I have spent in Morocco!

Review from Guidestar

SalmaChbani Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/20/2020

High Atlas Foundation made me realize what it meant to be in control of your own life and to do something with it. Everyone was extremely kind and friendly, they all allowed me to be myself around them and showed me how much ambition and will can impact on our daily lives. No one gave me strict orders but rather creative tasks and they made me want to help out not by forcing me but showing me what it felt like to help others. Here is one of the paintings that I made in honor of their foundation. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity.

Review from Guidestar

2

meriame Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/16/2020

A Life for Future Generations: Planting in a Nursery

After our team had a traditional breakfast in the town of Asni, we needed to go further into the Atlas to help the greenhouse nurseries expand. Our first destination was a nursery in Imigdal. They had one greenhouse and a few terraces. There were approximately 30,000 fruit trees, with a variety of food species. It was challenging for the nursery caretaker to water the fruit trees in the dry season due to the scarcity of water. Our team, including a farmer-2-farmer volunteer from the United States, had a meeting with the caretaker to ask questions and discuss solutions to the water problem. Bill, Our American visiting expert provided 4 solutions to help:
1. Bill first proposed to cover the basin so the water would not evaporate and there would not be any dirt particles that would affect the water, however; the water pressure would increase greatly, but there is a possibility to introduce a water pressure reducing valve for around 400 dollars.
2. The second proposal is covering only ½ or ⅔ of the basin. This would decrease the amount of evaporation and bad particles, but it would not eliminate them, nevertheless; we would not have a water pressure problem.

The caretaker told us that there is a competition between our NGO and another NGO about the amount of water taken from the basin. I then asked how much water he uses. He could not give me an exact answer so I proposed that he use a flow meter to determine how much water he uses, so we could compare the water usage between the two NGO’s and work out an agreement.
We faced another challenge with water limit: We had to leave a percentage of water to go down to the main river because there’s still an ecosystem the water has to nurture. The NGO’s could not split all of the water in the basin, but they had to split a percentage of it.
A team member gave an idea to implement solar panels on top of the basin, hence this idea would be achieving two objectives at once because it would be creating solar energy and covering the basin at the same time. However, this plan was not elaborated because we had to stay on budget.
These challenges forced volunteers to think outside the box, even though some materials were limited, we still persevered to find a solution.

Furthermore, we then asked the caretaker if his water supply in the wet season is sufficient, the caretaker told us that he had a surplus of water during this season.
3. Bill had thought of preserving this water for the dry season, so he thought of including a second tank to save water for the summer months.
4. The last solution was given by the caretaker: it is a pipe from the basin to the greenhouse. This is probably going to be the most expensive solution, and we would need a lot of machinery and equipment from the municipality.

We continued to discuss each solution in detail, with their pros and cons. Our team came to the conclusion that they would bring in a water expert to see which option meets the needs of the nursery and stays within budget while supporting the ecosystem.

I enjoyed learning that HAF sells these fruit trees for twenty cents each when the city market sells them for about a dollar. The price symbolizes that revenue is not important for HAF. The truth is that they want to help grow revenue for communities because, after only six years of growth, they could benefit from selling the fruit on these trees. Once the trees are transported to communities, people and soon to be farmers could gain about 7000 dirhams in revenue per tree each year. HAF wants to build a financially stable future for the people in rural communities and make sure they are able to support themselves in the coming years.

The second nursery we went to was a women's co-op in Ouirgane. After my trip, I talked with the team and they told me that it took them a year to defend women's rights to be farmers and to take over the men's co-op. It has only been a week and the rural women had been working hard in the garden. They expressed their motivation to grow their business; in the meeting, these women were concentrated on Bill’s lesson, they were attentive, and asked thoughtful questions. At the end of his lesson, the women were able to summarize it all. They were asking for a deeper understanding of roles HAF thought they should implement into their systems such as president, vice president, treasurer, and agricultural expert. This gave them a sense of order and importance because it was a formal way of working. I believe this co-op empowers these women because it is a business of their own that they want to grow.
This is a summary of Bill’s mini-marketing lesson that the women learned :
1. Identify the customer
2. Ask what they want and what the problem is
3. Listen to their needs and show how your product can generate income and solve their problem
The team identified earlier that they needed to learn how to cultivate the fruit trees. They decided that they would have the other nursery caretaker from Imigdal come to the women's co-op and teach them how to produce crops efficiently and organically.
I was happy to see the confidence this project gave the women. They were going to become businesswomen and were motivated to grow, their dedication proved that they wanted to be successful, and inshallah they will be.

Meriame Rochd
HAF Intern

Review from Guidestar

GiovaneFcunha Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/16/2020

Bonjour, je m'appelle Giovane, je suis brésilien et je suis un volontaire à la Fondation du Haut Atlas, j'ai rejoint la HAF en janvier.

Le Jeudi 9 janvier 2020, j'étais très heureux de pouvoir assister à un atelier au lycée de Touama, j'ai pu voir des différences culturelles illustrées par  les opinions des jeunes du Maroc et du Brésil et la plus remarquable est la conscience de la nécessité de protéger l'environnement.

Le Brésil est responsable de la garde de la plus grande forêt du monde, la forêt amazonienne, elle est située dans le nord du pays et compte environ 7 millions de kilomètres carrés. Et pour être le pays avec tout cet espace vert, vouz imaginez que la conscience de l'environnement des Brésiliens est élevée, non? Cela n'est pas du tout vrai. Dans la liste des pays les plus conscients de l'importance de la protection de l'environnement au monde (résultats du PEV 2018), le Brésil est en 69ème position, derrière le Maroc qui occupe la 54ème position, c'est-à-dire qu'il y a un problème avec la culture brésilienne de préservation de l'environnement.

L'atelier organisé au lycée m'a permis de comparer un peu les deux cultures, j'ai actuellement 22 ans et je n'ai jamais vu une telle activité au Brésil, avec autant de participation et d'accentuation de la part des élèves, des interventions, des discussions sur les problèmes climatiques et aussi le désir de vouloir améliorer et protéger l'environnement, ça m'a fait penser à mes attitudes comme citoyen du monde. Après l'atelier, nous sommes allés planter des arbres dans le jardin de l'école, une activité unique pour moi, car c'était la première fois que je plantais un arbre, quelque chose de si simple, mais avec une telle signification et une telle importance.


La journée s'est terminée par une pause café lors de laquelle nous avons discuté avec les enseignants et le personnel de l'école qui nous ont si bien accueillis. Je ne peux pas décrire à quel point ça été un plaisir d'avoir participé à cet atelier, j'ai pu apprendre beaucoup, je sais que maintenant j'ai une nouvelle mission, changer progressivement la perspective de préservation de l'environnement des jeunes Brésiliens.


Photo: Giovane Cunha ""

Review from Guidestar

1

Nic P.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/09/2020

My name is Nic, and I am an 18-year-old student from the United States. Today is my third day in Morocco, where I am working with the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech. Before coming here, and leaving my home behind, it was difficult to imagine what my time abroad would be like. I did not know of the curving narrow streets of the Medina or the controlled chaos of the great avenues. The sheer vivacity of the city can be overwhelming for a newcomer. Yet, while I traveled here alone, the HAF community has welcomed me into their midst with open arms from the first moment I walked through their door. This attitude, of warmth and openness, seems the standard here. Moroccan communities, like the one I have already been generously inducted into, appear to be built on the backs of shared experience, empathy, and care for those around you. Everyone is a brother or a sister, and anonymity within the throngs of people who walk, run, ride, and drive through the streets of Marrakech, dissolves as quickly as the fog from your breath in the cold January air.

There is still much for me to see and do here. Whether it is relaxing under the shade of exotic plants in the Majorelle Gardens, traversing the sprawling stalls of the Jama El f’na, or walking the halls of the many great palaces in the southern part of the Medina, I want to know the spirit of this place.

Tomorrow I have the opportunity to see first-hand the High Atlas Foundation’s work in action when I travel with staff and other volunteers to a rural mountainous community to plant fruit trees. I am excited to take part in this initiative committed to alleviating poverty and tackling the imminent threat of climate change and global warming. I also look forward to hearing the individuals of this community speak about their desires, concerns, aspirations, and goals in future partnership with HAF.

Review from Guidestar

3

KaramYane Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/02/2020

Climate Change, Environmental laws and Environmental Decision-Making workshop in Mohamed IV High School

31.12.2019
Karam Yane Azzabi

As part of the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs (OES) project activities, Imane and I – respectively the OES project manager and the OES coordinator in the High Atlas Foundation – went to the Mohammed VI Technical High School in Marrakech on Friday 27th of December, to conduct a workshop on Climate Change, Environmental Laws and Environmental Decision-Making.

The workshop started at 4 p.m. after a session of icebreaking and the presentation of each attendee, Imane made the presentation on the dangers of climate change caused by bad habits of people. Imane also explained how these habits can be changed, by government laws and by personal initiatives.

After that, Imane went to the middle of the courtyard and the students formed a circle around her, in order to explain how to plant a tree and how the tree needs to grow in good conditions.


After we planted the first tree together with students, we started the distribution of trees (13 pomegranates and 10 fig trees) to the students who put themselves in several groups and each group took care of planting the trees in holes previously dug by the school keeper.

The day ended with students singing traditional songs, the visit of the school choir and a last word made by the president Director of the school and the president of the association of parents of pupils.

Review from Guidestar

1

MedAmine Volunteer

Rating: 4

12/31/2019

محمد أمين بودعة
متطوع بمؤسسة الاطلس الكبير
يوم في أحضان مشاتل الأطلس
يقال أن لأعياد نهاية السنة سحر خاص فبعد مشاركتي أصدقاء لي عشاء الكريسمس، ذهبت في الصباح لمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير التي اتخذت من حماية البيئة و تشجيع التنمية المستدامة هدفا لها و التي أشتغل فيها متطوع. كعادته سعيد يحمل أخبارا سعيدة. بالله أمين نحن ذاهبون إلى الميدان فهل تود الحضور؟
نعم و كيف لا، فشرف لي أن أرى جبال الأطلس الشامخة التي في ثناياها ما يعبر مرة أخرى عن مدى قوة الروابط الأخوة التاريخية التي تجمع الشعبين الجزائري و المغربي، فعلى سبيل المثال لا الحصر – بما أنني من هواة المطالعة – كأنني أصعد "الدروب الصاعدة" لمولود فرعون أو أسير على خطى الدكتور بشير في رحلته إلى المغرب في كتاب "الأفيون و العصا" لمولود معمري.
يعمل سعيد في مشروع ECOSIA، برنامج يهدف إلى تهيئة مشاتل خاصة بالأشجار المثمرة توزع بعد نموها (من بذور إلى شجيرات) إلى التعاونيات و الفلاحين و المدارس قصد تثمين المنتجات الفلاحية من جهة و كذا زرع ثقافة الأشجار و المحافظة على البيئة في النشء الصاعد.
بعد الانطلاق صباحا بقيادة سي محمد و سي حسن على إيقاع أنغام مختارة من طرف هذا الأخير، كانت المحطة الأولى مشتلة أكريش، شيدت هذه المشتلة على أراض مقدمة من طرف القائمين على الجالية اليهودية (بما أنها تحوي مقبرة و معبد) بعد عقد اتفاق شراكة بينها و بين مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير تسمح باستغلال المساحات الشاغرة لغرس بذور أشجار التين و الرمان، تجمع عند نموها في باقات من 25 وحدة مخزنة بإحكام و جاهزة للتوزيع. هذه الخطوة و بغض النظر عن أهداف التنمية المستدامة تساهم في تعزيز مبادرات التفتح على الأخر و تقبله التي تزيد من تماسك المجتمع المغربي بمختلف أطيافه. كان الهدف من هذه الزيارة الميدانية تزويد المسؤول عن المشتلة (وهو موظف من طرف المؤسسة) بوسائل ضرورية و كذا الوقوف على مدى تقدم الأشغال.
بعد وجبة غذاء شهية (طاجين لا يعرف أسرار إعداده إلا المغاربة)، كانت الوجهة إلى إمليل قصد التزود ببذور شجرة الجوز(فاكهة ذات قيمة غذائية و اقتصادية كبيرة)، إمليل وجهة سياحية خاصة لعشاق الرياضات الجبلية كون أنها منطلق الراغبين في الوصول إلى قمة توبقال (ثاني أكبر قمة في إفريقيا) كما أن العديد من الدواوير (المداشر) مازالت تحافظ على هندستها البسيطة و الفريدة وتحوي على رياضات (Riads) مميزة. شخصيا أحببت المنظر و استمتعت بالاستماع إلى لهجة أمازيغية محلية تتقاطع مع اللهجات الأمازيغية الجزائرية في عديد الكلمات. فضلا عن سياق نشاطها الدؤوب تسعى مؤسسسة الأطلس الكبير بالشراكة مع مصالح الغابات إلى تكثيف الغطاء النباتي الجبلي بأشجار غابوية كأشجار السرو مثلا.
المحطة الأخيرة قبل العودة كانت تفقد مشتلة تادممت أين ستزرع بذور الجوز القادمة من إمليل، قام سي عمر بإيضاح مختلف أعمال التهيئة المنجزة و قام فريق مؤسسة الأطلس بإعطاء توجيهات حرصا على إتمام الأشغال المتبقية و الدقة في التنفيذ وكذا إحصاء المستلزمات الناقصة لدعم سي عمر و فريقه. هذه المشتلة المناسبة خاصة للأشجار الجوز ستحمل أيضا شجيرات اللوز و خاصة الكرز. أود أن أشكر سي عمر(المسؤول عن المشتلة والموظف من طرف المؤسسة) على شاي الأعشاب الجبلية المقدم لنا في انتظار بذور الجوز التي خزنت بالطريقة الملائمة قبل غرسها في غضون الأيام القادمة و التي بدورها ستكون تحت تصرف التعاونيات و الفلاحين بعد نموها تجسيدا لالتزام مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير في دفع عجلة التنمية المستدامة محليا.
أقدم جزيل امتناني لعائلة الأطلس و على رأسهم سعيد البناني على هذه المغامرة الشيقة و الممتعة و النافعة و كما أخبرتني جبال الأطلس كلنا معنيون فلا حياة بدون مصالحة مع البيئة، لا مفر !
• أنوه فقط وأنا من عائلة الأشغال العمومية بالحالة المتدهورة لشبكة الطرق التي تعيق مختلف مستخدمي الطريق خاصة أن المنطقة تزخر بمؤهلات فلاحية و سياحية هائلة.

Review from Guidestar

1

sule Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/11/2019

What is ‘normal’?
Sule Altuntas
HAF Volunteer

According to who or what is something assumed to be regular? We all live in different worlds, cultures and environments, what is the normal we have to uphold? When I was a little child, my parents and I went to Turkey to visit our family and to enjoy our holidays. Everything was fun and nice until I had to go to the bathroom myself and was confused. There were no toilets where we could sit like I was used to at home, the Netherlands. Here, there was just a hole in the ground. I remember my exact thoughts: “how do people live like this?”

In other words, I was shaming the country and people for their bathroom, because we in the Netherlands use the “standard” toilets. Then, when we got back home my mother and I visited a colleague of hers, a 100% Dutch woman. We sat down in the living room and was offered some tea or juice, then the drinks were served and we both got a small cookie. I was drinking my juice and ate my cookie but was waiting for the real feast to be served, because that is how it is done in the Turkish culture. The host has to serve and prepare many food and drinks, the guests should be made as comfortable as possible, and that was the ‘normal’ for me in hosting people. Again, I was shaming the country and people due to their manners to host guests because, in contrast to Turkey, this was not the way to host people.

Even I who grew up in mixed cultures and blended environments was framing and forcing my own standards onto each minor thing that was not the normal that I took out of one of the cultures. Yes, we humans have our own ways and yes, each individual differs from one another, but the crucial thing is that we respect each other and that we do not stereotype and distance ourselves from the traditions and manners of others. However, this is easier said than done, and before I came to this mindset, I had my parents telling me a lot of times that every place and home can differ and that I should not have my own expectations on everything because everybody has their own way of doing things.

I am still trying to teach myself to be neutral and welcoming towards differences, that is why I found myself in Marrakech with the discover project of AIESEC. Today is my first day at the High Atlas Foundation, a place where people help and support others, and a place which gives me the opportunity to develop myself and to discover a small part of the amazing rich Moroccan culture, in hope that I will be able to bridge a small part of a big gap between different cultures.

Review from Guidestar

1

rosannataddeo Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/28/2019

My name is Rosanna, I’m twenty-two and I come from Italy. I’ve been in Morocco for a month and I’ve been
volunteer at the High Atlas Foundation. When I decided to work here, I was very excited, because I really
admired the work they do; but later, when I had to deal with this new experience, I wasn’t so ready, I was
totally scared. I felt as it was something too big for me, something that I couldn’t handle. I was terrified of
the idea that I couldn’t make it, I felt incapable, I knew I had no useful skills. Then I started working, the
President Mr.Yossef, entrusted me with small and easy tasks, insignificant for me comparing to what
everyone else did. Little by little I began to see gratitude in the President’s eyes, and I understood that it
doesn’t matter how hard is the work you have to do, what’s important is doing your best to bring it to
fulfilment. There are two things that I will miss the most at High Atlas Foundation: the first one is people.
They are lovely, kind, helpful and always smiling; and the other one is food. Yes food, because at the HAF
they usually have breakfast and lunch all together, and I really like it. I think it’s nice that they give
themselves time to eat all together, it’s an excuse to stop for a moment and share with others how the day
is going; I think it’s also an opportunity to create relationships with new volunteers. Although I spent little
time at the High Atlas Foundation, this experience helped me a lot. It made me realize that it’s useless to
put yourself down, there’s no reason to feel insecure; I understood that it’s not true that I’m not good at
anything, there will always be something I can do. I am certainly still shy and insecure, but this experience
has helped me to realize that I must in no way let shyness and insecurity dominate my life.

Review from Guidestar

1

kbercegeay Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/25/2019

Promoting Civil Society - University Engagement in Fez
By Katie Bercegeay, HAF Project Manager

On October 10, 2019, the High Atlas Foundation kicked off a new project in partnership with the University Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah (USMBA) in Fez to establish a Law Clinic and Legal Aid program which actively engages students in experiential and service learning for the greater good of the local community.

Born out of a need previously identified by students and university administration, the project, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, is “to foster greater cooperation among local civil society organizations and universities and promote service learning.” It was inspired by a similar HAF-NED project conducted at the Faculty of Law, Sciences, and Economics in Mohammedia between 2014 and 2016.

During the day, HAF’s Farmer-to-Farmer Country Director Moulay Hassan Aladloui, Project Manager Katie Bercegeay, and Volunteer Experts for Development Association President Mostafa Mouslih attended a lunch courtesy of Pr. Mohammed Bouzlafa, Dean of the Faculty of Juridical, Economic, and Social Sciences. They then visited the Abdelaziz Child Protection Center in Fez. This is an institution that is part of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and with which HAF has maintained a partnership since 2017 to establish and maintain a nursery for pomegranate, fig, a diversity of other types of trees. The youth at the Center help maintain the nursery as they build employable skills. HAF is looking to bring this program to Centers around the country.

An inaugural meeting was held with Dean Bouzalfa at the Faculty of Law. Details of the project were outlined and first steps toward project implementation agreed upon. The Dean expressed his excitement about establishing a law clinic and legal aid program at the university during his first year in this new leadership role. Such a program has been a longstanding goal of the Faculty of Law in Fez. It was decided that the best approach to be taken was first to invest in selecting and training student participants in soft, technical, and applied skills before opening for business and collaboration with civil society partners. At the meeting, all parties joined in their commitment to ensure equal opportunity for all genders throughout the course of the project and to hit the ground running.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Mr. Mostafa Mouslih and the Volunteer Experts for Development who have been integral to HAF project planning and implementation in Fez and at USMBA. Their expertise and network have given a substantial foundation to this legal aid project.

Review from Guidestar

1

annaugolini Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/20/2019

International Day of Childhood

By Anna Ugolini
HAF Volunteer

On November 20th the International Day of Childhood and Adolescence Rights is celebrated throughout the world.

The date reminds us of the day when the United Nations General Assembly adopted in 1989 the Convention on the Rights of Children and Adolescents and more than 190 countries have ratified it. The purpose of the day is to promote global togetherness, awareness among children worldwide, and improving children's welfare.

Despite the improvements in recent years, the situation remains untenable. According to UNICEF, there are about 246 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 who work, and 180 million are employed in occupations that fall within the worst forms of exploitation surveyed by the International Labor Organisation.

Naturally, the living conditions of children are not the same in all over the world and sometimes there are significant differences in the same country. This is the case of Morocco, where the gap between rural and urban areas is one of the main obstacles for the country's development.
One of the biggest problem is illiteracy. According to UNESCO, 1,137,546 children, teenagers and young people have not received a primary or secondary education and most of them come from rural areas. Many rural areas are lacking in infrastructure, such as access to drinking water, healthcare centers, electricity, public transport, and schools, which are often located many kilometers from villages.

Despite this, some progress has been made in recent years thanks to new reforms and many organizations and associations which promote the development and welfare of children. One civil group is the "Al Karam Association", which was created in 1997 by Karima M'kika and deals with the safeguard of children in difficult situation. Located in Marrakech and Safi, al Karam is an active association for vulnerable children living on the street. Its team of thirty three employees includes coordinators, educators, psycologists, animators, social workers, and trainers. At Al Karam Association, children study, take courses in English and French and improve their computer skills, they eat every day good food and spend part of their time playing with animators.

The High Atlas Foundation has the Sami’s Project that encourages children to become advocates for education, socio-economic community development and environmental conservation through the participatory approach. Through small-scale fruit tree farming at schools and children protection centers, HAF supports children’s advocacy by exploring with them the direct impact of innovative agricultural techniques on families' income. By supporting girls‘ education and basic infrastructure in rural schools, HAF creates an indespensible foundation for a sustainable and prosperous future. HAF and community partners also collaborate with schools building and refurbishing buildings, bathrooms and student and teacher housing and installing clean drinking water systems.

In conclusion, there are still many problems that the country must solve, but thanks to all the realities that are committed to ensuring the well-being and safety of children the situation in Morocco will certainly improve, inshallah.


Review from Guidestar

1

Adctin Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/18/2019

From Pomegranates to Pomegranates Juice

By Anne Marie Del Castillo
Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer

As a retired agricultural economist, I participated in the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Farmer-to-Farmer (F2F) program in Morocco, administered by the High Atlas Foundation. F2F's main goal is to generate sustainable, broad-based economic growth in the agricultural sector through voluntary technical assistance. F2F sponsored my travel and stay in Morocco to brainstorm with pomegranate growers on steps that could be taken to increase their household incomes and reduce poverty.

I volunteered to identify factors that keep pomegranate farmers poor and, working with the farmers, come up with measures that could improve their well-being.

Pomegranates are round fruits with hard, shiny red-yellow skins. The fruit is composed of jewel-like inner seeds, known as arils, that people can eat either raw or juiced. Not only is the fruit delicious, it also offers incredible health and nutrition benefits.

Pomegranates are a good source of fibre as well as vitamins A, C, some B vitamins and minerals such as calcium, potassium and iron. Two components - punicalagins and punicic acid – are responsible for most of the health benefits of pomegranate. Pomegranates also have antioxidant activity three times higher than that of red wine or green tea.

Pomegranates trees are low maintenance, offer good yields and can thrive even with limited moisture. Pomegranates are among the best high-value crops to reduce rural poverty (FAO). In Morocco, unlike in other producing countries, the fruit is non-GMO and cultivated using organic and sustainable farming practices.

The dilemma is, if pomegranates are sold in the supermarkets in the United States and Europe for over three and even four dollars a fruit, why do the pomegranate growers in Morocco experience poverty? Part of the answer lays in the fact that for that same piece of fruit, the farmer received 25 cents only. One of the reasons for this is, while the farmers are gifted and their pomegranate fruits are of the highest quality, the farmers require the knowledge and the skills to compete in today's' markets. Inexperience in marketing and finance, and limited exposure to product innovation have greatly stymied the farmers in their efforts to make a good living.

The farmers over the course of our work decided that they should embark on a program to become more competitive, add value to their harvest and launch an aggressive marketing campaign. Because of these consultations, a modernization project was designed.

First, the farmers want to preserve and promote the golden pomegranate variety indigenous to this region in Morocco and their sustainable organic farming practices. However, some fruits suffered from peel bursting. The farmers want technical assistance to eliminate this agronomic issue.

To be more effective and engage in today’s commercial activities, the farmers’ cooperative will begin to hire a small cadre of skilled young women and men, including a marketing manager, an accountant, an information and computer specialist, a mechanical engineer and an administrative assistant.

To date, the farmers only sell fresh fruits. The farmers know that if they were to add value to their harvest through processing, their returns would significantly increase. The farmers’ cooperative and I prepared a business plan for a proposal to buy the equipment to extract and bottle juice. The business plan indicates that producing and selling pomegranate juice is highly profitable. In addition, such an operation would generate employment for young skilled women and men, as well as many laborers.

Finally, farmers agreed that they needed an aggressive marketing campaign to generate demand for their bottled pomegranate juice. The marketing campaign would promote the high quality of their organic, non-GMO “Moroccan Golden” pomegranate, which uses the state of the art manufacturing equipment to make a sanitary, pasteurized 100 percent bottled pomegranate juice, available year round. In addition, the marketing manager would negotiate contracts with domestic supermarket chains, restaurants and hotels for their fruit and processed products.

A marketing survey indicated that Moroccans love pomegranate juice, but they can only enjoy juice during the three-month harvest period; between September and November. The farmers’ cooperative could become one of the very few suppliers of hygienic pure pomegranate juice year round in the domestic market. Once the cooperative has gained sufficient processing experience, it would export into the premium European and US markets.

Their proposal has already generated donor’s interest in providing the funds needed to implement their program.

Review from Guidestar

2

yaniv_teitel Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/30/2019

My impression from a visit at the Pomegranate Cooperative at Awlad Abdallah – Yaniv Teitel, an intern at HAF and student at the Glocal program in the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

On Wednesday the 4/9 I got the chance to join the Farm to Farmer staff on their first meeting with the Pomegranate Cooperative at Awlad Abdallah. Farm to Farmer is a capacity-built program that HAF is conducting in rural areas in Morocco as part of a partnership with USAID. It was a four-hour drive for each direction, only to have an appointment of an hour and a half. I was very much impressed with the commitment of the staff towards this meeting. Especially sense the meeting was a first meeting and no body can guarantee it will lead to future cooperation's. We arrived at a modern packaging factory. Around the table were waiting for us the members of the cooperative, seven men and a woman. They told the story of their impressive social vision of the village and the role of their cooperative in fulfilling this vision. Rashid, the HAF facilitator was leading the discussion. He was trying to learn the needs of this personal cooperative. Everybody was taking part in the discussion lead very well by a young facilitator from the big city of Marrakech. It was a very pleasant environment.

They spoke about their needs and rated them from the most important to the least most important. I remember thinking how their needs sound just the same as the needs of the farms in Israel, my home country. While they are successful in exporting their pomegranates to different countries, they are not able to create a sufficient profit from this export. They know the prices of their fruit in the markets in other countries are high, but the profit doesn't reach to them and stays with the middleman. They have economic problems and regulation problems which restricts their product development. They also claim to have management problems and whish to learn better how to manage a cooperative. To me it looked from the side, that they are doing pretty well, and it was beautiful to see how they enable each to talk and take part in the management and the discussion.

We drove back, enjoying the sunset over the mountains. The ride back gave me a good opportunity to get to know the staff better and to learn more about Morocco. Everybody seemed to want to help me get started with my own project.

Review from Guidestar

3

Nour M. Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/28/2019

Hello everybody.

My name is Nora, and I am a new intern at HAF. Over the next 4 months, you can follow my internship journey on the HAF blog. Allow me to first introduce myself. I am 29 years old, and I study International Social Work in the master’s program at the University of Applied Science in Erfurt, Germany. The third semester of my program consists of an internship abroad which also encompasses the initial research for my master’s thesis. As I am interested in Arabic language and culture and always wanted to travel to Morocco, working with HAF seemed to be a perfect opportunity to find out more about the country’s ongoing developments and social projects. So, here I am.

I’m not certain about the topic of my thesis yet, but I hope the following months interning with HAF will help to steer me in the right direction. In general, I hope to find out how to develop and implement sustainable projects that have positive effects on the environment, contribute to poverty alleviation, and improve the living conditions of disadvantaged people. HAF’s work seems highly promising to me, and I’m looking forward to gaining insight into their projects and contributing to their work.
In my first week as an intern, I was entrusted with research and administration tasks. I was ready and very excited to go on my first field visit yesterday. Together with my colleagues, Said and Abduljallil, our driver, Hassan, and Pieter, Chief Tree Planting Officer from Ecosia, I visited several of HAF’s tree planting sites.

You may be familiar with the Ecosia search engine, which is similar to Google but has the incredible advantage that the profit generated by the company is used to plant trees. If you ever wondered how Ecosia finances their tree plantings with your search requests, let me tell you a bit more about their work, as I had the opportunity to talk to Pieter about Ecosia’s projects and ask him all of my questions.
Pieter told me that the number of trees planted by Ecosia all around the world reached 50 million in February 2019. That number has already grown to more than 70 million! In Morocco, Ecosia is funding the planting of 1.2 million trees in partnership with HAF. It was really interesting for me to find out how search requests are translated into trees, mainly based on the revenue Ecosia generates from advertisements. Basically, this works based on the number of clicks per ad on the Ecosia site. But even if you never click on advertisements, you still contribute to the movement because the more active monthly users the website has, the more relevant it becomes to advertisers. On average it takes about 45 search queries to plant a tree. This number varies according to location.

To make sure that all tree plantings are measurable and traceable, sites must be carefully monitored. The methodology of doing so was a primary reason for Pieter’s visit to HAF. The purpose of our field visit was to show Pieter a number of HAF nurseries and the progress of the trees as well as to discuss future collaboration between Ecosia and HAF.

First, we visited a remote village in the Marrakech region. The trip there was amazing. The only possible way to reach the village is a curvy, bumpy dirt and gravel road. Once we arrived, the landscape was simply stunning. As or even more impressive, however, were the people and their trees. Three young men from the local farmers’ association showed us their planting sites, and we were able to converse with some of the proud owners of the land. Even Pieter, who has a deep knowledge about trees, was deeply impressed by the size and the condition of the trees. For example, some of the olive trees planted only 2 years ago are already head-high and have fruit ready to harvest. Abdeljalil, who works on-site with the farmers most of the time, told us that the progress is simply owed to the care and attentiveness offered to the nursery.
In the afternoon, we visited a beautiful garden where saffron is grown. Here, we saw how to practically use space between trees to grow high-value plants and at the same time preserve the good quality of the soil in a natural way.
Later, we visited a school, where HAF with support from Ecosia could enable children and teachers to plant shade-giving trees for the schoolyard.

It was fascinating for me to see the different planting sites and gain deeper insight and understanding into the operations of a big company like Ecosia. I still have many questions. For example, I still am interested to know how trees are distributed by HAF and how farmers are selected. Also still on my mind is water supply for farmers--a major issue and consideration in all such projects. I hope to gain a better understanding of these processes throughout my next field trips. These topics are discussed in depth throughout a HAF-Ecosia partnership.

Review from Guidestar

2

zeineb Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/23/2019

The HAF ''Hight Atlas Foundation'' is a great story of Love, Success, Volunteering and cooperation .
It's quite a SOLIDARITY between us.
It was the best internship I did it .

Review from Guidestar

2

GeorgeKenchington Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/14/2019

Quote of the day: mother nature is most definitely in charge here. Approximately 270 kilometers, or 3.5 hours drive from Oujda lies Bouarfa, the destination of my first experience with cooperatives as a volunteer with the High Atlas Foundation. More specifically, the Farmer-to-Farmer USAID Project, which aims to harness the potential of these cooperatives and, through capacity-building and participatory methods, empower their members and strengthen their economic prospects. But, before I get to that, I’m going to begin a little bit atypically - with the story of how the day ended.

Oujda and Bouarfa are connected by a single roadway, slicing through seemingly endless stretches of desert landscape for a majority of the drive. On a typical day, the existence of a lone road doesn’t pose a problem. Bouarfa isn’t a city brimming with tourists or outsiders, and probably doesn’t appear on most top Google search hits for sentences synonymous with “destinations one must visit while in Morocco;” the road is quiet, quick, and functional for a city primarily made up of local farmers. So, at the end of our day, I hopped back in the car with no inklings of anything about to go amiss.

Fast forward 30 minutes and the desert highway is no longer a desert highway. Instead, it’s almost as if mother nature decided to take revenge on the road for slicing the desert in two, and in retaliation sent a rainwater river to render the route impassable. Needless to say, we were entirely stuck, and now part of a small group of fellow travelers with little else to do than laugh at the futility of the situation, take a few pictures, and enjoy the rainbow forming across the skyline to our right (mother nature signing her work?). But, standing there, awaiting a decision on whether or not we would be able to continue without the car suddenly transforming into an amphibious vehicle, the reasoning behind Bouarfa as a destination and focal point for HAF’s work that day became all the more clear to me.

————————-

Earlier in the afternoon, we’d arrived in Bouarfa for a participatory meeting of local cooperatives, with representatives from 20 different cooperatives in attendance. The meeting presented a unique opportunity: a single forum for members of a vast array of local groups to voice the challenges they face when it comes to output maximization and sustainable agricultural practices. Broadly speaking, conversation centered around three common problems in the region: 1) a lack of proper technical expertise in the realm of irrigation, 2) insects interfering with the quality of produce, and 3) the impacts of unpredictable weather patterns on agricultural cycles. Like I said, mother nature is most definitely in charge here. But remember, just because she’s in charge doesn’t mean that, if we build the proper foundations and relationships, we can’t find a way to work together and with her to achieve greater economic security.

Today, I saw one of these relationships in action, when women from Moughle Cooperative instantly recognized a member of the HAF team who had led an IMAGINE workshop with participation from their cooperative nearly a year ago. One year later, she and other members of the cooperative precisely and fondly recalled even the smallest details of the workshop, including the music choices, and over tea and dates later in the day, reflected on the positive impact the experience has had. For these women, the long-term benefits of are only at their beginning stages, and yet already include stronger self-awareness, a greater sense of commitment to their cooperative, and an impressive variety of marketably packaged products to show for it.

For cities like Bouarfa, unfrequented by outsiders, and accessible by a single road subject to the whims of nature, the path forward lies in such needs-based assessments and the work of organizations like HAF to build positive relationships with cooperatives and with the surrounding environment. While today only gave me a broad introduction to the region and the work that can be done, I’m excited to see what lies ahead (road rivers and all).

Review from Guidestar

1

Stefano D. Volunteer

Rating: 4

09/13/2019

HYDRO-PANELS: One Great Idea
By Stefano Dessena
HAF Intern

What can you do when you can’t count on the abundance of natural resources? You
can count on the insights of creative people, and that is our case. This time one great
idea can help a lot of people in need and can change their lives.
The access to clean water is an enormous problem to the 311 children of the school
Zawiyat Sidi Boutayeb in the area of El Youssoufia, where the parents association is
facing a lot of big struggles to find a proper solution. It’s here that the High Atlas
Foundation (HAF) wants to invest in a creative and genial solution but more than
anything else in an ecological solution: Hydro-Panels.
The “Source” panels come from the Zero Mass Water company with the objective to
develop a clean and eco-friendly way to create an access to clean water everywhere
even in extreme conditions.
Hydro Panels use the energy of the sun and the air to create clean and drinkable water
even in the desert. The regular array is formed by two solar panels. They can produce
from five to ten liters of water daily and store almost 60 liters. Panels have a special
absorbing material that can take only the water particles avoid airborne pollution and
then it can be mineralized with calcium and magnesium in a special storage. The
structure doesn’t need any external electricity or water supply to work properly and can
be mounted and be operative in a few hours, even in environmentally difficult areas.
But why is this an environmental and agricultural choice? The answer is very easy. Try
to imagine having a proper source of clean water in high mountains or even in an
isolated valley but without the problems of a well (sometimes way too expensive to
create and the water can be unclean). Further, the distance from the central water
supply and the locations where people seek to drink and cultivate can be too distant. It’s
wonderful, right? That’s what HAF has seen and what it’s trying to do for the school in
the area of El Youssoufia. With this idea all the students and their families will not have
the problem of access to clean water and they will be able to cultivate and benefit from
this great creation. The panels will work for decades, save water, and help to improve
the local economy.

Review from Guidestar

JuliaD. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/28/2019

Scalability and Development: The Relationship between Expansion and the Community

By Julia DiFabrizio
HAF Intern, UVA student

What is scalability? At its core, scalability is expansion, and often unlimited expansion without the need to redefine any of the fundamental elements. Such a concept enters the field of development when discussions of projects, organizational capacity, and networks center around expansion. The number of communities that participate in a women’s empowerment program may increase; a non-government organization may see an increase in its funding and then hire more staff to take on more development projects; and an organization may establish a new partnership with another organization that has similar goals in order to share resources and ideas. It is essential to take the time to process how scaling up operations could influence communities and how changing cultural landscapes in turn affect the scaled-up operations.

Project scalability requires community-led evaluation and planning in order to ensure success. Any development-oriented project should consider a community’s political, economic, and cultural landscape for the sake of the project’s success and viability in the future. The technical aspects of a development project cannot always be scalable, so perhaps we should focus on scaling up frameworks, project themes, and goals. As Anna Tsing, an American professor of anthropology, suggests, nonscalability theory defines development projects as being dependent on the historical and current lived realities of a community. Nonscalability in the context of development refers to the fact that there are elements of the cultural landscape—political, social, and economic facets of daily life—which make scaling up development projects essentially unfeasible as they do not take these elements of life into account when carrying them out. Rather than allow scalability to outright deny these realities, scaling up project operations can rely on nonscalability theory, and development practitioners can rely on both theories. Ensuring that adjustments to every scaled development project are made in order to better meet the needs of a community can create a more sustainable, meaningful community development.

Take the High Atlas Foundation’s tree nursery initiative as an example of more successful scalability of development projects. Using organic agriculture as a means to address food insecurity and rural poverty in Morocco, HAF assists communities in establishing tree nurseries through participatory development methods. HAF has aided in building 13 nurseries located in seven provinces in Morocco, yet no two of these sites look exactly alike. Community needs and realities are addressed throughout the planning process, leading to the scaling up of project frameworks rather than all technical elements of the project. In some rural communities, only women run nursery operations. Some nurseries focus on growing cherries, while others grow olive trees, and others grow different types or a variety of cash crops. While the framework remains the same—employing organic agriculture as a means of addressing community needs—each iteration of the project is adapted to the realities of the community, with each community expressing their support for the nursery.

Can all scalability be successful? The short answer is no. Yet, this does not mean it is all unsuccessful. Scaling up networks and basic frameworks of projects rather than all technical details may be solutions to the rigidity of scaling up certain community development projects which made the cultural landscape an afterthought. The scaling up of development projects can be successful, but practitioners must keep the lived realities of communities a priority throughout the process.

Review from Guidestar

1

hajiba Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/23/2019

In the Hospitality of HAF Nurseries
By Hajiba Boumasmar
HAF Intern
I had the pleasure of accompanying Said, HAF Project Manager; Hassan, an assistant; and Tobi, a teacher at United World Colleges, on two nursery visits in the Marrakech region. As someone who has always been passionate about agriculture and the environment, the nursery visits had a positive impact on my choosing the High Atlas Foundation to continue my professional career, after obtaining a master’s degree in biotechnology and sustainable development of agro-resources.

The Imegdal nursery is under the supervision of Hassan, a skilled technician also competent in the manufacture of compost made from hay and manure. Hassan spoke to us about transplanting the tree saplings and watering techniques. This nursery - initially funded by the Global Diversity Foundation and the Darwin Initiative - includes several types of plants such as: argan, carob, cherry, almond, and walnut because of its agricultural, economic, environmental, and health importance. Additionally, the High Atlas Foundation wants to protect the agricultural heritage of Morocco and provide a sustainable environment for the growth and development of these plants. Further, these varieties keep the soil fertile while avoiding the use of chemical fertilizers that cause adverse effects both on the quality and health of groundwater.

The Tadmamt nursery is the result of a partnership between Morocco’s office of High Waters and Forests and the High Atlas Foundation for tree planting; its initial funding came from the United Nations Development Program. This nursery, which mainly cultivates almonds, cherries, and walnuts, is under the supervision of Omar. Daily maintenance of the nursery organized by Omar, as well as the grafting technique utilized here, is the best solution to ensuring high quality fruit and profitability of crops.

These nurseries contribute substantially to the sustainable development of local areas. Specifically, they provide a significant number of carob, argan, and walnut plants throughout the year to the inhabitants of the region including landowners and farmers as well as new and old agricultural cooperatives. Ultimately, the nurseries help local communities, particularly those involved in agricultural activities, while keeping our agro-resources.

Review from Guidestar

Carol M.4 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/19/2019

THE POWER OF IMAGINATION
Carol Ma Yau Ka
HAF intern, CUHK student

On 27th July, I had the opportunity to visit one of HAF’s “Imagine” workshops, organized in the valley of Ourika. The workshops aim at empowering women both financially and personally, providing a space for learning, discussion and inspiration. It was the first time that Rachida, apprentice trainer of the program, had the chance to hold a workshop, under the guidance of HAF staff Ibtissam Niri.

The workshop started with an introduction of the Imagine program, then a brainstorm on the ideas of “empowerment” and “the growing edge”. Participants associated them with concepts like “control”, “expression” and “strength”. Conversations started to heat up as the women went on to share their own learning experiences and difficulties faced in various aspects of life.

Aicha, mother of two children, shared that she once wanted to quit her job at the cooperative because she was pregnant. However, after discussions and affirmations at the workshop, she decided to take the challenge of work and take care of her children at the same time. And, she did it. For her, the cooperative was more like a family. She could take a break from work every few hours to breastfeed her baby at home, or even take her baby with her to work. These are possibilities that she would never have imagined in other places.

Another participant, Fatima, told the story of her first time putting on make-up for a friend’s wedding. She was so scared and embarrassed with the make-up that, she couldn’t help covering her face with her scarf. After a while, with all the music, dancing and conversations, she let down her guard, and forgot completely about the scarf. Unexpectedly, she was told that her face was beautiful. Tears came down her face as she realized that she could be proud of her appearance. “I cried so much that my make-up was ruined!” A wave of laughter filled the room as Fatima told the hilarious story.

The experience visiting the Imagine workshop was very different from what I had expected. It was surprising for me how confident Rashida was, and how eager the participants were to share their stories and thoughts. For these women, the workshop was not only a classroom, but also a social space – a space not easy to find elsewhere. The family-like environment allowed them to feel comfortable sharing any thoughts, weather big or small, weather feasible or not. That is, to IMAGINE. By having their voices heard, and by hearing other women’s voices, they had their imaginations recognized, and were inspired to see new possibilities.

Review from Guidestar

Farihaaisha Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/05/2019

After a windy uphill journey to Aguerzran, a small village nestled within the High Atlas Mountains, we reached the building where we would be conducting workshops. The small rectangular building, painted in sun-faded pink and green, overlooked the lush valley. My colleague explained to the group, over thirty women of varying ages, the purpose of our visit: to conduct both a cooperative building workshop and a women’s health discussion. As we waited for women to fill up the desks of the primary school, I asked the women why they felt health was important to them.

“Without health, we have nothing,” one woman proclaimed. The conversation naturally continued, as every woman reiterated the same sentiment.

Within minutes, the mood within the room shifted. One woman, a matriarch in the village, spoke through tears about challenges her community faces in accessing healthcare. Aware of her heart disease, she was unable to leave the village to take any action towards treatment. With merely one ambulance in the municipality, it is both physically and financially inaccessible. Aguerzran’s nearest health clinic is located in the Imlil Souk L’Aarba, three hours away by foot. Workshop handouts and diagrams originally brought to discuss nutrition, exercise, and hygiene were important, but not adequate

The problem does not lie in the do’s and don'ts of health. The issue lies in addressing economic stability, education systems, the built environment, and community context; all of which are social and structural determinants surrounding health in Aguerzran.

Three months prior to our visit, the women went through an empowerment workshop conducted by the High Atlas Foundation. The workshop aims to cultivate visions women have for themselves within different spheres of personal development including money, spirituality, emotions, and the body. During our visit, facilitators conducted follow up interviews with the women to track their progress in actualizing their goals. The women expressed feeling more confident, advocative, and self-aware. Yet, their perception of taking care of their personal health and wellbeing was defined simply by “working hard.”

Measured by means such as healthy lives, education, and standard of living, Morocco ranks 123rd on the United Nations Human Development Index out of 189 countries. Although this indicator is widely used to gauge the country's progress, it may not capture severe regional disparities and intersectional inequalities. Nearly forty percent of Morocco’s population is rural, and women make up half of the population. With the implementation of Moudawana, the Moroccan family code, and the National Initiative for Human Development, Morocco has made strides towards improving social and economic development. However, empowerment is not the only means to development; and improved health is more than a result of development.

Health, empowerment, and development have a symbiotic relationship. Significant strides in development should be holistic, and include the reduction of health inequalities in order to achieve sustainable change. Morocco faces the double burden of communicable and increasing non-communicable disease. A 2015 study published in BMC Cancer found that rural Moroccan women are at higher risk of late diagnosis for breast cancer, the most common cancer amongst Moroccan women. Illnesses such as tuberculosis are also often detected at late stages in rural communities. According to the World Health Organization, non-communicable diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease make up nearly seventy-five percent of all deaths in Morocco. Coupled with inaccessibility to clinical care and monitoring, rural communities are increasingly susceptible to undetected chronic diseases. This epidemiological shift is indicative of unresolved structural inequalities that exacerbate rates of non-communicable diseases.

Physically and figuratively on the margins, rural women face a two-fold disadvantage. Weaker education systems in rural communities do not address health education, and weaker health systems can prevent women pursuing their education. Additionally, physical distance from health centers is discouraging and compromises safety. Women in Aguerzran expressed that heavy lifting and labor causes intense aches and pains. If left unaddressed, these pains can increase the risk of serious injury, halting their ability to work. Addressing the mutual relationship between these determinants will lead to better long-term health and equity outcomes for rural women and their communities.

When in Aguerzran, Marrakech, or anywhere in between, the crucial role of women in their communities and families is undeniable. The migration of rural men into cities has increased women’s agricultural labor and domestic care responsibilities, occupying a rural woman’s ability to give attention to her own health. As epicenters for their families, evidence suggests that the educational success and overall well-being of children is positively correlated with educational attainment and health of their mothers.

Fostering comprehensive women’s empowerment not only encourages internal progress but also paves the way for better future generations and communities. Empowering rural women through health provides the foundation for improved human capital, capacity building, and better long-term economic outcomes through participation in activities such as cooperatives.

Talking to the women in Aguerzran brought forth the importance of including health in an empowerment context. Since health seems to truly be everything for these women, it should also be an integral part of empowerment and development methodologies. Just as empowerment programs may inform women of their societal rights, the right to health should also be progressively achieved through increased data, awareness, and advocacy. Not prioritizing the wellbeing of the most vulnerable populations will prevent sustainable development from becoming a reality.

Review from Guidestar

abdelaziz Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/22/2019

Participatory approach was a vague concept for me before the activity of High Atlas Foundation and AFCD association.the activity was beyond my expectations. Everyone was relaxed , happy and active .So , we felt confortable to share our thought and views .the articipatory approach was easily illustrated with various examples in the first day . In the day after , we had the community maping in which we applied what we learned the day befor on our community hence we came up with a list of our essential priorities . The last day was for proposing projects we had in mind . During the whole process , we had the chance to discover our essential needs in Ait ourir , but more discovering our selves and enhancing our abilities in different sides . Finally , i want to warmly thank everyone who took a part in this activity , i will keep the honor of working with my entire life .

Hugo D. Volunteer

Rating: 4

07/19/2019

It was a good experience for me. I discovered a foundation that works for prosperity in a quite large sense. Agriculture, water, women's empowerment, educaton,... Always with a participatory approach. Good persons, I could go to the field, I just regret not to speak arabic, that could make me able to speak with local people. I had like to be more involved in reflexions for the different projects, but there was work of execution to do and I did so. Otherwise people were always available for answering my questions and make me discover the diferent activities. Thanks to them !
Here, an article I writed for their blog.


A day in the Atlas
Narrative and impressions of a French man in the Moroccan mountains


Hugo Dubois, volunteer in the High Atlas Foundation


Marrakech, 9am. My first field trip.
We boarded the vans that would lead us to our hosts for the day. We had two hours of travel through the Atlas Mountains ahead of us to reach Tassa Ouirgane; a village perched somewhere in the mountains. We left the city, its constant noise and movement, to discover the quietness of the fields, villages and people that populate the surrounding area. Soon, we are at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, ready to begin our winding ascension.

The road follows a narrow, precious stream that winds through a gorge. On the right, appeared the first village; donkeys, men, land, the rurality is apparent... Going up the river, the landscape opens up a bit, and gives way to a valley, narrow and green, descending from the mountains between the bright red mountain sides. Emerging from this oasis, a few slender white creatures fly over the valley. The contrast is striking and of a singular beauty; here, water is scarce, and one can feel it.

We will stop in a lively village upstream. The cool mountain air is cut with the smoke from the fresh lamb and chicken being cooked. The stillness of life is replaced with the lively bustle of the souk. Men are agitated in front of the stalls, they want to sell us a bracelet, a stone, a meal; offers abound for visitors like us, all with the promise of “For you, I give good price.”

Wandering away from the souk, I found company in the big trees along the road. On my right, I had a nice view into the lush green valley. I advanced slightly, finding myself immersed in the scent of almond trees and the sounds of white birds. I felt for a moment the intensity of this prosperity- the rareness of it- considering its value in these desert mountains.

We continued our journey through several more villages, valleys and landscapes, all equally as breathtaking... The road soon led us to a dirt track, on which we drove following its gentle curves and marveling at nature’s decor. The higher we went, the more rivers became streams; everything was affected…

Finally, we reach a quaint, sleepy village, near an empty old building in mud bricks. It is here, or rather slightly below, that we will stop. Down a narrow path, we walk through olive plantations in terraces on the hillside. Theshade is nice, and one can almost feel the resilience they have shown to thrive here.

A little ahead, we stop for a time to visit the nursery where a great number of olive saplings (their little brothers) are kept in black plastic bags, all ready for planting. We could feel the release of energy of an organized life, the will to raise and create prosperity was palpable.

This was an opportunity for us to meet one of the villagers. Through the translation of his Arabic, he told us about his situation, concerns, and vision. This man seemed torn about his rural roots in his way of expressing himself, his modern features, expressed in his appearance, perfectly trimmed beard and modern clothes, came in sharp juxtaposition to the rural village and setting to which he called home. In the discussion, he stressed the importance of the plantations for him and his community. It was not a question of purely agricultural notions, it was a question of prosperity, future, and quality of life for himself and his family.

We walked down to the heart of the village, stopping at an orchard overlooking the valley. The charm was there, and the trees gave away their fruits with little effort.

We then met a group of women, all dressed traditionally. A deep gap seems to separate them from our western group. Through their words, we could easily discover that their lifestyle, their concerns, their expectations were rather different from ours. However, something still seemed to connect us. Despite their relative isolation, they are rather content and feel comfortable in the place that is theirs. A singular humanity emerged from them.

Later in the afternoon, they invited us to join them in a large room, where we shared a traditional meal of couscous. We sat together on the floor in more or less mixed groups, the room was filled with a good atmosphere rich in discussions and sharing. The food was delicious steeped in the flavor of tradition.

I alternated discussions with colleagues in the room and going outside to escape the noise. Curiously enough, it is outside that I engaged in the most contact with the local people, exchanging with them through brief discussions. A simple and authentic connection was established. For a moment, I stopped and sat down to admire the place and the mountains. There is something slow, static and great; feeling that time is passing beyond us, flowing slowly, surely and peacefully; one should only let go and be carried away by this flow and merge with it.

At a street corner, I met some children, laughed with them, and then passed a mosque where women go for their prayers. Here, there is not much, and the weight of tradition is present.

I finally joined the group, where a final dialogue and a farewell took place. It was a pleasure to share a moment and a slight emotion of benevolence. We left our hosts leaving them to their peace and boarding our vans to go back to town. It was a visit rich in feelings and impressions.

Thanks to the United Nations Development Program, which funded the nursery, the village irrigation system and gabion baskets to prevent erosion of the river; not to mention the empowerment workshops in Tassa Ouirgane.

Review from Guidestar

Anya K.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/19/2019

Obscure and Marvelous Possibility
Anya Karaman
HAF Intern, UVA Student

“EVERYONE IS THE SAME.” Lalla Fadma, the eldest woman in the village, kept repeating this phrase to me in Arabic the whole way up the mountain. Just moments before, I turned my back to the valley—where we spent what felt like an unthinkably stretched amount of time at—to walk back up the mountain trail. Her hand, still clutching mine so tightly, moved from her chest to the space in front of her. To the world around her. “Everyone is the same,” Fadma echoed, pulsing our hands in rhythm with the words. “Everyone is the same,” I kept thinking. Really? After getting into a momentary existential crisis with myself about essential goodness and nature versus nurture, I wondered, How many times do I need to repeat this phrase until the tick that is my incessant need to establish identity politics and uncrossable barriers between marginalized and centralized groups in conversation stops? Not as many as I thought. Something about being down in the valley with all the girls, from the village and from our group, was profoundly unifying. Maybe it was the circumstances. We were all young women—and yes, with Lalla Fadma tugging at my hand by the time we got to the top of the mountain trail I certainly count her as one sprightly, youthful woman. Is it not inevitable that we felt an unspeakable unity amongst ourselves? Is it—not to be dramatic—not the most awe-inspiring thing to see women of all races, ethnicities, education levels, religions, and socio-economic backgrounds just enjoy each other’s company at the bottom of a valley? Truly, the number of young women gathered with the purpose of reconvening in a mountainous valley felt epic and vast. Perhaps there were thirty of us total, but it felt infinite. And as I looked around at the towering mountains, the nursery way off in the distance, and the crystal-clear stream flowing right through my fingers, I knew that this was a land of obscure and marvelous possibility. Only time can tell us how much longer we have left until a feminist revolution occurs. One is imminent, anyways. With all the young women gathered there during those two days, learning about feminine health, cooperative building, business strategy, and internal growth, the phrase, “Everyone is the same,” doesn’t seem like such a hollow farce now.

Review from Guidestar

saritamehta Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/15/2019

This article highlights the potential of women in the Middle Eastern and North Africa region,
specifically Morocco, when given a platform, such as a cooperative, and resources by which they
can carry out economic activity. The article has not been previously published.

Best regards,
Sarita Mehta
Marrakech, Morocco

HIDDEN GEMS: THE MEANING OF COOPERATIVES ON JULY 6TH
How cooperatives may be a key factor in social and economic empowerment in the Middle East
and North Africa

A member of the Cooperative Aboghlo Women’s of Ourika is cheered on as she writes her
name in Arabic for the first time (Photo by Fariha Mujeebuddin).

To many people, this coming July 6 marks the passing of another Saturday. But to over 1 billion
people, July 6 is of tremendous significance as it marks the 25th United Nations International Day
of Cooperatives.
 
Twelve percent of humanity contributes to one of the over three million cooperatives on earth.
Cooperatives not only stimulate local economies but also act as a vehicle for bringing opportunity
and profit to people worldwide, who otherwise would not be actors in the formal sector. This
tangible empowerment is perhaps best embodied by the Cooperative Aboghlo Women of Ourika.
 
Just a short thirty-minute drive outside of Marrakech to T’nine Ourika in the Al Haouz province,
located across the street form a furniture store is a deceivingly unremarkable storefront. Peering
through the glass display case you will find packages of couscous and dried herbs sitting alongside
bowls overflowing with chocolate, pistachio, almond and walnut cookies. All of which is made
from local Moroccan ingredients.
 
But this is not the real gem found inside the Cooperative Aboghlo.
 
The true beauty is hidden away on the second floor of the co-op, where 23 women, sit in circles
and talk back and forth. They are not making casual conversation, instead, they are debating
various aspects of the internal and external marketing for their cooperative. For hours, these
women engage in conversations about how to better spread the word about their product, how to
enforce the timeliness of each respective worker, and how to resolve problems of communication
and organization - issues every business must grapple with.
 

This in itself is remarkable, but it is even more so when one is reminded of the context. The
discrepancy in opportunities and education of women compared to men is widely experienced in
our world. This creates an uneven playing field for women - from the time they are little girls they
are not given the same support as their male counterparts. The distributional consequences are
crippling: the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has the lowest rate of women
employment in the world; seventy-five percent of MENA women are excluded from the
workforce. Most women in the co-op could not read or write Arabic, now they are taking literacy
classes at the co-op and are able to write their names and read street signs.
 
When considering these astonishing circumstances, it is obvious these women, who are
successfully managing their own well-established cooperative, are extraordinary exceptions. But
that should not be the case. It is just and right to commend the women of this cooperative, but
the ladies of the Cooperative Aboghlo are a much-needed reminder not only of what is possible
but of what should be.
 
The cooperative started in October 2016 with ten women from one village. Now, there are thirty-
three women from five different villages actively participating. In addition to selling from various
products from their brick and mortar site, the co-op exports directly to major internationally
recognized cosmetic companies. These women set an example of what is possible when given
education and opportunity.
 
Women’s active participation in the labor force can have a tremendous positive impact on the
developing economies of Morocco and other MENA states. The McKinsey Global Institute found
that supporting women’s economic advancement could add 12 trillion dollars to the global GDP by
2025 and grow MENA’s economy by eighty-five percent. The World Bank estimates that higher
female labor force participation rates could lead to a twenty-five percent average increase in
household incomes.
 
The root of the issues of female participation in the labor force lies in inactivity - not
unemployment. Family opposition and traditional gender roles create rigid barriers for women,
especially in a rural setting, their domain is confined to that of the domestic. However,
globalization and increased pushes for equality have ushered in a new wave of changes.
Moudawana, or Morocco’s family code addressing gender equality and rights by raising the
minimum legal age of marriage and limiting divorce and polygamy terms, among other terms, thus
giving back the innate rights of women that have long been forgone. Morocco decreased barriers
to form cooperatives further encouraging women’s involvement in the economy. This is a huge
step forward for Morocco in addressing the systemic inequalities that are so deeply integrated.
 
This progress, though commendable and remarkable, is just the first step. The path to sustainable
development and equality is one that is not easily trekked. Through their partnership with the
High Atlas Foundation, a Moroccan NGO, the cooperative was given a platform and the skills
training necessary to grow tremendously. The cooperative embodies what is possible with this
support and facilitation of development.
 
The time for these changes is long overdue. The time for these changes is most certainly now. It
starts with the simplest action - it starts with the women of Cooperative Aboghlo Women of
Ourika taking initiative, the children of Morocco attending school, and most importantly, it starts
with the education of the marginalized people.

 
The future should not be a mere continuation of the past. It takes a single lifetime of empowered
women to spurn generations of empowered girls.
 
Sarita Mehta is a student at the University of Virginia studying Politics and Economics,

Review from Guidestar

Camelia Harkousse Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/14/2019

Aboghlo women’s cooperative and their business partnership
Camelia Harkousse
HAF Intern

On Monday July 1st, a group of students who are on a conflict resolution and peace-building class at George Mason University (GMU) and their professor, accompanied by HAF President Dr. Yossef and HAF Director of Project Ms. Amina, visited the Aboghlo women's cooperative in T’nine Ourika. This cooperative could be stated as one of the success stories that HAF is proud of. In fact, after great efforts and continuous work, these women are now in partnership with an international French cosmetic company. This makes them the first women’s cooperative in the whole area to sell its product directly to a trading partner without going through intermediaries. This way the value added coming from growing aromatic plants goes to the producers.
During the presentation made by the cooperative, Dr. Yossef told the women that visitors may think that this place has always been this way: nicely painted and looking like a business place with glass display windows in the front and a sign etc. The project took time and patience to grow and advance until the cooperative now cultivates, dries, and exports plant products to France. Preparing soil by plowing, sowing seeds and taking care of the crops was and still is a male domain in Morocco. However, these women did everything themselves including plowing, seeding, caring, harvesting and post harvesting. They are proud of it and all they want is to see their efforts fairly rewarded.
As one could expect in any partnerships, conflicts may occur between partners. During this visit, women raised the question about the prices if their product. The discussions engaged between the women, Dr. Yossef and Ms. Amina were a good opportunity for the GMU students to witness how they discussed the issue and how they worked towards a solution and a compromise to settle the problem.
It was interesting to observe the approach and technique used by Dr. Yossef as a facilitator, including asking personal questions, building trust, initiating conversations between GMU students and the women. Within the process, it was such a nice coincidence to find out that the students’ supervisor and Rachida-the president of the cooperative-both have eleven years old daughters.
It was a good sign of group wisdom to hear one of the women members of the cooperative say: "In these situations it is normal to have these kinds of exchanges between us but always at the end we come together and settle on a compromise that serves the collective interest".
In the end, we all shared a meal prepared by the women of the cooperative and shared laughter and smiles as one of the GMU students stated: “We don’t share the same language and it can be difficult to communicate, but a smile is worth a thousand words and it speaks more than words can ever do”. One thing that we could agree on is how delicious the meal was;I couldn’t resist not buying their cookies before leaving.

Review from Guidestar

Albren Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/12/2019

A Visit to Tassa Ouirgane

Alissa Brenn
HAF Intern, graduate student

On a sunny Friday morning, the High Atlas Foundation took us on a field trip to the village of Tassa Ouirgane in the Al-Haouz province. Our small but very international group consisted of students from the George Mason University in Virginia, student volunteers from all over the world, and staff members of the HAF.

Our first stop was about one kilometer before the village of Tassa Ouirgane. We were led down a small path and found ourselves in the middle of the tree nursery of the village. 40’000 olive tree saplings, funded by the United Nations Development program, are grown here right at the border of the Toubkal National Park. HAF has assisted the village community both in implementing various community projects, including in irrigation, erosion prevention, and with a women’s cooperative. With partners, the village has managed to build a well, has developed a system to avoid the erosion by the river of their farming terraces, and in advocacy by and for the village towards Moroccan and international agencies.

After the visit to the tree nursery on the terraced fields, we continued our way into the village. Our group was warmly welcomed by the members of the local women’s cooperative who hosted us in the village’s school building. The Tassa Ouirgane cooperative is open to all unmarried female members of the village community and currently counts 14 members who meet on a weekly basis. The cooperative generates income by collecting, drying and selling wild medicinal herbs such as thyme. In addition, the women produce pastries and collect Ghassoul (natural mineral clay found in the High Atlas used for cosmetic purposes) for sale. After we got the chance to taste the homemade pastries, HAF director of projects Amina El Hajjami then held a workshop with the cooperative members in which they discussed the current agenda of the cooperative, such as electing their officers and having all members apply for identify cards so that they can be included in the official registration. All cooperative members participated in what appeared to be a lively discussion.

It was time for lunch. As it was a Friday, our hosts had prepared couscous that was greatly appreciated by the guests. The group was curious about the content of the workshop. What challenges do they face? What have they learned? What are their plans for the future? HAF president Yossef Ben-Meir acted as a translator from English to Darija and vice versa to initiate a conversation. It appears that the main challenge the cooperative is facing at the moment is internal communication. There is a need to find a system that updates the whole cooperative about the activities of the individual members and defines responsibilities. In this way, the coordination of work can be enhanced, and duplication avoided. They discussed as well that the working time of members should be recorded to have an overview of the effort that goes into the cooperative. In the future, the cooperative hopes to upscale its activities regarding the sale of wild herbs. The aim is to also offer herbs in the form of essential oils, for which a much higher quantity of herbs is required. However, the cooperative needs to develop a partnership agreement with the national park authorities to allow the increased collection of wild herbs. This is where HAF can also be helpful, through assisting their communication with this and other public agencies.
One further point in the discussion was to schedule an election for the presidency and other positions of the cooperative. An election or vote is only held when all 14 members are present, which to me pictures a very democratic understanding of the cooperative, in which all members have an equal say.

The Tassa Ouirgane women’s cooperative to me marks an impressive example, of what becomes possible when young people bundle their capacities and work together. It seemed to me that the cooperative is proud of its activities and has found a way to contribute to their community in a way that empowers the individual members.

Review from Guidestar

BrooklynWoo Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/03/2019

Revitalizing the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development
Morocco is on its way to being the hub of solar energy in Africa.

Brooklyn Wenbo Wu
HAF Intern

Promoting the use of solar energy is an effective way which not only provides more access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all, but is also a feasible method to address climate change. However, immature photovoltaic technology, low conversion rate in practice and high installation and maintenance cost frequently block the technology from being widely used, especially in Africa. Surprisingly, supported by the Ministry of Energy, Mining, Water and Environment of Morocco, the Institut de Recherche en Energie Solaire et Energies Nouvelles (IRESEN), in Ben Guerir, Morocco, has made good progress in innovation and social application of the solar energy use. Through promoting global partnership and increasing multi-stakeholder engagement, IRESEN has made a solid step towards the hub of solar energy use in Africa.

Aiming at build the bridge between scientific, technological and research communities in solar energy use, IRESEN attaches great importance in the engagement of national universities and institutions. Relying on the platforms of numerous universities and institutions in Morocco, IRESEN is able to build research and test platforms nationwide, as well as collect relevant research from different institutions and academies. For instance, constructing next to the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, the Green Energy Park is responsible for massive of IRESEN’s photovoltaic technology and solar panel development programs. Every year, the Green Energy Park receives more than 100 of interns from universities and institutions all over the world, and jointly promote cooperative research projects with universities and research teams in Morocco. Today, using the facilities of different universities, including the University of Hassan II in Casablanca, Mohammed V University in Rabat, and the Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, solar data of major cities and regions across the country are gathered and analyzed in the Green Energy Park, to help with the development of solar panels. The involvement of universities and academies significantly break the boundary between academic and technological communities, thus offered global talent and a broader experimental platform to the solar energy research.

In order to support its research and promote the practice of solar energy in industrial productions, IRESEN established global partnership to gather global resources and try to contribute universal solutions to global issues. Working closely with the EU, IRESEN receives both financial and political support for their projects and proposals. Despite this, IRESEN also established partnership with other governmental sectors. For instance, Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) contributed a technologically advanced experiment chamber to the Green Energy Park. A joint call for energy technological cooperation was also initialed by IRESEN from Morocco and Center for Development of Industrial Technology (CDIT) from Spain in 2018. In 2013, IRESEN worked with Bureau of Architecture and Energy of Germany and initialed a project aiming at Promote the innovative use of solar energy in electrical appliances. Global partnership significantly strengthens IRESEN’s ability both in academic research and practical application. In fact, IRESEN’s solar energy project is also a hub and a typical example of North-South cooperation, where not only European, but developed countries globally engaged in the sustainable development process of Africa.

Serving as the hub of solar energy use in Africa, even for the world is the long-term vision of IRESEN. Although IRESEN has made significant achievements in solar power using in Morocco, there still much work to do to actually generate a driving effect and lead the clean energy business of Africa. To address this issue, IRESEN is now working with 15 African countries including Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Niger, Ethiopia, Guinea, and Chad. Not only to encourage and promote both governmental and private sectors’ engagement in solar energy use, but importantly, to test the solar energy products under different climate and environment conditions, thus to improve the solar panels and help to better integrate photovoltaic technology with local industry development. This vision also co-responded to the United Nations call of ‘Sustainable Energy for All’, and could effectively address the Sustainable Development Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Therefore, it could be predicted that the solar energy development of IRESEN will provide a strong impetus for sustainable development in Africa, and could truly become the hub of solar energy use in Africa.

Generally speaking, engaging global and regional partnership truly put the solar energy project onto a new stage. In the deepening trend of globalization, the human race is facing numerous of global issues, among which climate change and resource exhaustion are the main problems of human destiny. Therefore, this age needs the revitalization of global partnership and the sense of shared responsibility of mankind more than any other ages do. Not to mention that by engaging global partnership and involving multi-stakeholders, projects aiming at addressing global issues could be better supported with finance, academic resources and political attention. With international and regional cooperation in multiple levels and fields, the solar energy project of IRESEN can benefit local development to a great extent. People should not be surprised when Morocco truly becomes the hub of solar energy use in Africa one day in the future.

Review from Guidestar

1

Caroline K.1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/17/2019

I began to understand the reality of fetching water
By Caroline Kirk
HAF Intern, UVA student

Stepping onto the campus of the American School in Marrakech was like being transported to a completely different world than what we had thus experienced as High Atlas Foundation interns the past three weeks. After visiting women’s cooperatives, speaking to young women who stop their education at primary school, and witnessing adult women write their name for the first time, the monetary donation received felt like so much more.

Receiving a check from these elementary students, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, the President of the High Atlas Foundation, said, “Because of you, there will no longer be parents who have to decide whether to send their daughters to school or to fetch water.” Because of a school walk-a-thon, a major barrier to development and education will be systematically overcome in some capacity. Hearing this, I was filled with a weight, knowing that Ben-Meir’s words speak to a developmental reality and dynamic partnership at work.

The High Atlas Foundation and the American Schools of Marrakech have important common objectives of expanding the environmental education, spreading the green fields in rural schools, providing clean drinking water for schools, and developing rural school infrastructure. These nobel goals and alignment of values were evident in the conversation led by the Head of School Jean Brugniau in the ceremony at the end of the year celebration. He spoke directly to his students and parents, encouraging community participation and engagement. The picture perfect setting and positive commitment to excellence stood out to me as unique to this country and the Moroccan priorities that we have come to understand as interns and students.
What felt like a Hollywood movie school set with smiling parents, dancing young children, and a field of happy and sweaty soccer players, quickly became the backdrop to real, tangible change. I cannot even remember what my own elementary school walk-a-thon raised money for. This schools donation is a true testament of hard work, community support, and the participatory approach beginning from integral fundraising and passion.

Review from Guidestar

Caleb T. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/05/2019

The door is always open at the High Atlas Foundation. Often, it is literally open in an attempt to generate some airflow in the office. It is also open in the sense that people are constantly going in and out. My friend Shermeen says it’s like a talk show and you never know which guest will next walk through the door. During my week’s time at HAF, I’ve met staff members and volunteers from Morocco, France, Germany, and more. I’ve met journalists from Germany and anthropologists from Spain. I’ve also met Moroccan farmers who tend to tree nurseries high in the Atlas Mountains.

Today, I had the pleasure of meeting 14 high school students from Richmond, Virginia, travelling to Morocco as a part of Envoys travel programs. Their exploration so far has consisted of stops in Rabat, Fes, traditional Berber villages, and now Marrakech. When Dr. Ben-Meir asked what they felt was the purpose of their trip, students had answers such as increasing cultural awareness and sharing awareness upon their return. They also spoke about personal goals like challenging their own comfort zones. The goal of their visit with HAF was to have discussion about integrating education and development.

Spurred on by thoughtful questions, Dr. Ben-Meir explained what development means to a foundation like HIgh Atlas in a country like Morocco. A connection was made between the “experiential learning” the group has had in Morocco and the “participatory development” of HAF. The purpose of participatory development was defined as “helping people solve their own problems.”

This is what has stood out to me the most about the mission of HAF: empowering people to make their own decisions and truly see themselves in the outcomes. Much like how the office door is always open, the High Atlas Foundation has opened many doors for development across Morocco.

Peter W.3 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/29/2019

Essaouira may stand as a great example to the world for how religious diversity should prevail: Jewish, Muslim, and Christian communities have historically co-existed in Essaouira peacefully. While other regions of the world are endlessly fighting over religious matters, it is both interesting and delightful to observe how the Essaouira people get along with each other so well.

I am Peter Wu, a Chinese student currently studying at Western University in Ontario, Canada. During my third week in Morocco, I was brought on a journey with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) to the city of Essaouira.

So, what was my expectation before the trip? Frankly speaking, my knowledge of the area was so limited that I had no sense of what to expect in Essaouira. Nonetheless, it turned out to be a very insightful experience; even with no expectations to fulfill, there was still a sense of fulfillment in the journey.

Morocco is an Islamic state—a fact that was rooted in my mind. Therefore, it was a surprise to me in Essaouira that the land is not only home to Muslims but also Jews and Christians, whom equally enjoy everyday life and have the right to practice their own religions. A Christian church was the first place we visited; then we went to a mosque, where we sat on carpets and listened to a choir of local Moroccan kids sing. Lastly, we visited a Jewish museum where Jewish ancestors’ histories were commemorated. “Rich history rich culture,” I thought.

What could I relate to from this journey?

I grew up in Guangzhou, China, a megacity located in the country’s southern region. People there are kind and welcoming, and many hold a sense of pride to their hometown. Guangzhou is home to a unique language spoken only by locals, and which is relatively distinct from Mandarin (China’s official language): Cantonese. You get used to people not speaking Cantonese on the street. Locals of Guangzhou are proud of their culture, but that is not the only thing that makes the city special. Guangzhou is fast-growing—the population continues to increase. As a result, car traffic is congested, leading government leaders to constantly look for new solutions to alleviate it. However, attempts to avoid the traffic by taking public transportation has resulted in crowds at the train station to pour in and out like water flow when a train comes by. Also, on the streets, large crowds quickly walk by Canton Tower every night, resembling ant colonies. Insofar, sometimes you might wonder if Guangzhou has changed from the culture and the distinct linguistic feature it once represented.

Nevertheless, I am glad that the city in which I grew up has a value of tolerance for all, just like Essaouira. There was never hatred for newcomers or outsiders from Guangzhou; the city welcomed all people with open arms. Guangzhou is not fearful of others who try to settle and be a part of the city—the culture continues to absorb and to renew itself from “the new.” People have mutual respect for each other and try to understand the differences between them without judgment. Perhaps this is why the city is always marching forward: it gains strength from new people, and when those people become a part of the city, Guangzhou is strengthened as a whole. Of course, there are problems and disputes at times, but the city’s attitude is always positive.

Guangzhou is great, but there was something else I was lacking the knowledge of when I grew up. Guangzhou believes in diversity, however, you rarely witness diversity of religion there. As you can guess, this is the aspect I liked about Essaouira: a perfect example of what I had previously been unexposed to, where the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim people are living harmonically in the same city.

There are 77,966 people living in Essaouira—a small population—making it unusual to see such a religious mixture. While it is a small region, I feel a much greater sense of inclusion. I suppose people in Essaouira are living happily. Vivid proof, to me, includes the people I observed walking the streets before Iftar and the peddling vendors by the roadside. One question I have to ask is: did the peaceful and happy lives of people in Essaouira bridge the gap between religions, or did the religious harmony provide the foundation of pleasant life? In other words, which of the two came first in Essaouira’s history, and which of them is more of a determinant?

This may be a tough question to answer, but regardless of what you think, the reality is that communities in Essaouira enjoy cohesion and peace. Therefore, the question I posed becomes less significant. The message many other parts of the world could take from Essaouira is: let the people have a good quality of life and embrace the diversities in their religions. After all, we are all the same in that there is no real difference among us in the existence of humanity.

Clarisse E. Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/16/2019

Be environmentally friendly !

Clarisse ESPIL
HAF Volunteer

On Tuesday, April 9, 2019, the HAF went to Tassa Ouirgane, a rural commune located in the Atlas Mountains 90 kilometers away from Marrakech to carry out an activity under the theme of the environment. The purpose of this visit in partnership with the United Nations Development Program was first to raise awareness of ecology among a young public, then to support them in collecting waste and finally to create a compost that they can then maintain in the municipality. This day was supervised and animated by Amina El Hajjami (Project Director) who was accompanied by Ilyas Dkhissi (social network manager, photographer and film director), Fatima-Zahra Lahrire, Rachidelouah Soussi, and myself currently in internship with the foundation.


First of all, we were given a wonderful welcome by the women of the village who had prepared a breakfast for us. In the morning, Amina first focused on raising children's ecological awareness. She defined the concept of environment, asked the children about their knowledge on this subject and what it meant to them. They were then able to work together to find out what the causes were, what solutions could be found to these problems and also to consider how they could protect the environment, whether with small actions or more important ones. At the end of the presentation, the children were able to evaluate what they had learned and sign an attendance sheet, which was for them a synonym for making a commitment to the environmental workshops.


The first concrete action took place in the afternoon. Some children went looking for the best places to collect waste while we were preparing the material for the collection. All the children and ourselves then equipped themselves with gloves and garbage bags to collect as much waste as possible. The children were then able to see the large amount of plastic in the nature and all the garbage bags were filled at an incredible speed, as the children were bursting with energy and saw this action as a real challenge.

When all the garbage bags were full, Amina started a composting activity. She explained to the children the difference between all types of waste and asked them to collect weeds, bark and soil to start composting. The children were asked to guess whether this waste was composed of nitrogen or CO2. Overall, the children were very involved from beginning to end in all activities, both in terms of awareness and concrete actions.

This visit to Tassa Ouirgane was not the first since the HAF had already visited this commune before with agriculture as a theme. The aim now being in the future to create a women's cooperative in this commune in order to empower them in this theme and to create a responsible agriculture. It was a very rewarding day on a human level, and seeing how grateful children and young women were for the foundation's activities was a goal in itself.


Review from Guidestar

HouriaHAF Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/07/2019

True to the Roots

By Houria CHOUHAB
HAF Volunteer

One of the good feelings is walking into a place for the first time and having flashbacks to childhood memories, and this is exactly what happened during my visit to the MOGADOR Cooperative.

The Cooperative is in the center of Ounagha, 25 km from Essaouira, and it is surrounded by Argan trees which give the Cooperative a special charm. When you first step into in the building, you see different products on the roof: Argan oil with its main forms, pure honey, and Amlou. Each roof tells stories of multiple steps, manually most of the time, to obtain an organic edible or cosmetic product.

The women who work inside of the Cooperative respect certain steps in order to produce Argan oils. The first step lies in harvesting the Argan nuts and this step itself can be done through two ways: the first and common way is to collect the Argan nuts that fall from the trees, and the second method is to collect the nuts which goats spit out after eating the fleshy layer of the fruit. This step is done either in July or early August.

Once Argan is harvested, they get dried in open air and then get crushed between two stones in order to reach the outer of the Argan nut with its hard brown skin. This gets manually cracked as well between two hard stones to get to the kernels where the amazing oil sits. Then, there is the step of separating the kernels from the cracked layers so as to start the extraction process. It is necessary to note that there are different extraction methods according to the type of oil wanted. Extracting the edible Argan oil demands roasting the kernels while the cosmetic does not.

All these processes came to my mind as I was promenading through the Cooperative and projected the old memories onto the actual space. If you stop by the roof, chit chat will grab your attention and invite you to check its source, to find yourself in a hall with about ten women intensively working and engaging in talks at the same time. A traditional mill attracted me and I wanted to bring those memories back to the present life, so I decided to enjoy grinding the kernels in the mill. The smell of the roasted kernels reinforces this charm and reminds that we are taking a clean air in place of the pollution of the city.

Processes of grinding and extracting Argan oil

In order to keep the continuity of these magical moments, the High Atlas Foundation partnering with FRÉ Skincare offered 100 Argan plants to this Cooperative, which was glad to receive them. Women left their hall and joined us in front of the cooperative to plant an Argan tree.


Before departing from this joy, my eyes spotted two beautiful twin girls playing around the roof peacefully. Watching these two identical girls made me reflect on my two identities as both Swiri [from the Essaouira region] and a Marrakchi girl. Thank you HAF for giving me the opportunity to revisit my roots.

Review from Guidestar

1

Jamal S. Volunteer

Rating: 5

04/04/2019

I was an intern at the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in 2015, and as time goes by, my time there becomes more and more valuabe. As an intern at HAF I sent funding applications to donors, using Results Based Management (RBM) as my method. Today I am working at the Swedish International Deveopment Agency (Sida) and I am assessing applications for funding, and evaluating wheeter the applications do have a co-herent RMB approach or not. When working with assessing applications for funding, having myself been a fundraiser, my time at HAF becomes a very meaningful and helpful experience.

Jamal Sebnat.
Intern at HAF: 2015.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/03/2018

I was an intern for this non-profit during 2015. Having an academical degree in Development Studies, this was the perfect real life working experience for me. I was a fundraiser, and managed to gain significant funds from Moroccan and Swedish donors. I visited several of the projects that the funds went to, and these included tree planting, water and sanitation at primary schools, employment opportunities for youth and access to clean water in rural areas.
This N.G.O is truly dedicated to the development of Morocco, in multiple areas.
I would highly recommend any volunteers, job seekers, interns and donors to support this organization.

Jamal Sebnat

jrm1 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

03/30/2019

This foundation dedicated to sustainable agriculture in Morocco has an excellent record of building on its achievements and is experiencing a remarkable period of growth and recognition nationally (in Morocco) and internationally. It has grown a talented team of volunteers, project managers and administrators that keep it dynamic and on the move on various fronts.

Review from Guidestar

Houria Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/21/2019

Happiness inside the High Atlas Foundation
(Happy International Day of Happiness)

By Houria Chouhab
HAF Volunteer

Hey! My name is Houria and I am a masters degree student at the Faculty of Arts and Human Sciences in Marrakech. At the end of the third semester (the end of January), I had to apply for an internship that will be the base of my graduate research. I quickly found myself holding an administrative position in a company, but after one week, I decided to look for another internship because I simply was not happy there! When I joined the High Atlas Foundation, I easily integrated with the team as well as the activities that demand to share parts of your days with others.

I read once that the beauty of life does not depend on how happy you are but how happy others can be because of you, and HAF lives by this concept while sustaining prosperity around the country. Among the activities that I run within the foundation are distributing and planting trees in rural primary schools. It is a special feeling when you visit a school and meet the students, talk to them about the environment, encourage them to take care of little things and then plant trees with them. This exact act of spending time with them and bringing new notions to their world makes their day, and this is truly something to live for. At the end of the day, you get a sense of accomplishment and purpose to know you have made a change in someone else’s life.


Another act of making others happy is meeting and fulfilling the young people’s needs and priorities. HAF has always aimed to address water access challenges for rural schools and communities in Morocco. Since its start, HAF and its partners have built 24 clean drinking water systems in Morocco’s remote villages, benefiting approximately 5,500 people. These include digging wells, building water towers, and installing solar pumps and gravity flow systems, which deliver safe drinking water to communities.



Sustainability is also about sharing moments with others, and HAF’s happiness lies in making its staff, volunteers, and interns experience this joy by giving them a chance to do so. Give yourself that chance and be happy!

Review from Guidestar

ArianeD General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

03/12/2019

As part of our interns trip of the GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit mbH) to Morocco we have chosen HAF as one of our project visits. Their idea to apply the participatory method in all its projects has caught out attention. After we contacted Errachid to ask if a project visit was possible, we were warmly welcomed by the HAF team in November 2018.
At the beginning the founder of the NGO, Dr. Ben-Meir Yossef, gave us a first overview about the mission and vision of HAF, their partnerships and their current projects. Afterwards we got the unique opportunity to visit and get to know two projects on site. First we went to the House of Life in Akrich, Al Haouz - an inter-religious partnership that combines a Jewish burial site with a tree nursery for neighboring Muslim communities. Second, we visited a women's cooperative with an integrated kindergarten where women weave carpets. All in all, HAF and its team gave us an extraordinary opportunity to experience their successful project work in the communities.
HAF is a NGO truly dedicated to promoting prosperity and supporting the sustainable development of Moroccan communities - successfully in many areas from multiculturalism to youth and women's empowerment. We highly recommend a visit or an engagement with HAF.

Review from Guidestar

youssefmoussaoui1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/05/2019

Continuing the Five-Day Tree Planting Campaign in Meknes
Youssef Moussaoui
HAF Volunteer
New adventure. New excitement. After an amazing day in Skoura M’daz, part of the HAF team continues the five-day tree planting campaign. We met farmers from Azrou, in the Amghas commune. Abdelilah accompanied us; he is the caretaker of the HAF Ifrane nursery which is located at the Salaam School. We spent the afternoon distributing the trees to the farmers. In total, we distributed 275 fruit trees, 225 almond, 10 fig, 20 pomegranate, and 20 quince trees.


One of the farms where we planted in the Amghas commune
We finished our afternoon of planting and conversing with the farmers of the region. They thanked us for all our effort and expressed hope that we will continue HAF activities together.
On the next day, we travelled to Meknes. In a program from the Leadership Development Institute at Akhawayn university in Ifrane, the Cemetery Workers Association from Meknes was rewarded almost 2000 trees last year for being the best association in the Fes-Meknes region. They decided to distribute those trees to several institutions in the region.
With the lead of Si Hicham (the association’s president), our first step was to visit the Ibn Zaydon Elementary School where we planted about 125 almond trees. According to the director, most of the students are orphans. He also explained the proper way of teaching future generations and guide them towards a better future. He passionately believes that to prepare our students for the future, we must prepare them for change by teaching them to inquiry and think, and to adapt with new circumstance as well as explains how the school system works, and which activities children do in the school.


All the children participated in the planting, they watered the trees they planted and promised to watch over them.
We moved on to another school nearby (the Ibn Outman High School). We spoke with the director and Said, HAF Project Manager, explained everything about the High Atlas Foundation. The director was very happy and welcoming and in return, he explained everything about the school and how grateful he is that the school is going to be more beautiful with the trees which are going to be planted there. On this day, the students planted 40 almond and 10 pomegranate trees.

The director and Said initiating the planting activities in the school.

In the next two days, Si Moha, from the Moroccan High Comission of Waters and Forests and combating Desertification joined us. We went from one school to another, to a health care center, a cemetery, and to the Office of Professional Formation and Promotion (OFPPT). We planted 318 fruit trees in total (259 almond, 30 fig, 10 carob, 9 pomegranates, and 10 quince trees). Si Moha explained to all the children and the participants how to preserve the environment and the trees which give us so much in return. Moreover, by planting a tree, we are all contributing to the word’s balanced environmental system.

Si Moha explains and helps the children planting a tree in a proper way
We can be a problem of the environment, by polluting and not careing for it. However, we are also it’s solution. By planting trees, we are preserving the environment which takes care of us, thus healthy environments create healthy societies. As a popular saying says “They planted and we ate, we plant and they will eat.” We are planting trees for the next generation so they can benefit from them as we did from the past ones.
Thank you to Si Hicham from the Cemetery Workers Association for the most welcoming hospitality. I hope we can meet again someday! Importantly, a big thank you to the High Atlas Foundation and to ECOSIA (a green search engine and the investor in HAF nurseries) for the amazing opportunity for helping to make the environment a better place and meeting great people on this journey.

Review from Guidestar

fatimazahra2019 Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/04/2019

Here’s what makes a day in the region of Tassa Ouirgan exceptional!
By Fatima Zahra LAHRIRE
HAF Volunteer
Early morning on Tuesday, February 19th, we went to Tassa Ouirgan passing by the magnificent view of snowy mountain peaks, wildflowers, and small hills. At a distance of approximately 70 kilometers from the ochre city, Marrakech, the Tassa Ouirgane village stands in its beautiful Azzaden valley.
The day started with a meeting next to where the HAF-community olive tree nursery resides. The meeting was facilitated by Amina El Hajjami, HAF’s Director of Projects, with the farmers from the region. It started with a brainstorming of the achievements, challenges, and recommended solutions. The farmers planted almond and walnut trees and they planned to plant more olive trees. Thus, the challenge is finding high-quality cuttings. They suggested to bring the cuttings from the surrounding farms and they thought that they may plant lemon trees as well.
We met village members, the UNDP’s National Coordinator Badia Sahmi, the UNDP’s Legal Counsel Najwa Alyassari, and Zahra Alyoubi the UNDP’s Assistant, in addition to Soufian Msou, a member of the Moroccan Association for Environment Protection and Human Development.
The meeting was followed by a traditional lunch meal prepared by a local family. We were warmly welcomed by the family members and served tea and nuts as soon as we took a seat. After lunch, mineral water from the well in Tassa Ouirgane was served. The members of the committee had another meeting in a nearby village and so they bade us farewell.
At the same time, a group of girls and young women were waiting for us at the office of the local association of Tassa Ouirgane. It is like a classroom with desks and a blackboard. The light of a sunny day, that the various windows of the classroom allowed, was reflected on their enthusiastic faces. The workshop was facilitated by Amina who succeeded in brainstorming ideas and pushing the girls and young women to speak up and voice their opinions.

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1

Rachid E. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 4

02/26/2019

Morocco of the 21st Century



Elouahsoussi Rachid
Intern in HAF

The 21st century is a unique that celebrates novelty, creativity, collaboration as well as other modern values in all spheres of life. The aforementioned qualities are a competitive advantage for countries to stand out among others socially, economically and in terms of education. In fact, they are not only ingredients of success in the modern world but of survival of the world’s serious issues such as: climate change, global warming, extremism, unemployment and school dropout. Morocco as a developing country in North Africa is concerned by these issues as well as others. This demands that the kingdom allocates human, media and financial resources to tackle them and to stand out as a model for other countries in terms of sustainable human development in the 21st century. High Atlas Foundation is among the leading non-governmental organisations in contributing to creating sustainable human development in Morocco by adopting a participatory approach.

High Atlas Foundation works in different domains such as environment, education, youth and women’s empowerment among others to bridge the existing gaps and build a sustainable future for Morocco. I have had the chance to be part of this life changing journey with the foundation during the first days of my MA internship. Being involved in human developmental projects with both the High Atlas Foundation and Cadi Ayyad University will certainly have positive impacts on the Moroccan and global community in the short and the long term. Cadi Ayyad University also has always been among the leading institutions in the African continent to support human sustainable developmental projects and programs. The university does this by giving trainings, opening new educational programs (ex. The Master Program of “Economie Sociale et Solidaire”...). So, being part of this human developmental project leaded by two honourable organisations is an experience to be remembered.

The journey of the internship with the HAF involves many places and a dedicated staff. The cooperative of Aboughlo in Ourika is the first place we visited. It is a cooperative run by local women in Ourika specializing in producing and making agricultural products. Women in the cooperative are motivated and determined to succeed so as to help their families and be a role model to the rest of the community. The HAF works to empower women in the cooperative by doing trainings and workshops for example about problem solving and product marketing. Passing by Sti Fadma all the way to Asni is the second destination for collecting and distributing different types of plants and trees. These trees and plants are to be planted in different parts of Alhouz region and in different schools. By doing so, HAF contributes to preserve the environment and ecology. These projects go alongside the vision of the kingdom as in its official frameworks such as The National Initiative for Human development (2005), The Municipal Charter (2010) and The Decentralization Roadmap (2008) about development and human development specifically. In fact, these developmental projects that HAF works on make Morocco up to the demands of the 21st century.

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Mark A.5 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

02/24/2019

First, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Yossef and the staff, volunteers and interns for the opportunity to join HAF’s work on bettering the lives of rural people in the Kingdom of Morocco. I valued every minute of my time assisting the organization with sustainability assessments, training, proposal development and grant-writing. Having lived in Morocco 30 years ago, it was heartening to see some changes with regard to a new consciousness about sustainability and resiliency, an acceptance of and adaptation to climate change and women’s rights. I know how much HAF has been an integral part of those changes in the last few decades, witnessing your work firsthand.

Following is a summary of my work over the spring of 2016 as well as some personal observations and recommendations.
IDRAREN - HA3 (High Atlas Agriculture and Artisinal), Asni
Organic Almond and Walnut Oil Processing Factory Cooperative

Here, I interviewed a group of 6 women workers and one male director of the factory (April 19). This was my first opportunity to ask questions around the perceived impacts and benefits of working at the factory, where the goal is to develop and market a value-added product for sale in the US, i.e. organic walnut and almond oil. The oils and process have been certified organic through ECOCERT. HAF provided the trees to local farmers to produce the raw product as well as training of the women using the Participatory Approach. It should be noted that the Participatory Approach and local decision making led to the idea of this particular enterprise in Asni.

The interviews with the women led to some interesting insights about perceived benefits and impacts. The interview process was very informal and encouraged the women to speak openly about the project. Responses were noted based on the relative category of sustainability indicators - environmental, economic and social impacts. This categorization of impacts allowed me to see where the greatest impacts were occurring. For example, the economic benefits of being employed at the factory were noted by the women as having an impact on their ability to afford books and materials to send their children to school and how the money earned by the cooperative was being used to help improve local infrastructure. Social benefits that were noted described how the women now had an opportunity to come together, not just for work but socially, and to participate in local politics. From an environmental standpoint, participants were keenly aware of the fewer agricultural inputs required to raise almonds and walnuts as compared to apples. This raised the possibility of pursuing organic certification for apples. The interview also provided the chance for HAF staff to hear about issues affecting the project, such as the need for refresher training from HAF and the competition with apples in the region. Please refer to the link above to view all the notes.

Men’s Association for Environment and Rural Development, Tassa Ouirgane
Tassa Ouirgane is located in the Azzaden Valley and is adjacent to Toubkal National Park. The Association overseas community water distribution and olive oil production. HAF has provided trees, a breeding bull, and training for men and women in the Participatory Approach to identify critical community needs and to start a girl’s cooperative (now defunct). Income earned by the Association’s activities (like sales of olive oil) stays local for schools, food, roads, improvements to the local mosque. In 2012 HAF held extensive workshops with men and women’s groups to identify their top priorities for the community. The women’s top priority was literacy for young girls, which has since been achieved by a grant from the men’s association, to pay a teacher. The men’s top priority was to address soil erosion and the restoration of farm fields in the river bottom that were lost to flooding in 1995 and subsequent floods due to climate change. HAF has applied for several grants to outside organizations to help with this issue, with no success in obtaining funding.
My visit to this site (April 19-21) provided an opportunity for the men’s association to reiterate and reconfirm in a group setting (13 participants) their number one priority of reestablishing farm fields and controlling erosion in the river bottom.

As a former Peace Corps Volunteer in this site, I am familiar with the issues related to the Toubkal National Park and the environmental degradation that has contributed to more extreme flood events and soil loss. I used this opportunity to work with the community over several days to identify specific ag fields for restoration and the potential strategic location of gabions to redirect flood flows and to map these areas.


Commune d’Ouirika Nursery (Haj Abdelkabir) and the Women’s Cooperative d’Aboghlo

This women’s cooperative, 60 members strong, splits their time between working in a tree and plant nursery and working at home making couscous (semolina) from organic wheat and barley, while also growing medicinal plants for sale. I was able to interview members of the co-op in two separate locations – one group working at the nursery, and the other half of the co-op at a meeting hall in the nearby town of Tnine Ourika. All in all, 43 women participated in the two group interviews (April 26).

At the nursery, a piece of land was generously given to the women’s co-op by Haj Abdelkabir to grow almond trees, pomegranetes, zatar, calendula, verbena and irises. This project was facilitated by HAF through the participatory approach, and chosen by these women as their own endeavor. HAF has provided additional training in things like organic production. The women work here once a week tending to the plants and trees, weeding, watering, etc.

While the women have an agreement with the French company, L’Oreal, to grow organic verbeena, zatar, calendula and irises as part of their sustainability initiative, no income has been realized yet since the production is still in the early stages of cultivation. Nonetheless, the women are willing work without wages to wait the 6 years they project it will take to have enough product for sale. In my assessment/interview with this group at the nursery, it was evident that the women have a strong understanding of the environmental impacts of their work, such as going pesticide free, pulling weeds by hand (and using them as fodder for livestock) and using compost as fertilizer.

Their responses were also strong in the social impacts of their work as a co-op. They noted how the experience has taught them a great deal about organic cultivation, being outdoors, and being a unified voice for their community. Until this co-op was formed, these women were very isolated in their homes and had little social interaction with each other. They now feel like a ‘family’ and support each other.

My assessment/interview with the other members of the women’s co-op was held in a separate location. The co-op started with a few women and the idea of needing to pass along traditional couscous making (forming semolina from wheat and barley grains) and the cultivation of medicinal plants to the younger women as they were losing this skill. It was then decided that they would form a co-op to provide a vehicle for earning income from the sale of these products. Again, HAF facilitated this through the participatory approach whereby the decision to pursue a co-op and teach couscous making was their decision. The assessment/interview revealed that their economic prospects from this endeavor are marginal unless they can step up production, address appropriate packaging and market their goods. Right now they only sell the product among themselves and a little at the local souk (market). They are inspired to broaden their marketing, and from a social standpoint, want to serve as an example to the rest of this community and region of women’s empowerment and cooperation.

The women’s responses in this group reiterated many of the same social impacts revealed by the women in the nursery. Their work as a co-op in the nursery and couscous-making has provided them with the opportunity to be a unified voice, support each other in women’s issues, and serve as a model for other women. They also noted that their coming together physically entails a 4 kilometer walk for many of them, and has improved their overall health and weight loss. Before, they said, they were isolated at home, watching television and having little to no social interaction. The co-op has provided them the chance to know other women from nearby villages. The interviews also identified some issues for HAF as new projects. For example, packaging and marketing the products of the co-op are an important priority for these women and could help them realize more economic benefit from their work. Secondly, transportation was an issue for some in terms of getting to work at the nursery or coming together as a group. Training in marketing is something that HAF could provide to the co-op, as well as some ideas on packaging. HAF has strong partnerships in and out of Morocco, that may foster some assistance with these issues.

Conclusions
HAF’s stated cornerstone of their impact is the application of democratic planning and assessment methods. This reinforces citizens’ ability to play an active role in decision-making, empowering communities with self-reliance and agency. The application of assessment methods in their work with communities applies as well to HAF staff that implement these programs. Having a coordinated and uniform process for planning projects before too many resources are invested is good business management and enhances HAF’s ability to seek contributions and partnerships toward any particular project. Lastly, the practical application of a sustainability assessment, through an annual interview with the groups that HAF works with helps to track progress

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youssefmoussaoui Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/15/2019

The start of a five-day tree planting campaign in Fes, Sefrou, and Meknes

By Youssef Moussaoui
HAF Volunteer

I have been volunteering for the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) for nearly a month now. Every day is a new experience, and the excitement never seems to end. This time, HAF planned a five-day tree-planting campaign in Fes, Sefrou, Azrou, and Meknes. Project manager Said Bennani and I travelled from Marrakech all the way to Fes. After a long drive, we arrived in Fes, safe and sound, hamdolilah (thank God). We met with Said’s old friends from when he lived in Fes; they were very nice people. Old friendships were rekindled.

Early morning on Monday, February 11, we went to the Abd Elaziz Ben Idriss Children Protection Center, where the HAF tree nursery also resides. We started with meeting the director; he welcomed us and expressed how happy he was to see us. Then he took us to see the children and they were very happy to see their good friend Said once again.


Some of the children’s metal work under Si Hamid’s coaching

We didn’t have so much time, so we decided to take plants to Skoura M’daz commune, and this is the first time HAF is implementing tree-planting activities in that region.

Khalid, the nursery caretaker, decided to come with us too to help with the process and learn more about the area and children there. After an hour drive, passing beautiful green hills filled with life, we finally arrived at Chariff Idrissi High School in Skoura M’daz.

We met with the Peace Corp volunteers; who came to learn as well. We conversed with everyone, including Khaoula Goumni, the person in charge of the planting. Every one introduced themselves and explained to the children how to plant trees and how to keep the trees healthy; they were very keen to participate.



Said introducing the High Atlas Foundation and its objectives

The planting began afterwards. Everyone planted their own tree, and we planted 33 trees in total: 9 almond, 9 fig, and 15 pomegranate. The Peace Corp Volunteers didn’t hesitate to get their hands dirty and help with the process. After we completed planting at the high school, we then went to the elementary school right next door to do their share of planting as well.
In contrast with the high school students, elementary school students were very curious and kept asking so many questions about nature, trees, and HAF. After all the questions had been answered, we began digging holes for the trees.

Even though the students are still very young, they were very hard workers. They dug most of the holes themselves. After we finished planting all the trees, the children thanked us for improving their school and vowed to watch over the trees until they grow. One of the students there approached us on the way out and said, “We are very sad that you are leaving but at the same time, we are very happy that you made our school more beautiful.”

At the end of an amazing first day in Skoura M’daz schools, we headed back to Fes with beautiful memories and so much gratitude for ECOSIA (the investor in HAF nurseries) and to HAF for this amazing opportunity. With the student’s kind words in our minds, we look forward to the new experiences and excitement tomorrow might bring.


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Fatima.Zahra Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/11/2019

Tree planting is a key to success

by Fatima Zahra Laaribi

Annually, on the third Monday of January, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) holds a high-profile day of national tree planting across Morocco. On this day—the 21st of January this year—Fatima Zahra Laaribi, HAF’s financial Manager, and Abderrahim Baddah, HAF’s nursery caretaker, headed toward Amizmiz, a small mountain town located 60 kilometers southwest of Marrakech, to celebrate a memorable day of planting.

On that morning, in the girls’ dormitory, Ms. Laaribi started her talk with a saying by the Prophet Mohammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace): "If the Final Hour comes while you have a palm-cutting in your hands and it is possible to plant it before the Hour comes, you should plant it" (as reported by Anas ibn Malik, a companion of the prophet). Then, administrative staff spoke about Quranic passages related to fig and olive trees and their benefits. For instance, trees help people to become connected to the growing process while also providing a nutritious food source and food security. Planting fruit trees also has many helpful environmental benefits, from cleaner air to reduced energy costs. Together, we tried to raise awareness of the importance of planting trees in schools and sharing our insights about why we think that planting trees is important. For high school students studying life sciences and land, the trees will help them in their studies, as they can use the green space in their schools as a learning laboratory.

HAF provided 20 grape plants, 20 pomegranate saplings, and 20 fig saplings and involved a nursery caretaker who ensured that the saplings were planted in properly.

The president of the parent’s association and the administrative staff were eager and energetic as we pulled up to deliver the trees. They were so happy to be a part of the planting event and participated actively in the planting process as they showed their full engagement.

All of us took the initiative and planted in an organized way to ensure that all the saplings were planted on the ground and that we took their GPS points to track their growth in the future.

We were invited by the directors of the schools to make a short visit to the schoolyards to show us the potentials of the schools. We want to plant more trees with them in the coming year. We were very impressed by the environmental club that they created in their schools and how quickly growing beautifully even though it was established in last October. All the tiny saplings that the students planted this year had grown beautifully. Such an initiative in schools encourages us to work with them in the future. Moreover, the growth of these trees assured us that students, teachers, and headmasters will give great care to these trees. While visiting the schoolyard, many questions were raised such as, is there a nearby and dependable water source if we plant in the future?
If we plan to establish a nursery in this large spare space in the school is this will be this accepted by the delegation of education under the school plan?
We learned a lot about their environmental and ecological needs in terms of training of planting techniques. For Moroccan schools, it is important to be open to their partners and to involve all of them, specifically the civil society. Today Moroccan school is in dire need of openness to its surroundings if it wants to invest the highest potential available. But this will be achieved only if the educational administration changed its approach, which is - and unfortunately - away from activating the educational system. For the school to be open, the administration must firmly believe in this openness, its positive, and the important of the schools’ partners.
Administrative staff and the president of the parent’s association showed their appreciation, joy, and happiness. They were so excited to participate and assured us that their teachers and headmasters will take care of these trees and will water them.

The day ended with hope and excitement for the future, as directors and the president of the parent’s association and its members, expressed their gratitude and their desire to work closely with HAF.

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Aitana A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/08/2019

Hello! I am Aitana from Barcelona in Spain and I volunteered in High Atlas Foundation during 1 week in December 2018. I wish I could have stayed more! the team there is really nice, very good atmosphere and nice people. Thanks Errachid for all your kind help. I could only stay 1 week as I am working, so I took time off my holidays to volunteer. I will be happy to do it again!

In my short stay I could help High Atlas Foundation with tree planting. Below the article I wrote about my experience:


TREE-PLANTING AT THE CENTRAL HOSPITAL OF SIDI ZOUINE

Members of the HAF team had the chance to visit the Central Hospital of Sidi Zouine and get involved with the village community. HAF has previously planted trees in schools but this time we had the chance to plant trees at a hospital yard for a good reason: to make patients feel welcome and to beautify the space. We also learned about the hospital conditions.

HAF collaborated with the Association El Wafa, who helped to organize the event together with the Secondary School Parents’ Association, from the village of Sidi Zouine. The press was also invited to capture all the moments of the event.

Mustafa Amajgal, President of the Association El Wafa, showed us around the hospital. At the back of the hospital, they count on a well that serves as a water reservoir and the well is 85m deep with 30m filled with water. They informed us that the hospital moved from one building to the current one eight years ago. The hospital also has small buildings, which were meant to be for the nurses, but they are currently not in a good condition to serve as housing for them. They wish to have the resources to fix them soon, but they have other priorities at the moment, such as employing more doctors and nurses to serve their patients.

Currently, the typical number of patients per doctor is 7,000 in Morocco; however, the Central Hospital of Sidi Zouine is facing a big challenge: they have only 1 doctor and 5 nurses to serve 20,000 patients in the area. They are having difficulties to serve their patients with that low number of hospital staff. Many patients - particularly pregnant women waiting to deliver - often suffer terrible consequences before they receive care, according to local people.

The Association El Wafa told the members of HAF and its volunteers that the whole community was engaged in the preparation of the planting event the day before and they stayed late in order to have it all prepared.

The members of the Secondary School Parents’ Association of Sidi Zouine informed members of HAF that they are interested in planting trees in their school for the children to learn more about the environment. It is a new opportunity for HAF to be involved in another environmental project in the town.

After a big breakfast at the hospital’s patio, we started tree planting. HAF provided 50 carob trees, 70 almond trees, and 10 grape vines. The trees were taken from one of HAF’s tree nurseries in Imegdal (Ijoukak commune) the previous day.

We were very honored to see kids, teenagers, women, men, and older people from the village participating. Even patients that were visiting the hospital got engaged in the tree planting! Approximately 65 people from the village were involved.

After tree planting, community members invited us to visit the Quranic School Mr Azwain, located in the same village. The school teaches Quran in a traditional way and has 400 students that sleep, eat, and train in the same facility. Even if the school seemed quite new for us (it was rebuilt in 1991) it was originally built in 1897. We were given a tour of the different areas of the school: library, dormitories, classes, an Islamic shrine (darih), and the yard.

To sum up, we can say that the field visit was a success with the participation and involvement with the community, we learned more about the challenges and lack of resources of a rural hospital and also explored new sites for possible tree-planting. We are looking forward to working again with the hospital and the Association El Wada very soon! Let us know if you would like to partner with this project and hospital.

The field visit was attended by HAF Project Manager Errachid Montassir, Hassam Ait Ouatouch managing operations and volunteers Nisreen Abo-Sido, Brahim Bahmani and Aitana Arias.

More info here: http://highatlasfoundation.org/blogs/994-tree-planting-at-the-central-hospital-of-sidi-zouine

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2 moussa sidibe

moussa sidibe Volunteer

Rating: 4

02/07/2019


My Biography:

My name is Moussa Sidibé, I'm 20 years old and I come from Mali. I am a master student at the HEEC School (a business school) in the specialty "management control".
In order to further improve our training, our school directs us to do internships and thus gain a lot of professional experience (in addition to the theoretical part that we do in class) and subsequently establish a report of internship that will be presented to the faculty committee
It is with this in mind that I turned to High Atlas Foundation on the recommendation of my supervisor Mr. Aboulmajd, without whom I will never have seized this opportunity which is now so precious to me.
I will, to the extent possible, do my best to help this association achieve its goals through my unwavering motivation and my entire devotion to a cause as noble as his.
Respect and distinguished greetings.


French Report : Visite des Pépinières de TADMAMTE et IMGDAL

Le lundi 4 Février 2019, nous avons visité les sites de plantations de High Atlas Foundation (une société à but non lucratif).


Ces plantations sont en grande partie des parcelles dont la société est propriétaire et ils contiennent diverses espèces d’arbres dont notamment des amandiers, des noisetiers, des pommes granites, des argans, des fleurs aromatiques et bien d’autres.
En somme, nous avons visités deux sites : celui de TADMAMTE (vers Ourika) et celui d’IMGDAL (dans la province d’Al HAOUZ, Asni).
Ce fut une toute nouvelle expérience très enrichissante, très intéressant et très récréatif pour moi pour beaucoup de raisons.


Tout d’abord c’est ma première fois de participer (en tant que volontaire surtout) à l’épanouissement d’une association et pour couronner cela qui se trouve être à but non lucratif, alors quand le Directeur m’a demander d’accompagner le staff dans le cadre de la visite des dits-sites j’étais très curieux de savoir de quoi il s’agissait concrètement, mais j’étais aussi motivé par le fait de voyager hors du centre-ville de Marrakech dans le but d’avoir un esprit très récréé.


Ensuite, ce qui m’a le plus marqué et c’est le plus important, c’est le fait que l’association High Atlas Foundation n’a d’autre objectif que le bien-être social et même économique du Maroc en général, elle ne cherche donc pas à se faire maximiser son gain ou son profit mais, des actes sincères et concrets comme par exemple : elle achète les arbres et plantes pour ensuite les planter dans les sites de plantations pour un court instant pour ensuite les distribuer « gratuitement » à des associations et/ou des écoles qui en formulent le besoin.


Cela m’a ouvert les yeux sur la nécessité d’actes très simples mais d’importance très cruciale comme celles-ci parce que planter un arbre est d’une importance inestimable pour la planète : l’arbre améliore la qualité de l’eau grâce à ses racines qui jouent un rôle de filtre, mais aussi absorber l’eau de pluie, mais aussi de produire de l’oxygène (source de vie) et ainsi purifier l’air, de lutter contre l’érosion du sol, de protéger contre la chaleur et tant d’autres bienfaits…


Tout cela m’a permis de réaliser le fait que je dois m’impliquer dans des activités comme celle-ci dans mon propre pays : le Mali (peut-être même en collaboration avec l’association) pour promouvoir ainsi le développement des zones rurales et même urbaines mais toujours dans l’optique du développement durable car un proverbe marocain dit « Plantons les arbres aujourd’hui pour que les générations futures puissent en manger les fruits demain »


Je remercie très humblement et gracieusement le Président, Mr Yossef Ben-Meir de m’avoir permis de participer à une expérience de la sorte, qui fut ma première d’ailleurs dans ce domaine car grâce à cela j’ai pu avoir une autre manière de voir les choses et que nous devons être solidaire pour la nature mais aussi pour la société.

~Moussa Sidibé~

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1

Sofia D. Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/04/2019

Tree Planting Day

It was in the beggining of my second week of volunteer work at the High Atlas Foudation and my first time in a field trip with them that I had an incredible experience. On January 21st, the third Monday of the month, part of the staff from HAF, partners, other volunteers and the local people worked together to make the Tree Planting Day happen.
In the morning we went to the Centre de Sauvegarde de L'enfance (Child Protection Center) in Douar Laâskar, Marrakesh. The instituicion takes care of vulnerable children, some of them in a really delicated risk situacion. First we went to the girls place. The teachers brought the kids to meet us and we all had a nice talk about the importance of planting trees. They got very curious and many questions poped up. It was really important for me to watch those young and sweet girls talking to the people while getting closer to the environmental care with shy but sparkling eyes. I took lots of pictures of them while working, trying to eternalize that moment with my on view of it. At the end of all the handwork, we had easily planted two Almond trees and one Argan tree. The girls didn't lose all of their genuine timidity, but I can say for sure that some seeds were planted in their hearts.
Around 11am we went to the boys site. It was a completely different vibe. They didn't ask lots of questions. Actually we didn't communicate that much, there was no need of it. They simply took the tools and started planting, as if they had done that their whole lives. This really amazed me. We helped each other like equals, with true looks and kind gestures. In this game we planted nine Almond trees! To be honest I didn't photograph that part of the experience very much. I was so involved at the moment, observing their facility and trying to figure out what was on their minds. They seemed to be on a meditative state, so concentrated but also so peaceful. After all, the main feeling that I kept was gratitude. Gratitude to be there and to show those kids that they have lots of options and a the possibillity of a bright future in front of them.
In the early afternoon we started our road trip to Essaouira. Our destiny was Ounagha, to meet the women responsable for the Cooperative Feminine Mogador Arganara (Female Cooperative Mogador Arganara). At 16pm we arrived there. They received us with open arms and a delicious morrocan lunch. We were able to talk and see the women making argan oil with their lived hands in an easygoing atmosphere. It was impossible not to notice how much work they had with each small argan seeds, even so they did it with patience and love. I learned a lot about the variaty of products that can be done with argan oil and the importance of those trees to the Cooperative as well as to Morocco's economy. We had a wonderful time and so much fun there. For me, as a woman, it was amazing to feel that we can be self sufficient with our professional life, and I felt this on their pride while presenting all their incredible products. Furthermore, we planted in total 5 argan trees with them.
Today, a week after the January 21st, looking at all my photografic records I could felt again some of the emotions that the Tree Planting Day aroused in me. Living this experience brougth me a huge personal growth and only made my love and concern with the planet Earth increase. This day also gave me hope. Hope in real people, the ones that don't give up easily and truly believe in their own strength. Those people will change the world. Maybe someday I'll be able to be like them. Iaw sha Allah.

Sofia d'Ávila Heidenreich Lacerda (AIESEC volunteer)

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Abdelhadi Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/01/2019

مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير تحتفل بحدث التشجير بمجموعة من المناطق بالمملكة المغربية

عبدالهادي كستيح
متطوع بمؤسسة الأطلس الكبير

دعت مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير الاثنين الماضي والموازي للواحد والعشرين من يناير الجاري الساكنة المحلية المغربية لغرس آلاف الأشجار التي قامت بتوزيعها بمناسبة "يوم غرس الأشجار"، وهو حدث سنوي تقوم به المؤسسة، نظرا لما له من مساهمة في التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية والبيئية عبر المملكة المغربية.

وكباقي المناطق التي تشتغل بها المؤسسة عرفت جماعة إمكدال حدث غرس الأشجار، حيث تم توزيع وغرس حوالي 90 شجرة من الخروب، التين، العنب، الرمان وشجر السرو، إضافة إلى عشرة من الأعشاب الطبية والعطرية، بحضور كل من السيد جمال رئيس جمعية أباء وآولياء التلاميذ بمدرسة إمكدال، وكذا بمشاركة تلاميذ مؤسسة إمكدال الإبتدائية المركزية والفرعية بتمسكين. بعد ذالك تم الإنتقال إلى المستوصف الصحي إمكدال والذي استفاد هو الآخر من غرس مجموعة من الأعشاب الطبية والعطرية، حيث كان يوما رائعا قضيناه رفقة ساكنة المنطقة، خاصة مع الأطفال وما أبدوه من تحمس إزاء التشجير.
لكي تصل الساكنة في المجال القروي أو الحضري إلى المستوى المطلوب من التطور وتوفير الاحتياجات الخاصة لجميع السكان، سواء من الناحية الغذائية أو عن طريق توفير فرص أكبر للشغل وبناء المشاريع المهمة، لابد من الاهتمام بجميع المجالات التي تؤدي إلى تحقيق ذلك وخاصة على مستوى الفلاحة.
من خلال حدث التشجير السنوي الذي تقوم به المؤسسة، تم تعلم العديد من الأشياء حيال ثقافة التشجير وكيفية اعتبارها جزءا لا يتجزا من النشاط المجتمعي التنموي، نظرا للدور الذي يلعبه فيما يتعلق بتحسين سبل العيش واستدامتها، ولنا الإيمان الأكبر بغد ومستقبل أفضل.

بعد أن قضينا أوقات جميلة مع بعض سكان جماعة إمكدال والذين شاركونا في عملية التشجير التي قمنا بها بكل من المدرستين الابتدائيتين المركزية والفرعية بجماعة إمكدال وكذا المستوصف الطبي للجماعة، غادرنا جماعة إمكدال متجهين إلى مراكش وعدنا جد سعداء بما قمنا به في هذا اليوم والذي لم يستدعي منا مجهودا بدنيا كبيرا ولكن كانت له دلالة رمزية نظرا لما للتشجير من أهمية في المحافظة على البيئة وتوفير فضاءات خضراء طبيعية تستفيد منها ساكنة المنطقة سواء تعلق الأمر بالشباب أو الأطفال الذين أضفوا لمستهم الخاصة بمشاركتهم في هذا الحدث.





Review from Guidestar

1

LilySannikova Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/31/2019

On the 21st January, HAF president Yossef Ben-Meir and part of the HAF team joined the local community in Arabat in the Rhamna Province, where the locals have welcomed us with open hands and warm hearts, and a beautiful Moroccan breakfast including some freshly baked msemmen, hand-picked nuts and liters of sugary mint tea. After sharing an indulgent breakfast together and discussing some of the issues related to the water supply, organic farming and the importance of sustainable agriculture, the team has signed a significant Partnership Agreement with the Regional Teachers Federation of Association. Chemsedine Sidi-Baba, Chair of the Board of HAF-Morocco, signed on behalf of the organization. This agreement will not only facilitate cooperation in building community infrastructure and environmental workshops in schools, but also create community bonds.

Along with local farmers, teachers and the local administrators, the HAF team proceeded to plant 70 fruit trees including pomegranate and almond. The community's children joined us and enthusiastically participated in this team-building experience.

The second site of tree planting was a primary school, Ecole Riad El Menzeh in Yaman Sourt near Marrakech, where we distributed and planted trees with the help of the kids, teachers and the president of Marrakech’s Jewish community, Mr. Kadoch. The tree planting day was filled with many smiles and could be summed up as a very and positive and fruitful (literally and metaphorically) experience as it brought many people together who are coming from a variety of different background, and encouraged collaboration and teamwork, and allowed the members of the HAF and the local people closely connect.

Review from Guidestar

1

Karam Y. Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/28/2019

Les trésors cachés de Sidi Zouine

Par Karam Yann
Volontaire FHA


Honnêtement je ne savais pas comment commencer cet article, ce qui m’attendait durant cette sortie allait au-delà de ce que j’imaginais. Commençons alors par le tout début.
A huit heures du matin, je rencontrai mes deux compagnons du voyage, Kerstin et Juliana pour prendre un grand taxi de la gare de Bab Doukkala (Marrakech). Le trajet ne fut pas très long et moins d’une heure plus tard, nous arrivâmes à Sidi Zouine, une petite bourgade dans la préfecture de Marrakech… ou plutôt ce qui me semblait être.
Après avoir pris le petit déjeuner, nous allâmes à la rencontre de Mustafa, un membre actif de plusieurs associations locales dont l’association Al-Wafae pour le développement. Nous marchâmes jusqu’à l’hôpital de Sidi Zouine ou nous rencontrâmes d’autres bénévoles, venus spécialement pour participer à cette journée importante : des membres des collectivités territoriales locales, des instituteurs et institutrices, des étudiants et même des petits élèves du primaire et du collège. Après avoir choisi le terrain au sein de l’hôpital où devrait être plantées les plantes médicinales et les amandiers, nous commençâmes à creuser les trous pour les plantes. Tout le monde a participé dans cette opération : femmes, hommes, enfants et même quelques patients de l’hôpital sont venus assister à cette tâche, attirés par les applaudissements des gens et les cris de joie des enfants.

Au final, ce sont 21 géraniums, 8 romarins, 4 sauges officinales, 5 lavandes, 3 thyms et 20 amandiers qui ont été plantés. Après cette activité, nous fûmes invités à prendre le thé en compagnie de Mustafa et Malika, une conseillère communale et militante associative.
Après avoir reçu et distribué les certificats de participations aux bénévoles, nous fûmes invités à visiter les lieux historiques du village. C’est alors, à ma grande surprise, je découvris les vestiges d’une cité ancienne. Je me rendais compte que Sidi Zouine n’était pas seulement un petit village mais une commune urbaine avec plus de 25.000 habitants dont les premières traces de civilisations remontent à des siècles.
Nous visitâmes l’école coranique de la ville, l’une des plus prestigieuse du Maroc, le grand Souk hebdomadaire et enfin, le tombeau du fondateur du village le Cheikh Sidi Zouine.
Nous fûmes, par la suite, invités à déjeuner en compagnie des bénévoles, dans la demeure de Malika, toujours frappés par cet accueil chaleureux et convivial des locaux. Après un bon repas copieux, nous primes quelques photos avec les enfants de la ville et les bénévoles avant de se diriger vers la gare pour prendre le bus du retour.

Vous comprenez maintenant, que ce n’était pas seulement une sortie de routine pour planter des arabes et des plantes, mais ce fut, pour Kerstin, Juliana et moi-même, une leçon de vie de voir autant d’engouement de ces gens pour participer dans cette activité, nous fûmes tous admirés par l’accueil exceptionnel de ces gens et l’histoire riche de la ville, méconnue des marocains.
Nous rentrâmes à Marrakech, plus enthousiastes que jamais de vouloir servir l’humanité et de changer le monde par des petites actions, car nous sommes ce que nous pensons et avec nos pensées, nous créons le monde.

Review from Guidestar

youssef2019 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/23/2019

Save Oxygen!!!: High Atlas Foundation’s Tree Planting Day

Youssef El Moussaoui
HAF Volunteer

Once in a lifetime experience. Annually, on the third Monday of January, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) organizes a nationwide tree planting campaign. On this January 21st 2019, the HAF team planted trees with communities in many places, including Sidi Bouathmane (Ait Imloul). Ait Imloul is an arid village about 20 kilometers away from Bouathmane, a small village where there are large and quite modest sized farms. Despite the ack of water in the area, they manage to cultivate fine and beautiful farms.
HAF’s project manager, Said Bennani, led the way from our office in Marrakech to the not-so-far province, driving with many medicinal and fruiting plants in the trunk. Once we got there, we met the very nice Yassine who showed us where we would be planting the saplings and stayed with us all until the end of the day.
The day was a spectacular one; the people of Ait Imloul welcomed us with their warm hearts. They are very good and respectful people. As we planted, we talked to the farmers there about HAF’s campaigns and they told us about their farms. Some of the farmers wanted only a few plants since their farms were already full; others wanted more. One farmer wanted more than 150 plants! We couldn’t deliver all those plants at that moment but we made plans to deliver more in the near future. He was happy with the plans made together and he told us he’ll be waiting the day we return with the number he wanted, maybe even more. As we kept going, we listened also to their challenges and how they manage to preserve their farms even with the lack of water they face. The day went by very smoothly and pleasantly.
We concluded by planting various plants along the wall of a cemetery, with the help of the town’s children, hoping one day the trees will grow to be beautiful and reduce the loneliness of the cemetery. We summed up the amazing day as we said our goodbyes to the people of Ait Imloul and left with promises of repeating what we did today, even hoping to make it better the next time.
Thus concludes the beautiful day at Sidi Bouathmane, Ait Imloul. We returned to headquarters with beautiful memories.

Review from Guidestar

Juliana Bertoncini F. Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/23/2019

About the Tree Day

by Juliana B. Feltrin
HAF Intern

The HAF National Tree Day was very rewarding. We went to the Sidi Zouine Hospital, to plant trees. We were greeted by Mustafa, the president of Association El Wafa, who told us about the place. We started counting the amount of trees that would be planted, together with children and women. After planting the trees, everyone who helped earned a certificate of appreciation. It was a very beautiful atmosphere and everyone loved it.
After we finished planting, we went with Mustafa to see the village. We walked to a school for boys, where they had a beautiful garden.
We took some photos and were invited to lunch. Lunch was divided into two parts: In the first round, we ate the famous couscous and in the second round we ate tajine, another typical Moroccan food.
Everyone was happy with the day and with the trees we planted. For me, it was a very special day because I had never planted a tree before. It was very exciting and, for sure, when I go back to Brazil I will plant some trees in my house.

Review from Guidestar

1

CelinaHAF2019 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/23/2019

Who likes trash?

I was excited about my first field visit and about getting to know what the High Atlas Foundation’s work looks like in action, because before starting my internship, I only saw the social media posts, blog articles, and photos.

This day, we didn’t travel long, as we went to two schools in Marrakech. The first one was a primary school with around 600 children. Esmae, the parent's associations president, welcomed us warmly at the door and we went to meet the children in their classroom.

Errachid, project manager at HAF, conducted an environmental and participatory workshop about decision making to protect the environment. The students were very active and had a lot to say. They had lots of ideas, like building an environmental club, creating trash places, and planting more trees. They learned more about global warming and the problems of flooding. The students decided to make some changes on their own to improve the environment—one mentioned that he will stop cutting flowers; other said they would stop throwing trash on the ground and that they would use water more responsibly.

Afterwards, our dear volunteer Nisreen conducted an introduction-to-composting workshop in order to put into practice what they have learned and later do a compost-making activity outside with the children.

Then we gave the children some time to express their newly-learned ideas and visions of their future school in drawings. I asked some of the children what they’d like to change in their school, and they answered that they need more classrooms and that they would like to have more flowers in the school.

After a delicious breakfast, which was offered by the parents’ association to us, we started our composting workshop outside. Nisreen asked the kids “Who likes trash?” After a little confusion, everybody denied. She asked, “Do you want more or less trash? “ Of course, they answered “Less!“. They were very interested in the composting workshop to reduce at least the biodegradable waste. We brought some plastic bottles, cut the tops off, and put some holes in the bottom. Then we began layering the compost, and the students were excited to find some soil for the first layer, then they put some food waste, then soil again, food-waste, and soil. In the end, they added some water and placed the compost-models besides trees, so the trees can benefit from the nutrient-rich compost which is produced like that.

At the end of this visit, we did a tree-planting activity with the kids and talked to the head of the school about the problems the school is facing: they need more bathrooms and have a problem with water when it rains a lot.

When we arrived at the second school in Marrakech later that day, the president of the parents’ association welcomed us again very warmly and we met with the school director. We talked with him and some teachers and he told us about his year-long experiences working as head of a school in a rural area of Morocco. Afterwards, we met the kids and Errachid, talked with the children about decision-making processes and environmental issues. He practiced the model of pairwise ranking in order to figure out what their biggest challenges are in the school. Although I do not understand Darija (the Moroccan Arabic), just by observing their interactions, I was impressed by how the children listened and were eager to participate. Everyone was very attentive. At the end of this visit we had some tree-planting activities outside and after having some tea and snacks we said goodbye to this school as well.

Celina Boehmer, HAF Intern (from Germany)

Review from Guidestar

2

ZINEB2019 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/07/2019

مشتل إمكدال

المتطوعة : زينب الأصفر

يوم جديد يعني تجربة جديدة رفقة مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير، اليوم كانت الوجهة إلى المشتل الزراعي الواقع بالجماعة القروية "إمكدال" إقليم الحوز الذي ينتج نباتات مثمرة بقصد غرسها في الحدائق و الحقول و البساتين ، و تتنوع النباتات التي ينتجها المشتل ما بين نباتات تزيينية و أزهار ، و ناباتات فاكهة و أشجار الغابات مثل ( شجر الأركان، العنب، الرمان، الزعتر، الأزير،...)

هنا في هذه المساحة من الأرض الزراعية تتم عملية التكاثر و الرعاية لإنتاج شتلات النباتات ، حيت تزرع البذور أو عقل بعض الأصناف بغرض إنتاج الشتلات.

كل هذه المعلومات تم توضيحها لنا من طرف السيد "حسن أيت با" المشرف و المسؤول على المشتل الذي أتقدم له بجزيل الشكر على هذه التجربة المتنوعة الذي تعتبر في حد داتها دورة تكوينية لاكتساب ثقافة عامة حول موضوع البيئة بالإضافة إلى زيادة الوعي البيئي .

و كانت هذه التجربة الرائعة رفقة المتطوعة الإسبانية "أيتانا أريس" و السيد "حسن أيت وتوش" المسؤول عن النقل اللوجستيكي بالمؤسسة .

n.abosido Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/12/2018

Fostering corporate-community partnerships: HAF attends regional OCP company meeting

by Nisreen Abo-Sido, HAF Volunteer, Thomas J. Watson Fellow

On my first site visit as the newest member of the HAF team, I joined Errachid—our project manager and volunteer coordinator—on a visit to El Youssoufia to attend a regional OCP Company meeting. Formerly known as Office chérifien des phosphates, OCP holds economic importance in Morocco as a globally leading phosphate exporter. In the 2013 growing season, OCP supported HAF’s human development projects in the Rhamna province. In 2017, OCP launched act4Community, an initiative requiring OCP employees to volunteer on community projects for 1-4 weeks. At the meeting we attended, employees that completed their community service reported on their experiences, attendees contributed to discussions about improving and expanding partnerships, and we invited the new OCP director to engage with our development efforts.

act4Community representatives spoke of the group’s priorities in the areas of agriculture, enterprise, social work, and environmental protection. Moreover, under each focus area, they outlined their approach, which included activities like training agricultural cooperatives on poultry farming, supporting women’s cooperatives, sending doctors to treat children in schools, and distributing winter clothing to children. Participating employees then reported on their experiences. One volunteer highlighted how the doctors visiting the school challenged the inaccessibility of doctors as figures solely functioning in hospitals. Another discussed the development of a province-wide quinoa-growing project and the benefits of growing the plant in a province with water problems. A few conference attendees then offered their comments, including a call for more communication between volunteers as well as cross-collaboration with existing civil society work groups.

During the tea break, we met OCP’s director, Ramzi Abdel Kareem, and Errachid familiarized the new director with HAF’s participatory approach and projects. After Errachid described HAF’s proposals for projects in El Youssoufia, including a clean drinking water initiative in Gantour rural community and fruit tree nursery in Allal Lfassi High School; Abdel Kareem expressed interest in visiting HAF’s tree nurseries in Assalam school in Ifrane and Lhossin Ibno Ali. They then discussed more of HAF’s programs, including those focused on women’s empowerment.

We carpooled back to the taxi station, and left satisfied that OCP’s act4Community efforts aligned with HAF’s approach.

Review from Guidestar

BRAHIM

BRAHIM Volunteer

Rating: 4

12/11/2018

المغرب العميق بعيون جزائري
بعد انتهاء مرحلة التعليم الجامعي في شهر جوان سنة 2018 فكرت في تنظيم رحلة سياحية الى خارج الوطن، فشاءت حكمة الله أن أزور لأول مرة في حياتي البلد المجاور لدولة الجزائر وهي دولة المغرب الشقيق، وكان ذلك في إطار نشاط الرابطة الدولية للطلاب في الاقتصاد والأعمال وهو ما يعرف ب AIESEC التي توفر المجال للطلاب الموهوبين المتحمسين لتحقيق نمو شخصي وتطوير قدراتهم الريادية من خلال إشراكهم في البرامج التدريبية أوبرامج التبادل الطلابي العالمي للمنظمات التي تعمل على تحقيق إحدى أهداف التنمية المستدامة العالمية التي وضعتها هيئة الأمم المتحدة.
مقر إقامتي كان في مدينة مراكش، التي تقع وسط المملكة المغربية، وهي تعد من أشهر الوجهات السياحية في المغرب، بسبب مناخها اللطيف وطبيعتها الخلابة ومبانيها التي يغلب عليها اللون الأحمر مما أكسبها لقب "المدينة الحمراء"
اعتبارا لمخطط برنامج الإيزيك المتمثل في اكتشاف مدينة مراكش من خلال العمل التطوعي مع إحدى المنظمات الغير ربحية لتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة لبرنامج الأمم المتحدة، كانت فرصة للعمل مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير وهي منظمة تطوعية أمريكية مغربية تأسست من طرف متطوعين سابقين من هيئة السلام في سنة 2000 بالولايات المتحدة الأمريكية، وهي مؤسسة تسعى إلى تكريس التنمية المحلية المستدامة في المغرب، بالاعتماد على المقاربة التشاركية كما تعمل على إنشاء مشاريع تنموية، تقوم بتصميمها المجتمعات المحلية.
كان لي شرف اللقاء مع الدكتور يوسف بن مير باعتباره رئيس المؤسسة وقد أبدى سعادته الكبيرة بقدومي الى المغرب حيث قال كلمة جميلة "إن المغرب ليس هو المغرب بل هو المغرب الكبير وأننا كلنا أبناء المغرب الكبير فنحن في بلد واحد"، حيث جعلني لا أحس بأنني غريب في هذا البلد وقد فتح لي المجال للعمل معه في المؤسسة ومساعدته لتحقيق أهداف التنمية المستدامة، وتقديم المساعدات للمحتاجين والقضاء على الفقر والتهميش في الأرياف، وقد ذكر لي مصطلح المقاربة التشاركية حيث كان لي فيه بعض الغموض في البداية و تركت الأمر للاستفسار عنه في مستقبل الأيام.
أول زيارة لي مع المؤسسة كانت مساء يوم الثلاثاء 6 نوفمبر 2018 في إطار الاحتفال بالذكرى الثالثة والأربعون للمسيرة الخضراء الذي نظمته دار إيما بالشراكة مع الطائفة اليهودية بجهة مراكش آسفي بمنطقة "لالة تكركوست" وهي قرية أمازيغية صغيرة تقع على بعد 37كم جنوب مدينة مراكش، تتميز بطبيعتها الخضراء وجبالها العالية ومبانيها القديمة كما تحتوي على أحد السدود المغربية الكبرى وهو سد " لالة تكركوست" مما يعطيها رونقا وجمالا.
كان من بين الحضور كل من السلطات الرسمية والإدارية للمنطقة بالإضافة إلى حضور رجال الدين الذين يمثلون الديانات السماوية الثلاث، وهم رئيس الكنيسة الكاثوليكية بالمغرب، ورئيس الطائفة اليهودية بالمغرب، وأحد أئمة المسلمين، وقد تخلل هذا الحفل وصلات فنية حماسية من تقديم فرقة الأصيل للفن، حيث شهد الحفل تفاعلا كبيرا من الجمهور خاصة مع النشيد الوطني المغربي ونشيد نداء الحسن للمسيرة الخضراء مما يعكس حبهم للوطن وتعزيز روح الولاء والانتماء له فرحا بالعيد الوطني ، كما تم عرض مقطوعات فنية إسلامية و يهودية و مسيحية ترسخ للمبادئ المغربية المتمثلة في احترام الأديان و التسامح العقدي.
من خلال كلمات المشاركين في هذا المحفل لكل من رئيس الكنيسة الكاثوليكية، ورئيس الطائفة اليهودية، وأحد أئمة المسلمين يتبين أن مسألة التعايش بين الأديان في المغرب هي ظاهرة متوارثة عبر الأجيال منذ القدم مما يبعث استقرارا وتعايشا سلميا بين مختلف الديانات والثقافات المكونة للنسيج الاجتماعي المغربي، وقد تبين لي جليا أن المغرب يُعدُّ فيه التعايش بين الأديان واقعا فعليا، كما تشهد على ذلك الحياة اليومية في هذا البلد المسلم، على عكس ما نعيشه في الجزائر حيث أن اليهود والمسيحيين يخشون على حياتهم في الجزائر، رغم أن قوانينها تسمح لغير المسلمين بممارسة شعائرهم الدينية، طالما أنهم يحترمون النظام العام والأخلاق، والحقوق والحريات الأساسية للآخرين، ويبتعد اليهود والمسيحيين في الجزائر عن الأضواء، بسبب مخاوف على سلامتهم الجسدية، واحتمال التعرض للمشاكل، وقد انتابني هذا الخوف حينما علمت في الوهلة الأولى أن رئيس الطائفة اليهودية سينتقل معنا على متن السيارة الى مكان الحفل اعتبارا للخلفية التي كنت أعتقدها حول التوتر الحاصل بين اليهود والمسلمين في الجزائر وفي الشرق الأوسط، لكن الواقع كان عكس ذلك حيث كان هناك احترام متبادل رفيع المستوى مع جاك كادوش، وأبدى سعاته الكبيرة خاصة حين علم أنني من الجزائر.
في يوم الأربعاء 7 نوفمبر 2018 ذهبت في ثاني زيارة عملية مع مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير والوجهة هذه المرة إلى مدينة آسفي التي تبعد عن مدينة مراكش ب 160كم، تقع على ساحل المحيط الأطلسي، تعني بالأمازيغية "مصب النهر"، يوجد بها أكبر معمل للفوسفاط بالمغرب، وكانت هذه الزيارة في إطار الدورة التكوينية التي نظمتها مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير بالتنسيق مع المكتب الشريف للفوسفاط، ونظمت الدورة لفائدة مدراء المؤسسات التربوية لمدن وقرى آسفي بحضور بعض عمال المكتب الشريف الفوسفاط.
وكان الهدف من الدورة هو دراسة الاحتياجات الضرورية التي تعاني منها المؤسسات التربوية لمنطقة آسفي والمناطق المجاورة لها، ووضع خطة عمل لتجسيد هذه الاحتياجات على أرض الواقع بمشاركة كل الأطراف المعنية من مدراء مؤسسات ومتطوعين وتلاميذ وفق منهج المقاربة التشاركية.
وفي أول تدخل لرئيس مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير السيد يوسف بن مير خلال الدورة الذي تطرق فيها إلى مفهوم المقاربة التشاركية اتضح لي جليا مفهوم هذا المصطلح الذي كان يبدو لي غامضا في بادئ الأمر، فهو يعني المشاركة في الفعل الجماعي من كل الجهات المعنية حيث يهدف إلى إشراك المستفيدين في تحديد وتشخيص مشاكلهم الحقيقية بمساهمة كل الأطراف الفاعلة والمستفيدين دون إقصاء لأي طرف من الأطراف في صياغة وإنجاز وتقييم المشاريع، باعتبار أن الإستفادة من نتائج هذا العمل تعود على الجميع، كما تتخذ التشاركية مبدأ اللامركزية في التسيير لجعل المشاريع أكثر ديناميكية ومرونة وسهلة التنفيذ على الواقع.
وبما أن هذا المشروع يمس المناطق الريفية فإن المقاربة التشاركية مجسدة في معيشة سكان البادية من خلال تعاون العائلات في إنجاز الأعمال التطوعية الجماعية التي يعود فضلها على أهل تلك البادية، إلا أن المقاربة التشاركية حاليا تم إعطاؤها صبغة عالمية يتم تطبيقها على مستوى المنظمات التنموية الدولية.

وقد تم تقسيم الحاضرين الى مجموعات ثلاثية كل مجموعة تتكون من مدير مؤسسة ومتطوعين اثنين من المكتب الشريف للفوسفاط، يقومون بالتعاون والتشارك فيما بينهم لوضع خريطة عمل لتلك المدرسة من خلال الاحتياجات الضرورية التي تعاني منها، والآفاق المستقبلية التي تطمح الى بلوغها، واستمرت هذه الورشات لمدة ساعة من الزمن من تأطير المنشطة أمينة حجامي، لتقوم بعدها كل مجموعة بعرض خريطة العمل التي تم وضعها ومن بين أهم المشاكل التي تعاني منها هذه المؤسسات ما يلي:

عدم توفر المدرسة على الحارس الليلي.
قصر سور المدرسة مما يهدد أمن وعتاد التدريس.
عدم توفر المدرسة على عنصرين مهمين هما الكهرباء والماء.
عدم توفر المدرسة على الماء الصالح للشرب مما يستلزم على الأساتذة والتلاميذ بإحضار قارورات الماء.
-عدم توفر المدرسة على قاعة الأساتذة.
-عدم توفر المدرسة على دورة المياه للتلاميذ وللمعلمين.
-عدم امتلاك بعض التلاميذ لوثائق الحالة المدنية.
-عدم توفر المدرسة على طاقم اداري يقف الى جانب المدير لأداء المهام الإدارية المتعددة.
-غياب الإرادة السياسية في دعم المؤسسات التربوية.
-عدم توفر الطريق المعبد الذي يؤدي الى المدرسة
-عدم توفر المدرسة على اقسام من الصلب والاكتفاء بأقسام من البلاستيك قديمة الصنع والتي --تمثل خطرا على صحة التلاميذ.

بعد عرض هذه المشاكل تم تحديد الاحتياجات المشتركة بين كل من المؤسسات الحضرية والمؤسسات الريفية وترتيبها حسب الأولوية باستعمال طريقة التصويت، وقد تمثلت الاحتياجات المشتركة بين المؤسسات الحضرية حسب الأولوية في النقاط التالية:

1ـ توفير الحارس الليلي.
2ـ الزيادة في علو سور المدرسة.
3ـ توفير التعليم الأولي.
4ـ توفير الدعم التربوي.
5ـ تدبير النفايات وإصلاح سور المدرسة.

أما الاحتياجات المشتركة بين المؤسسات الريفية فقد تم ترتيبها حسب الأولوية على النحو التالي:
1ـ توفير الماء الصالح للشرب.
2ـ توفير الكهرباء.
3ـ توفير الأمن.
4ـ تنظيم مختلف النشاطات الثقافية والرياضية.

وفي قراءة تحليلية من وجهة نظر جزائرية لنتائج هذا اللقاء، يتضح أن المغرب بالرغم من مكانته الرائدة في المجال السياحي الذي يستقطب آلاف السياح من مختلف الدول الأوروبية والأمريكية، خاصة في المدن الكبرى باعتبارها قطب سياحي ممتاز، إلا أن المناطق الريفية في المغرب تعاني التهميش من حيث التنمية الاجتماعية وسوء التسيير من طرف الجماعات القروية، والدليل على ذلك الاحتياجات الضرورية التي تعاني منها المؤسسات التربوية في تلك المناطق، على سبيل المثال: عدم توفر المدرسة على عنصر الحياة وهو الماء ـ عدم توفر المدرسة على الكهرباء ـ عدم توفر المدرسة على دورات المياه، عدم امتلاك بعض التلاميذ على وثائق الحالة المدنية، وهي من أغرب النقائص التي صدمتني عند سماعها للوهلة الأولى، حيث لم يخطر ببالي ولو للحظة أنه في سنة 2018 توجد مدارس في المغرب تعاني مثل هذه النقائص، حينها ادركت الوجه الآخر للمجتمع المغربي، والفوارق الطبقية السائدة في هذا البلد.
وفي مقابل ذلك ورغم كل هذه الظروف القاسية والمعاناة الصعبة التي تمس هذه الشريحة تتجلى رغبة مدراء المؤسسات في تحسين وضعيتهم من خلال عقد شراكات مع المؤسسات الاقتصادية وجمعيات المجتمع المدني مثل مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير والمكتب الشريف للفوسفاط وذلك من اجل النهوض بالتعليم وضمان جيل واع ومستقبل واعد للابناء وهي مبادرة جد رائعة، تستحق التقدير، وآمل أن أنقلها إلى الجزائر.

وقد خُتم اللقاء بكلمة من رئيس مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير حث فيها على ضرورة تجسيد توصيات هذا اللقاء على أرض الواقع، مع مراعاة عامل الوقت الذي يمضي بشكل سريع، مما يستلزم علينا تكثيف الجهود والعمل بوتيرة أسرع، فاحترام الوقت يعد عاملا أساسيا للنجاح والإستمرار.


مراكش يوم: 22/11/2018
- إبراهيم بحماني - الجزائر
متطوع في مؤسسة الأطلس الكبير

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Manon_B Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/22/2018

Seeding New Projects for the 2019 Planting Season
Manon Burbidge
HAF Intern- Marrakech
Lund University, Sweden

January is the traditional tree-planting season in Morocco, meaning that right now, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is gearing up to take on new tree-planting project ideas that are springing up across the country. Last week, I joined Errachid, HAF’s project manager, on his site visits to find out more about these projects, how they will benefit local communities and their contribution to sustainable development.

“Ait Ourir Bridge Center”, Ait Ourir

One beneficiary of HAF’s project will be the “Ait Ourir Bridge Center”, a language school for both children and adults in the town. Students here learn English in intensive 3-month programmes, and also have the opportunity to take part in exchanges with foreign students, namely those with English as their native language, to share cultural and linguistic experiences.
The project’s aim is to sign a partnership with six schools in the locality, who have asked for fruit trees to be planted in their grounds. The schools will then sell the fruit in order to reinvest the money into other projects. The exchange students and the Bridge Center’s students will conduct the planting together, to benefit simultaneously from knowledge of planting and learning a language. It is also hoped that there will be many activities and workshops surrounding the tree-planting involving the school-children.
HAF is forging a link between the AOBC and their project, covering the costs of the tree-planting and nurseries, as well as providing other incentives for participation in the project, such as sanitation and clean water. It is also hoped that the project will engage the Delegation of Education and the Governor of the region in the activities to highlight the importance of environmental education.

“Centre Pour le Sauvegarde de l’Enfance”, Marrakech

The Centre for the Protection of Children, or “Centre Pour le Sauvegarde de l’Enfance” in Marrakech is home to 35 boys and 45 girls under 18 years of age. It is both a home for children who have been involved in criminal activities or those who have nowhere else to go, and responsible for these children’s re-education and day-to-day care.
The Centre would like to plant trees in its grounds to be able to sell the fruits for additional income, to provide quality educational activities for the children. The project will consist of approximately 50 olive and carob trees over an area of 15m2. They also wish to start a tree nursery on the site in future.
HAF hopes to also conduct workshops with these children to work out their needs and assess where it is appropriate to provide assistance alongside the tree-planting project.

Bouchane Secondary School, Bouchane

Currently educating 1102 students, Bouchane school is a previous beneficiary of HAF projects. In 2014, HAF helped the school to plant 300 olive, pomegranate and lemon trees as well as herbaceous and medicinal shrubs.
It now wants to expand its project by starting up a pilot tree nursery for the region, equipped with a greenhouse and with water-saving measures. Over time, they hope that the nursery will provide trees for farmers, other schools and co-operatives in the region, and even further afield.
They will focus on planting olive and carob trees, as they are both suitable for the dry soils of the province, but also generate good income. This money will then be used to reinvest in other projects which will benefit the school.
Like the Ait Ourir Bridge Center, the Bouchane school also want to involve the governor of the province as well as other officials in the project and to sign a partnership agreement with the Delegation for Education.

Miara Jewish Cemetery, Marrakech

Inside this peaceful walled cemetery in the heart of Marrakech, a tree-planting project is underway. The guardians wish to plant 60 olive and 30 carob trees in the grounds of the cemetery, lining the walkways and providing shade over the area.
Preparations are already underway, with holes dug into the ground and an irrigation system set up to provide water for the saplings when they arrive.
The fruit trees will help to make guardianship of the cemetery, a place which has remain unvandalised for over 500 years, a financially viable position for the future.

Tagelft Lycée and Middle School, Tagelft

Due to deforestation and the removal of vegetation, soil erosion is a big problem in the High Atlas Mountains. Snowmelt in the spring can also lead to bad flooding, also partly due to the lack of trees.
The remote mountain community of Tagelft is hoping to combat this problem in part by commencing a tree-planting project in both its Lycée and its Middle School. This will help to stabilise soils and to provide a greener and more attractive learning environment for its pupils.
Although this project is still in its infancy, it is hoped that the site could host between 300-500 trees, seedlings of which could be given to local farmers to supplement incomes and instigate a culture of tree-planting in the region. It will also provide the opportunity to deliver workshops on environmental education and to raise awareness of the importance of trees for mountain communities.

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pj111 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/21/2018

The HAF is working with some of the most impoverished people in the world, helping them collectively organize to help themselves, empower themselves, and govern themselves through sustainable development projects that improve both ecological integrity and social wellbeing, not to mention incredibly moving solidarity and mutual aid. This is an incredible group, with visionary leadership and unbelievable commitment to the people of Morocco.

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3

Said B. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

11/19/2018

Fruit for Thought at the Children’s Protection Center in Fes
The Fruit Tree Nursery at Abdelaziz Ben Driss, the Center for the Protection of Children in Fes as a Case Study

According to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Centers for Protection of Children in Morocco are those spaces that are responsible for the re-education of juvenile delinquents, who are referred by the judicial authorities in accordance with the requirements of the Criminal Procedure law. These centers also provide these young people’s educational services.
The number of such Youth Centers in Morocco is currently 20, with a capacity of 2075 young people, of which 15 centers are for males, five female centers and two social work clubs. The ages range from 12 to 18 years.
Environmental education plays a major role in establishing noble values within Moroccan society. From this point of view, we can observe that many young people are not aware of the importance of taking care of the environment that surrounds them. From here, we would like to share with you the experience of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in the Fes and Oujda regions, in implementing a sustainable development project in these areas
The Moroccan Kingdom’s current orientation, or what is called the national goal, is to achieve sustainable development in all its parts and involve all constituent groups of society. HAF has participated in many projects that places more importance on preserving the environment and supporting sustainable development, which is one of its most important goals. HAF is working with various partners to achieve such projects in different parts of Morocco.

HAF is trying to involve local communities in the success of development projects. They aim to help a single human being, cooperatives, associations, or entire communities take on responsibility to develop the capacity to contribute to their own and their community’s development, by being involved in the decision-making processes, determining goals and pursuing issues of importance to them. The model that we have today is evidence of the efforts of HAF in various parts of Morocco and its different sectors. It has been more than a year since the start of this project, which was begun in order to integrate a certain category of Moroccan society into the development process, and which the Moroccan state seeks to achieve by involving all development actors.
The High Atlas Foundation has partnered with a local association in Fez, the "Association of Volunteer Experts" in partnership with the Delegation of the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Fez and Meknes, and funded by ECOSIA. ECOSIA is a German search engine company which helps to plant trees around the world. The objective of this partnership is to establish a fruit tree nursery that respects organic standards, producing different types of fruits that will be distributed to local communities in the Fez and Meknes region. The target of this project is not only to provide local communities with trees, but also to integrate the children who live in this center within the project, so that they can benefit from agriculture training and access more environmental education. Indeed, a group of these children have been involved in many workshops undertaken by HAF.
The project has received approval and support from the Center staff, including the director, who is keenly aware of the importance of the project within the Abdelaziz Ben Driss Center, mainly due to the positive effects on the children who live there. It will provide another activity in addition to the rest of the activities and workshops that they benefit from, such as the metal workshop, the non-formal education ‘’school’’, and some additional workshops, which are often fixed-term. Therefore, they did not hesitate to support this project by all the help available to them, and following the process of the project together with the members of HAF, represented by Said Bennani, the Project Manager in the Fes and Ifrane region, as well as Khalid Naji, who is in charge as a nursery caretaker.

The number of beneficiaries during the agricultural training sometimes reaches 15 children. Before they start the training, they are taught about agricultural skills and environmental issues. We introduced to them the role of this nursery in contributing to the development of some communities in their region, which are often dependent on agricultural activity as their primary source of income. The participation of the children from the center in this project allowed them to contribute to the development of their communities. The seeds we planted with them became seedlings that will be distributed to their families and their communities.
We are always coordinating with the staff from the Abdelaziz Ben Driss Center to involve children in this sustainable project, which produces fruit trees organically. When the children join us in the nursery, we seek to share new ideas and techniques that they can use in their future life. They are always happy to join us to check the situation of the seedlings and see what it is in need of attention, such as watering and weeding. Children ask questions about the reasons for using any method, and the purpose of each technique and other questions asked by them are answered by members of the High Atlas Foundation or the Center staff.
The children involved in the project are becoming happier, as noticed when someone visited the center. They are constantly excited to demonstrate the change that took place after months, whereby most of seeds and cuttings grew to become trees.
We often hear these words from them: "Look at the seeds and seedlings that we have planted, they have become big trees!’’.

The Abdelaziz Ben Driss Center hosts children from different regions and cities, some of them who have grown up in rural areas. This means that they already have experience with some agricultural activities, such as the planting of trees on their farmland. When they are in the nursery workshop, they share the names of the local plants that grow in the center, and they often talk to each other about these plants and trees, and how they use them as medicinal herbs or as food for the sheep.
As for those who attend the workshops and for whom it is their first experience with agricultural activities, it is sometimes difficult for them to understand what is happening in the fruit tree nursery. However, with more participation in the activities and workshops, it becomes clear to them the importance of each stage, that the seeds need to become trees.

In this photo, we are talking to a group of children who represent many ages and backgrounds. They were given the opportunity to learn from each other, in coordination with the High Atlas Foundation team and the Abdelaziz Ben Driss staff. Involving youth in different activities and in creating more workshops helps them to have the opportunity to grow and develop a personality that can become an engine of fulfillment in society. The more training and workshops we organise for children in this situation, the more we contribute to transferring capacities to improve their living conditions. In another words, this kind of project (the development of a fruit tree nursery) helps to create a more active youth in Moroccan communities.
Said El-Bennani is a HAF project manager in the Fes-Ifrane region.

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Board Member

Rating: 5

08/02/2018

Active Youth

By Said Bennani, HAF Project Manager

Here at the Abdelaziz Ben Driss Center for theProtection ofChildren, HAF’s team in Fes and the youth living atthe centerare appreciating all the visits of our partners from other places in Morocco. Not only visitors from Morocco come, but also people travel from far away, outside of the country. They have come to meet the children and see our work together.
The project is about a fruit tree nursery, which we started building May last year. When the kids receiveguests they feel happy and more encouraged about their work in the nursery, and to learn more about agriculture.

Mr. Jamal Mimouniwho is one of our partners from the Oujda region, is thatarea’s director‘’ANDZOA’’ - the National Agency for Oasis Zones Development and Argan. He came by the center one recent Friday afternoon. We visited together all the nursery parts and he expressed how he liked the idea of building a fruit tree nursery with youth.
We talked about how the children engage in the project and learn many skills and receive environmental education. Every day the kids join us in the nursery. Hetalked with the children. The children were happy to walk together to the nursery and showMr. Jamal all the trees we planted these past months. They were happy as they are all the time, when people come and visit the great work they are doing in the nursery!Some of them say: “Look at to the seeds and cuttings we planted together, they are now trees, they are growing very fast! We were with you that time, Mr. Said, do you remember that?”
Children from the Fes area and other cities are hosted at this center. Some people come are rural areas, which means they already have an idea about agriculture and work in farming and planting trees. Some of the children are very helpful with naming all the local plants, which grow in the nursery. All the time we hear the children talk to each other about the types of plants and trees, and whatthey are used for at their hometowns.For those who are having their first experience with an agricultural project, it is hard for them sometimes to understand what is going on in the nursery. But, with more time attending the activities, they learn more about the actions we implement here at the center. This collection of children of all ages and backgrounds allow them to learn from each other, coordinating with the HAF team in Fes and the Center staff.

Furthermore, we mentioned to Mr. Jamal our visitor that we are looking to work in the same way at the Oujda center,which we started to doin recent months,planting argan and carob seeds.
It seems like those activities with youth from different ages and environments can help build leaders for community development. With more training and workshopswe organize for the children, will transfer capacities to improve the way they live every day. In other words, this kind of this project is helping to have more active youth in Moroccan society.

Review from Guidestar

DSeidman Board Member

Rating: 5

10/30/2018

High Atlas Foundation works in a collaborative way with local poor communities in Morocco to try to focus on small economic projects to increase income. These projects can range from women’s cooperatives to fruit tree nurseries to youth empowerment to organic certification.
Founded in 2000 by several former US Peace Corps volunteers in Morocco, HAF now has a small but committed, idealistic Moroccan staff that is making a big difference in the people and communities that they touch.

Review from Guidestar

IndriantyLihardinata Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/15/2018

My two weeks of volunteer experience with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) was very rewarding and memorable. I have gained valuable insight into the non-profit organization. Working on several different projects enabled me to experience numerous aspect of problem-solving and community outreach strategy. The task I performed during my internship allowed me to apply some theoretical knowledge that I gained in the school in a real-world environment.

With the opportunity to visit the clean water project in Boujdour, I could see that HAF has been doing a marvelous job to create sustainable development for the community. The project not only gave the nomadic people easy access to water but also to anyone who travels in the Sahara. Moreover, the project extended to an environmental campaign where the goal is to educate the community about recycling. Based on my experience, I think it would be more productive and effective if HAF has a better management system during the site visit.

Above all, I was such an honor for me to be working and be part of the HAF family. I would recommend anyone who interested in community development to join the team.

Review from Guidestar

1

Kerstin F. Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

10/02/2018

Natural landscapes are declining worldwide. Approximately 30 percent of the world’s natural forests are expected to be lost by the end of this century and 25 percent of all terrestrial land is currently under threat of desertification. Morocco is no exception. Over 90 percent of historical forest cover has already been lost due to the combined effect of overexploitation, overgrazing, and worsening climatic conditions. Large-scale forest destruction was introduced in the 19th century by the French during French Protectorate, and was continued by the Moroccan government after independence in 1956 to satisfy the needs for industrial charcoal production and rail construction. Furthermore, increasingly frequent droughts and unsustainable agricultural practices led to degradation of arable lands, which caused farmers to turn to forest resources to keep their cattle alive.
The disastrous extent of Morocco’s environmental degradation poses a major threat to the country’s flora and fauna. According to the IUCN Red List, over 223 plant and animal species in Morocco are threatened with extinction. In addition, severe soil erosion, water run-off, floods, and soil depletion caused by this environmental degradation is a considerable concern for human livelihoods and well-being, particularly for rural communities in the Atlas Mountains that depend on natural resources and are already marginalised and characterised by high levels of poverty.

With the dependency of rural communities on natural resources and the increasing environmental degradation caused by anthropogenic pressures, conservation inherently remains a development issue and their combined mitigation has become an important political objective. As a result, a wide range of projects that combine elements of conservation and development, and that provide communities with control over their natural resources and/or promote socioeconomic benefits, were established in an attempt to reconcile the needs of rural communities with the protection of biodiversity and associated ecosystem services.
However, tackling both environmental and societal issues at once can be challenging and many projects failed to achieve both their conservation and development objectives. This failure was often associated with projects being designed in a top-down fashion and driven by the agendas of conservationists with minimal participation of local communities. Additionally, many projects ignored that poverty can manifest not only through a lack of income or food but also through a lack of access to education, a lack of autonomy and political responsibility, a lack of equality and empowerment, and a lack of freedom and opportunity. By ignoring these intangible benefits, projects often failed to achieve long-term sustainable programme success. Identifying a set of effective practices and sharing lessons learned is therefore crucial to successfully conserve natural landscapes and alleviate poverty.

The pro-poor agroforestry programme of the High Atlas Foundation in Morocco showcases exemplary, highly effective practices and, thus, can serve as a model project that should be lauded internationally. The project was established in 2000 with the mission to facilitate sustainable development in Moroccan communities by introducing sustainable land use management through facilitating the transition from subsistence wheat agriculture to surplus fruit tree farming. This empowers local communities and increases their capacity, promoting environmental awareness and conserving the natural environment of the Atlas Mountains. Since 2003, the High Atlas Foundation has planted 3.6 million seeds and trees, and impacted approximately 10,000 household incomes through women empowerment workshops, skill training, and other community-determined initiatives such as improving school infrastructure, market access, and enriching education.
Key to this success is the foundation’s holistic strategy to sound and meaningful community engagement. Through utilising the participatory approach, where projects are driven by communities that jointly determine aims and objectives, create action plans, and help with implementation and monitoring, the foundation involves communities in every step of the programme, entrusts them with the authority to make decisions, and ensures ongoing communication between them and programme officials. This ensures early community buy-in, prevents programmes from being driven by external interests, guarantees the programme is designed with a thorough understanding of local context, social norms, and values, and allows flexibility to adapt if problems arise. Also, involving the community in every step and entrusting them to make decisions not only empowers them but also fosters ownership and pride, which are essential intangible benefits that can be as important to communities as tangible, economic benefits.

Furthermore, the foundation recognises that education alone does not lead to the behaviour change that is necessary to transition to sustainable land use practices. By combining environmental awareness campaigns with activities that reduce barriers to behaviour change (i.e., providing tools, skills, and alternative income generation strategies), the foundation can facilitate the transition from cattle and subsistence wheat farming, which depletes soil and inhibits natural plant regeneration, to sustainable fruit tree farming in 21 Moroccan provinces.

In conclusion, the ongoing deterioration of natural landscapes and the high dependency of rural poor on natural resources illustrates the need to fundamentally change conservation thinking. The High Atlas Foundation proved that meaningful community engagement through a participatory strategy is essential to sustainable, long-term success. Therefore, community engagement should never be an afterthought or a lip service, but should be fundamentally integrated into every conservation and development project. By sharing their lessons learned and effective practices, the High Atlas Foundation offers excellent potential for informing the global conservation and development community of how to develop impactful and beneficial conservation initiatives.

Kerstin Opfer holds a Master in Conservation and Rural Development at the Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent, and has traveled, worked, and lived in Morocco for over four years.

Review from Guidestar

Previous Stories

Volunteer

Rating: 4

02/27/2017

"Morocco is a country that reveals its essence only to those who take the time to draw water and to pour a pot of tea."
- Moroccan Proverb

Time and tea - the two magic words in Morocco. Two of the most important lessons you will eventually learn in Morocco are that everything takes time, just be patient and to never say no to a cup of tea. Over the last 3 months I had the pleasure to work with the High Atlas Foundation and live in this wonderful and diverse country. I came here with the objective to experience the day-to-day life of a conservationist, to gain practical knowledge in the field of conservation and sustainable development and to truly get to know the Moroccan culture by living in it. Without any doubt, this time was one of the most valuable experiences that fully reinforced my plans to work in conservation and rural development as well as to continue my carrier in Morocco.
Within my time at the High Atlas Foundation I reviewed proposals and matched donor interests to High Atlas Foundation projects. I established multiple project descriptions on the fundraising platform Global Giving and by this gained an in-depth understanding of the diverse range of projects the High Atlas Foundation conducts. Additionally I had the opportunity to evaluate Sami’s Project, a project that aims to facilitate environmental education of children and enhance school infrastructure. For that I visited 15 schools in the Al Haouz province near Marrakech, questioned teachers and students and examined tree vitality and water supply. Seeing the glance in the children’s eyes when they talked about the tree planting event gave me great joy. It was a great pleasure to see the literal fruits of HAF’s hard work over the past years.
Furthermore, I accompanied HAF’s President Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir and the retired Peace Corps Country Director of Morocco, Ellen Paquette, to a business trip around Morocco. This trip taught me that working in sustainable development is not only about professional expertise but also means to be diplomatic, emphasize networking and meeting people, discussing, introducing ideas and learning how to deal with setbacks and money shortcomings. One of my personal highlights was the distribution of a thousand trees in the commune Zerkten in the High Atlas Mountains. Seeing the farmer’s thankfulness and appreciation gave me great trust that they will take good care of the trees so that they will grow up to be strong and healthy.
However, I did not only learn a lot about sustainability and conservation of biodiversity, but I was also completely overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of the Moroccan people. I made good and true friends in the office and outside the office, who treated me like a dear sister and directly involved me in their life. From the first week on I got countless invitations from their families, probably more than I got in Germany in a whole year. Everywhere I went, I was welcomed most warmly and treated with incredible hospitality. In general there was not one day, where I felt lonely or out of place, because there were always friends around to join me for dinner or a stroll through the medina or even just a good conversation with a friendly women in the bus or the public Hammam. One experience especially moved me: It was when I travelled back to Marrakech in the early morning after a weekend trip to the mountains. Next to me sat a women, who was travelling to Casablanca and we had a very funny conversation, because we used a mix of Arabic, French and sign language to understand each other. Shortly before we arrived Marrakech she gave me two eggs for breakfast, the only eggs she had with her. I was moved by her generosity, because she had a far longer trip, but she gave me her provision anyway. And that’s essentially Moroccan hospitality: they show you their appreciation by giving you food, lots of food. If they feel you are not eating enough, they will persuade you to eat more and trying to trick them by eating slow will not work for sure. Food is, just like tea, a form of Moroccan appreciation that you should acknowledge and cherish.
Morocco is a land of countless possibilities, a country that will surprise you every day and of amazing, astonishing beauty that will keep you breathless. From days, where the bright sunlight warms up the city, to intense snow storms in the desert or heavy rainfalls that turn streets into rivers, I experienced everything. I also experienced the unbreakable spirit of young Moroccans and their urge to change their country for the better. Morocco is a country that undergoes massive, but peaceful changes, be it in the transition from subsistence agriculture to cash crop farming, the empowerment of women or the decentralisation and democratisation. Being part in this process of sustainable development was a true honour and a priceless experience that propels me to pursue my postgraduate studies in Conservation Biology, but always with the goal in mind to apply my newly gained knowledge in Morocco. It is hard finding the right words to describe my love for this country and its residents, who gave me more than I can ever repay and leaving feels close to impossible. I will indescribably miss the chaotic hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s medina with all its colours and scents, I will miss drinking more than my body weight in sugary mint tea, I will miss hiking through the peaceful countryside of the true Morocco and I will even miss waking up at 5 o’ clock in the morning from the melodic but noisy prayer call. Morocco was an incredibly experience. At times, it was trying, chaotic, and overloaded my senses, but for all the stresses of adjusting to a new culture, it was a country where I felt completely in my element and at home. A big thank you to the High Atlas Foundation and all the people I met during my stay. You made my time in Morocco so much more valuable and gave me more than I can ever repay. I will always keep you in my heart and be forever grateful for meeting you. Thank you.

Nazhazi Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/23/2018

This summer I had the great opportunity to work as a volunteer for the High Atlas Foundation. I was always curious about how an office environment was and if I was suitable for this environment. In such a short time period, I have found out that I`m actually suitable to work in such an environment. I truly believe that co-workers played a huge role in my experience at the High Atlas Foundation. They have always been so nice and always gave full support when help was necessary. The friendly environment created at the High Atlas Foundation is the greatest motivation to be present at work the next day.
As a Communication Science Bachelor`s student I`m really happy that at the High Atlas Foundation I was able to combine my studies with the work that was asked from me. The first task I performed was to analyze the data of the Foundation`s Facebook page of which I wrote a report on. Secondly, I worked on the budget narrative of one of the Foundation`s upcoming projects. This was the first time I have performed such a task which I had to predict costs. With the help of co-workers I as able to complete the budget narrative. I`m really happy that such task was asked to be completed by me since I have learned a new hard skill. Also, I believe that it will very much help me while holding the treasurer position of the Sustainability for Students Amsterdam association.
I`m really grateful for the experience.
Thanks for everything.
Merve Naz Hazinedaroglu

Review from Guidestar

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/21/2018

I interned with the High Atlas Foundation for 8 weeks over the summer 2018. I found this experience to be very meaningful. HAF works very closely with communities making each project have its own unique impact. In addition, this community provides a welcoming space to all volunteers and interns, and truly specializes in bringing people together. If you would like to read more about some of the projects I worked on while I was there, links are attached.

http://www.highatlasfoundation.org/blogs/938-morocco-provides-safe-spaces-for-youth http://www.highatlasfoundation.org/blogs/911-optimism-for-river-management-with-the-tassa-ouirgane-community

Abder1 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2018

Conserving Traditional Crop Diversity and Wild Medicinal Plants in Morocco

Abderrahim Ouarghidi, Ph.D.
Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer
High Atlas Foundation, Marrakech

The Moroccan saying--“New things have a charm and old ones should be preserved”—has wide applicability in current Moroccan agricultural practices and attitudes towards traditional and local crop varieties. This revealing expression is part of the Moroccan identity and way of life. Moroccan people place high value on tradition, while at the same time they are committed to a modernity that is built upon existing cultural traditions that give distinction.

For instance, in Morocco there is widespread preference for local or “beldi” foods, such as “a’slhur” (pure unfiltered honey), “zit ud” (olive oil), and “shriha skouria” (a local fig variety) that have been always appreciated and valued delicacies. Nearly all Moroccan communities consider “beldi” food items as healthy, tasty, and nutritious.

Despite this, decision-makers at high levels of government agencies responsible for agricultural policy and education in Morocco tend to focus heavily on commercialization, profit, and production for global markets. While this approach has positioned Morocco as an important producer of fruit and vegetables for European and global markets—in the effort to ensure that the Moroccan agricultural sector is thriving, they have avertedly undermined local knowledge and practices of small-scale farmers, leading to the loss of agrobiodiversity and traditional crop varieties.

Although traditional crop varieties are highlighted in Morocco’s “Green” strategic plan for agriculture, to date limited attention has been given to local agricultural practices and local crop varieties and species, which represent an important genetic resource for small farmers and the future of these crops globally. The genetic diversity preserved in-situ in traditional crop varieties can provide the raw materials needed to ensure continuing supplies of these crops in the face of water scarcity and rapid climate and environmental change.

Promoting local seed diversity enhances the diversity of crops on farms thereby providing resilience to environmental and market shocks, while at the same time maintaining local practices and values. Growing traditional varieties in addition to those for export, would allow farmers to also target local markets and support healthy aspects of traditional Moroccan diets and cuisine.

To help return traditional crop varieties to farms in Morocco, the High Atlas Foundation(HAF) has been working with the Farmer-to-Farmer program (funded by USAID and administered by Land O’ Lakes) to assess the current status of local agrobiodiversity and create a seed bank to preserve local crops, wild relatives, and wild medicinal plants. The hope is that such documentation and the seed bank will both demonstrate the inherent value of traditional crop varieties and crop wild relatives and ensure that farmers who which to reintroduce such varieties to their farms have access to planting material. This work support HAF’s mission in Morocco to achieve a sustainable agricultural development and promote sustainable local varieties and practices for food security and conservation.

The rapid assessment we performed the fall and winter of 2017-18 suggests a tremendous shift has occurred, resulting in the loss of local crops varieties and genotypes and loss of traditional agricultural practices. We found widespread replacement of diverse traditional varieties with a very few high-yielding introduced varieties and species such as apple, almond, and plums. These introduced varieties are considered “modern”, genetically enhanced, and are heavily promoted by governmental programs encouraging intensive agriculture. Agricultural priorities for export markets promoted through different programs are thereby contributing to genetic erosion and in some cases lead to unsustainable agriculture.

There needs to be greater attention to the inequality in access to the benefits from these agricultural transitions, especially for small scales farmers in terms of access to agricultural inputs and vulnerability to market and environmental shocks. During our field work, some farmers raised concerns of the cost of the treatment of the infected modern varieties of apples and the amount of labor needed to grow them. According to farmers, varieties bred from traditional “beldi” varieties require less intervention and cost very little.

We are also working to collect seeds from wild plants with economic value. In parts of rural Morocco some households gain a substantial portion of their income through the sale of medicinal plants collected from the wild. Collectors of medicinal plants and stakeholders stated that the populations of some medicinal plants are decreasing such as pellitory, wild sage, and thym, and are keen to discuss the possibility of domesticating them.

In addition to creating a Seed Bank system to preserve crops varieties and threatened wild endemic species, it is important to ensure the application of a creative, inclusive and diverse approaches to improve agriculture and livelihoods. Local communities must be valued for the real value they add to agrobiodiversity and food systems. In this context, HAF is playing an important role working with local farmers ensuring the use of local crops varieties and species that require less pesticides and insecticides and use water efficiently.

Dr. Abderrahim Ouarghidi – a High Atlas Foundation Farmer-to-Farmer Volunteer – is an Assistant Research Professor at the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management, Pennsylvania State University.

Review from Guidestar

Kelsey A. Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2018

After more than 25 hours of traveling to Morocco, we were greeted warmly upon our arrival by our local partner from the High Atlas Foundation, Rachid. We spent the night in Casablanca before beginning our (roughly) five-hour drive to Marrakech the following day. Once in Marrakech, we checked into our beautiful Riad (hotel), went out to tour the Old City, have lunch Moroccan-style and finish up the day with a quick shopping trip in the souks (a HUGE marketplace with vendors of all kinds).

The next day, we had the opportunity to meet the president of the High Atlas Foundation, Dr. Yosef Ben-Meir, before picking up the shoes for our first and second distributions! As we made our way along the bumpy roads of the High Atlas Mountains, the sights were absolutely breathtaking and second-to-none. Pulling into both of the villages, all members of the community were gathered around with smiles from cheek-to-cheek. We quickly got to work setting up and sorting the shoes by sex and size, sizing each child's feet, washing and drying their feet (a touching and heartwarming part of the process), and finally sliding on perfect pairs of brand new shoes! At this point, if a child was shy or hesitant, even with the language barrier that we faced, we found that the saying "smiles are a universal language" could not be truer.

We continued to have wonderful experiences at the next village during both the shoe distribution, as well as our time spent painting a new mural in the outside playing area at our third distribution site. Our fourth and final distribution site was at a local Women's Co-Op which I found to be the most empowering. The women and children we served were members of a largely ostracized community since they had been either divorced or widowed. Rachida, the woman who ran the Co-Op, along with all the other women who were there, welcomed and thanked us individually with a handshake and a customary kiss on each cheek. During the distribution, many smiles, rough attempts to speak the other's language, and high-fives were exchanged, creating an indescribable, as well as overwhelming, amount of positive energy in the room. As a thank you, a couple of the women did henna for us, leaving many of us stained with beautiful designs on our hands for the weeks to come. After a quick but delicious lunch cooked by the women in the Co-Op with the help of other Vanderbilt student-athletes, we were on our way back to Marrakech.

Personally, as someone who struggles with social anxiety, traveling to another continent with a group of 20 strangers was a big step just by itself. Yet as the trip progressed, getting to know the other student-athletes left me feeling closer and more connected to the Vanderbilt community than I ever thought possible. While on the trip, our motto was "learn to be comfortable with the uncomfortable," which is actually something my coach says constantly, and it was great to have another place to practice that mindset.

While this trip to Morocco was meant to help change the day-to-day lives of folks who are less fortunate than others, I left feeling as if I had gained so much more than I was given. I will forever remember the smiles on every child's face as we put a brand new pair of shoes on their feet, the memories made on long bus rides with other student-athletes, the hope we saw in the eyes of each elder in the villages, I could not be more grateful for this opportunity offered by Vanderbilt Athletics and the High Atlas Foundation, and it makes me excited to continue doing service work both locally and internationally in the future.

Jenny S.2 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2018

Ask an American college student what they want to do in their life and inevitably, at some point, they will say some version of “to make a difference.” Ask a young professional why they are transitioning in their careers and you are likely to hear “I want to find more meaning in my work.” Despite high levels of education, we young Americans struggle to find opportunities to create positive change in the world.

In 2014, Unesco ranked Morocco among the 21 poorest countries in education. According to USAID, the likelihood of a first grader going on to complete high school is less than 15 percent. But there is no shortage of opportunities to create lasting change here. This week, on a volunteer trip with the High Atlas Foundation to distribute school supplies donated by Fre Skincare, I had the opportunity to meet a woman who was doing just that.

In the 1990s, Lalla Fadma Abjar moved from the city to Tidzi, a small village in the semi-desert Sous valley of southern Morocco, 25 km from the beach town of Essaouira. At that time, just over a quarter of women in Morocco were literate, and this was of course much lower in the rural areas. Lalla Fadma was one of the few.

Around the same time, Moroccan professor Zoubida Charrouf recognized the extent of the decline in the ancient, hardy Argan tree, whose dry bark is reminiscent of a juniper and whose fruits could be mistaken for olives. While it once covered all of North Africa, preventing desertification and providing many benefits to communities across the region, by the 1990s the Argan tree could be found only in the Sous valley. To motivate local communities to protect the argan forests and to empower women, Professor Charrouf began developing women’s argan cooperatives and marketing and raising awareness of the products internationally.

In 1998, UNESCO declared the argan forest in the valley to be a biosphere reserve, and a movement began. As one of the few literate women, Lalla Fadma was sought out to establish one of the first cooperatives in the region. She bought the land herself and, with a small group of women, created the Cooperative Feminine Izourane Ouargane and began processing the “liquid gold.” For the first time in their lives, they earned income and had a place to socialize outside their homes.

Now, Lalla Fadma’s daughter, Lalla Amina Amchir carries on her mother’s work, expanding the opportunities for women and their families. There are now 40 women in the cooperative, most of them widows or divorced. In the last 2 years, Izourane women’s cooperative was able to plant 2,000 new trees thanks to the partnership with HAF and Fre skincare. In addition to the income that these trees will help to generate, the partnership provided training in women’s empowerment, educating the members about their rights, and provided school supplies for their children, to help combat the high dropout rates that are still pervasive in rural Morocco.

With only a third-grade education, Lalla Amina administers the cooperative herself. She proudly showed us the impeccably organized cabinet where she stores the financial records. She explained how she has worked hard over the past two years to complete the seemingly endless series of paperwork required to become certified by the ONSSA which would enable the group to access a more consistent and reliable market, with greater guarantee of payment. Hopefully, the Izourane cooperative will receive the certificate soon, as this will also help to differentiate them from the many argan shops lining the road, which Lalla Amina explained are actually for-profit enterprises masquerading as cooperatives, but which do not truly support the women.

While the argan industry has become increasingly established over the past two decades, Lalla Amina and the other cooperative presidents have done all of this work with very little support. The Ministry of Agriculture provides some trainings on administrative matters, but these are offered only in French, a language not spoken by most of the presidents. Similarly, while an association of presidents exists in name, no activities are carried out to enable the presidents to practically support one another.

While she perseveres through these challenges, Lalla Amina sees the fruits of her efforts and the benefits of the support of partners like the High Atlas Foundation every day. She explained that earning income brings women purpose in their lives, and invest their earnings in their homes and in their children. In addition, the provision of school supplies, donated by Fre Skincare helps to ensure that kids go to school and have the resources that they need to learn.

As we distributed backpacks and notebooks to the 30 children on our visit, Rachid, a HAF project manager, asked each child what they want to be when they grow up. Most aspire to be teachers or doctors. Thanks to Lalla Amina, as well as the support of HAF, Fre Skincare, and Izouran’s other partners, these dreams are increasingly likely to become a reality. When they do, whether the children will know it or not, each of them will carry a piece of the dedication, work ethic, and empathy of Lalla Fadma and Amina, and they will continue to change the world.

Review from Guidestar

julieblazeVU19 Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/18/2018

Today was our second full day in Morocco, but our first day of service. We first met with the CEO of High Atlas Foundation, the foundation we are partnering with here in Morocco. HAF works to help communities participate in the development of their own village's infrastructure through planting trees, enhancing schools - as mandated by the Moroccan government. The CEO, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, spoke to us in a charismatic manner that not only showed how much he cared for the foundation, but how he cared for us as volunteers.

Dr. Yossef urged us to remember two things. The first is to not bring doubts with us when the future is unknown. Don't be doubtful of the uncertain, but rather find hope that the work you are doing is bringing a positive impact beyond your knowledge. Dr. Yossef related this to our athletic experience; don't have doubts about your next play, because it involves factors you cannot foresee. The second piece of knowledge was that implementation of law (or in any case of cultural attitude) comes not from strategies and ideas being told, but from the participation of those whom it will be affecting. This is why HAF insists on working with communities to plant trees and relay their communities' other needs to government officials. It is how Souls4Soles works with local foundations to ensure that the implementation of donations of shoes is not brought with false promises, but rather brought with hope for the future of one's community.



We saw Dr. Yossef's words come to fruition during our first day of service in Morocco. After taking a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains, we visited two villages whose inhabitants greeted us with smiles on their faces and Moroccan tea in their hands. Once we had the shoes set up for sizes and placement, each child had their feet washed and they received a pair of shoes based on their size. The first village was a little tricky for me. I could see the hesitation on each child's face when a shoe may have been too small at first, the uncertainty they had. However, once we found the right shoe for each child, their smiles grew exponentially. The spirit with which we greeted the villages, and with which they reciprocated, showed the unifying capability of the human soul. The language barrier was difficult, but singing and dancing do not have to be understood to be felt.

Leaving the villages was a challenge, but I was not sad while saying goodbye. I knew that Dr. Yossef was right, in seeing Rachid with his friends and coworkers of the villages, that HAF is helping in the implementation of change for each village. Souls4Soles is also a vehicle of that change, helping each child one shoe at a time.



With the joy and excitement of our first service day fresh on our minds, it was safe to say we were all looking forward to our second day of distribution. Our group spent the day at another small village outside of Marrakech, where we distributed more than 200 pairs of shoes. Along with our distribution we also spent time painting and decorating a wall at the local school. It was clear that the kid at heart came out in all of us when we began to draw and paint pictures on the walls.

Galk Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/12/2018

How can we know if a project we took part in, really had an impact?

Several month after finishing my internship with the High Atlas Foundation, I got the chance to go back to Marrakech, this time, only for a visit. Though the purpose of the travel was truly exciting, an interfaith conference in Essaouira, I was more excited about visiting my friends from HAF and the people we had worked with on HAF's women's programs, from the villages of Ourika, Setti Fadma and Okemidan in the High Atlas region.

Often in the development field, we seek for great changes that we can measure with numbers for instance, to indicate on the impact of a given project. However, sometimes, as I learned in this recent visit, change can be something that you feel, or see in different shapes.

Our first stop was the Aboghlou Women's Cooperative in Ourika valley. The first thing one sees when entering the cooperative, are the products that the women are growing, preparing and selling. A year ago, they mainly sold traditional anise cookies, different types of cuscus, and dried leafs that were grown collected and packed by order. This time I could see additional products, such as quinoa, henna and more. Nevertheless, the most exciting was the new designs of the packaging of the products that looked so much more professional. When asking the cooperative members how they see their progress, they shared that if once their dream was to sell their products to people in their region, now their dream is to reach the national level, and next, to export their products abroad. The head of the cooperative shared that not only the fact that they started to generate money motivated them, but also seeing their success made them think big, and develop their cooperative. She added that women from other villages were inspired by the Aboghlou cooperative, and started other associations and cooperatives in their area. In her words, this makes her very happy.

Remembering one woman from this cooperative, who last time when I was there, shared that she had never spoken to a man before in her life, was afraid to take public transportation, etc. and this time, seemed very confident when explaining about the cooperative to the people that were present in the room, led me to an important understanding. In fact, the essence of the personal impact of the empowerment of these women comes in a shape of greater self-confidence that nourishes these women's beliefs in their abilities, and encourages their actions towards economic development as well. Another good example, is that a year ago the cooperative members refused to accept back several women who had dropped out at the beginning of the process of establishing the cooperative. They mentioned that they did not feel responsible for them, and could not see the importance of including others in their development process. Eventually, regarding the question of accepting others, they decided to take some time and think about it. Today, when I asked them about their decision, they said that at the future, they would be happy to receive back anyone who will be committed to their joint success.

Following this fabulous visit, we drove up the mountains to Anamer village. We met the women there, who shared their great feeling of satisfaction from the Arabic lessons they decided to take, following the workshops we conducted with them, only eight months earlier. I was so excited to see how positively they remembered us, and the workshops we had done. After having tea, I left with the kids of the village to see their fruit trees, and walk by the river, while Fatima-Zahra and Ibtisam, shared their advices with the women about the process of establishing an association. This was truly moving to see how one small action lead to such strong feelings and a true bond between us.

Our last stop was the house of our dear colleague Abd-el-Jalil, in Okemidan, that showed us the agriculture in the area, and hosted us for a fabulous lunch. Once again I was exposed to the great generosity of my friends from the HAF and their open hearts that now as before, made me feel at home.

My main conclusion from this visit was that change comes in different shapes, and amounts, and though sometimes the impact of our work is not tangible or measurable, every single action that we did or did not take, left something on the people we interacted with. I can indicate for myself that it left a huge impact on me as well, that takes the shape of feeling that I was a part of something great. So how could we know if a project we took part in, really had an impact? In this case, we see it with our eyes, and feel it with our hearts.

Review from Guidestar

Youssef E. Volunteer

Rating: 5

09/05/2018

I would like to Thank the hight atlas foundation so much for the opportunity to intern in such a great NGO.
It was a wonderful experience and made me even more certain that I would like to pursue a career in social work.
Over the course of the internship, I was able to spend many hours with each HAF staff and volunteers. It was incredibly rewarding to be able to work with them on several projects related to environment, youth, women empowerment …...
Your advice and experience have been tremendously helpful; I truly appreciate the confidence you showed in me during my internship.

ThomasAnderson Board Member

Rating: 5

09/04/2018

I am so proud of this organization. It has accomplished so much since its humble beginnings. It began with a simple idea put forward by several Peace Corps volunteers with a deep connection and love for Morocco and it's people.

Yossef Ben-Meir's vision and persistence has led to the robust organization that the High Atlas Foundation is today. Yossef has been at the center of the organization since its inception. He has dedicated his life to rural community development in the Maghreb.

The High Atlas Foundation uses a bottom-up community managed approach to projects which yields meaningful results and positive change. The organization employs dynamic personnel who are committed to the health and well-being of their communities.

I had the pleasure of seeing the High Atlas Foundation in action a couple years ago as they planted their millionth tree. It remains one of the best memories of my life. If anyone is looking for a good cause to support, it would be difficult to find something better than this phenomenal organization.

Hajar E. Volunteer

Rating: 4

09/03/2018

Caring for Life in Tadmamt
Hajar Ennamli (National School of Management and Trade in Oujda)
By Saloua Rmita (Eastern Mediterranean University in Cyprus)
HAF Interns
Marrakech
We are volunteering with High Atlas Foundation in Marrakesh, for the purpose of living an unforgettable experience and discovering HAF’s activities.
Our first project site visit was to Tadmamt. HAF’s tree nursery represents a partnership with the Department of Waters and Forests, and it was first funded in 2012 by the United Nations Development Program.
This nursery includes one hectare of land for planting three kinds of organic fruit seeds which are irrigated by a large water basin. There are cherry (60 000 seeds), almond (85,800 seeds), and walnuts (45,000 seeds).
Upon arriving at the site, we met Mr. Youssef, who takes care of the land now that his father, who is the responsible in the nursery, is ill. In our journey, we went visit Mr. Omar, Youssef‘ s father, at his home. His family is so humble and generous. They welcomed us with a smile.
Mr. Omar, is a sixty-year-old man. In addition, he is a hard-working person who supports his large family from the salary he receives from HAF.
Mr. Omar lives 12 kilometers from the nursery. This doesn’t prevent him from coming every morning to the nursery, except for now that he is not feeling well. It is more than a job for him, it is a story of love.
Moreover, HAF’a approach consists to improve livelihoods of rural households, increasing incomes and socioeconomic status of marginalized villages. HAF’s goal is to overcome the poverty cycle by pushing past traditional practices of subsistence agriculture with the help of the nurseries and other agricultural activities, such as cooperative and certifying organic.
HAF‘s purpose is noble. This amazing organization is supporting and helping people to achieve their dreams. This experience taught us how hard life is for other people, and how the Foundation is trying hard to make people’s life easier and give them chances to make their lives better.
We are thankful to the High Atlas Foundation for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to be here as volunteers.

FloraD Donor

Rating: 5

09/02/2018

The High Atlas Foundation is very altruistic and the people who work for it ask very little for themselves. They just want to better Morocco. It is one of the great things that is for Moroccans and the country. Every country should have an organization like this. Morocco is better because of the High Atlas Foundation.

1

Julieblaze Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/26/2018

After arriving in Marrakech the day before, today we first met with the CEO of High Atlas Foundation, the foundation we are partnering with here in Morocco. HAF works to help communities participate in the reconstruction of their own village's infrastructure through planting trees, as mandated by the Moroccan government. The CEO, Dr. Yosef, spoke to us in a charismatic manner that not only showed how much he cared for the foundation, but how he cared for us as volunteers.

Dr. Yosef urged us to remember two things. The first is to not bring doubts with us when the future is unknown. Don't be doubtful of the uncertain, but rather find hope that the work you are doing is bringing a positive impact beyond your knowledge. Dr. Yosef related this to our athletic experience; don't have doubts about your next play, because it involves factors you cannot foresee. The second piece of knowledge was that implementation of law (or in any case of cultural attitude) comes not from strategies and ideas being told, but from the participation of those whom it will be affecting. This is why HAF insists on working with communities to plant trees and relay their communities' other needs to government officials. It is how Souls4Soles works with local foundations to ensure that the implementation of donations of shoes is not brought with false promises, but rather brought with hope for the future of one's community.

We saw Dr. Yosef's words come to fruition during our first day of service in Morocco. After taking a short drive into the High Atlas Mountains, we visited two villages whose inhabitants greeted us with smiles on their faces and Moroccan tea in their hands. Once we had the shoes set up for sizes and placement, each child had their feet washed and they received a pair of shoes based on their size. The first village was a little tricky for me. I could see the hesitation on each child's face when a shoe may have been too small at first, the uncertainty they had. However, once we found the right shoe for each child, their smiles grew exponentially. The spirit with which we greeted the villages, and with which they reciprocated, showed the unifying capability of the human soul. The language barrier was difficult, but singing and dancing do not have to be understood to be felt.

Leaving the villages was a challenge, but I was not sad while saying goodbye. I knew that Dr. Yosef was right, in seeing Rachid with his friends and coworkers of the villages, that HAF is helping in the implementation of change for each village. Souls4Soles is also a vehicle of that change, helping each child one shoe at a time.

With the joy and excitement of our first service day fresh on our minds, it was safe to say we were all looking forward to our second day of distribution. Our group spent the day at another small village outside of Marrakech, where we distributed more than 200 pairs of shoes. Along with our distribution we also spent time painting and decorating a wall at the local school. It was clear that the kid at heart came out in all of us when we began to draw and paint pictures on the walls.

Review from Guidestar

Afaft General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/22/2018

Dr Afaf Hamzaoui, English Language Teacher.
My experience with HAF started in 2017; when HAF chose the high school where I work to hold an environment event. It was plating trees by his excellency the USA ambassador then L.Dwight Bush. The trees were a gift to our school by HAF.As soon as I was informed by the administration if I would like to share I accepted. Thanks to the oportunity offered by HAF then, I have succeded to realise one of my pidagogical aims: push my studets to help for free just for their school, for evironment and for their country. My aim was to make them feel that they are useful and they could do something good as volunteers. Really my students changed most of them changed theor behaviours and their minds towards their future life not only via their work but also after listening to both his excellency Mr ambassador and Dr Ben-Meir' speeches; which have also marked me. Secondly, in addition to the field work my students and I did, I was a volunteer translator for his excellency Mr ambassador and his wife. I translated all for him from Arabic and French into English as well as I was honored to translate his speech to the present audience then. It was an amazing experience for me. There are no words that can express my feelings. And from that time until now I have still in contact with Dr Yossef Ben-Meir whom I respect too much and whom I admire all what he does to help others. And to whom I say all time I am ready to help and share as a volunteer with HAF.Thank you so much Dr Ben-Meir. THANK YOU HAF.

Review from Guidestar

Ajbcohen Donor

Rating: 5

08/19/2018

The commitment and contributions of the High Atlas Foundation have impressed me greatly for many years. I am an American born without any knowledge of the struggles of the Moroccan people. Only through this foundation do I now have an appreciation for the importance of supporting this and other similar efforts - it is critical for those who it is directly aimed at, but it also has broader implications for peace and stability around the world.

Review from Guidestar

1

nhpaque Volunteer

Rating: 2

08/07/2018

I spent several months volunteering with HAF in Marrakesh this summer, and I would advise against doing it. First of all, I was extremely misled about the work I would be doing. When I had my interview with the president of the organization to talk about the internship, he promised me that I would be able to do particular tasks that suit my interest. He told me that there was a great need for the work that I wanted to do, and that it would be meaningful. However, this was not the case when I arrived. It became evident that all of the encouraging talk was simply to get me to come, and then get me to do different things. I was always asked to do different tasks that were not related to what I was promised to do. All of the work that the president, and other people in the organization asked me to do was completely irrelevant to what I was promised I could come to do. If I mentioned this, I was met with a harsh reaction from the leadership. Also, the organization is far from transparent and there are lots of barriers to know what is actually happening. I was lied to about projects multiple times by the staff, I am not sure if this was intentional or if they were lied to from above. This goes back to the point that was made in several other reviews about the president’s strict leadership style, and how he will ask staff to lie. The senior staff are quite incompetent and are not open to anything aside from their ways. It is also true that we are asked to write these reviews upon completing our internships, which puts pressure on us to write good things. I would advise against interning or volunteering here as you will be misled and met with an incompetent staff that is closed minded. I also saw multiple dead trees on sight visits that the leadership refused to take count of, which leads me to believe that donors and funders of projects are lied to Personally, I feel that should verify much more than simply trusting as the little I saw made me extremely concerned.

Alexander F. General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

08/05/2018

A week ago, I visited Marrakesh and had the chance to meet the president of the High Atlas Foundation. I thought both Dr. Ben-Meir and the organization were very interesting, so I decided to interview him. I asked him questions about the organization, life in Morocco, his own life, and the role Judaism plays in all of these things. And afterwards, I reflected on what all that meant to me. If any of that sounds interesting to you, click here.

https://sites.duke.edu/ames326a_01_2ss2018/2018/08/01/high-atlas-shrugged/

KatieO99 Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/03/2018

I interned with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) for ten weeks during the summer of 2018. During my time with HAF, I visited several of the cooperatives that the organizations assists. I think the work HAF does is excellent, and makes a big difference in the lives of the people they work with. Personally, this internship was a great experience which gave me a lot of valuable training and skills.

Review from Guidestar

1

Saloua R. Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/01/2018

After one month interning in High Atlas Foundation, i feel extremely satisfied with the knowledge and skills i got from that experience, it was a pleasure for me to work with such a professional hard worker team.

Yes, it was one month of experience in HAF but its a year of experience compared with other foundation or agencies in Morocco since their not really professional and specially on the timing part.
My experience was full of adventures and communication skills, i traveled to some villages such as Tadmamt where the land is used by HAF and ive seen how HAF take care and appreciate their employees.

Review from Guidestar

RehamElkhamisy Volunteer

Rating: 4

08/01/2018

the most important thing while working is to be appriciated and feel that you work with friends and family, although i am the youngest on in the office but i was always respected and feel motivated. Mr youssef was always pushing me to bring the best inside me. i improved my self there through many ways " writing blogs and articles " which i know it will help in the future. thanks for the foundation and thanks for the community who make you feel safe and welcomed everyday.

Review from Guidestar

JPCortes Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/26/2018

HAF is an amazing organization. More than a dedicated team of workers, they are a family who all strive to make Morocco a better place for everyone. Their commitment towards sustainable development for Morocco is remarkable and volunteers can see the moment they arrive. It was truly a pleasure volunteering for HAF, and I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to get some experience with international NGO’s

Review from Guidestar

1

JoshuaS1 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 1

07/17/2018

Do not be deceived by all of the positive reviews here. Before leaving the office in Marrakesh the president of the organization makes all of the interns and volunteers write a review on here before they can get their certificate and go. In short, this means he will know who said each and every negative thing, and read the review so they only say polite things.

The majority of the staff of this organization are well-intentioned, but they are lied to by the leadership of the organization and therefore unwillingly tell lies to many other people. For example, many of the staff say that the organization plants carbon credits all over Morocco when in reality they are only authorized to do so in one national park, AND THEY ARE NOT EVEN DOING IT YET. Unsurprisingly, the president of the organization goes around saying that they do this. Even worse, whenever someone tries to bring up an issue the president will dismiss it and say that they do not understand Morocco or the operations of HAF. This is simply a cover-up so that they can deflect all of the faults that they may have.

Also, they claim to have planted over 1 million trees and talk about it all the time. However, many of these trees have died due to poor management, in reality, the standards in which the organization operates would not even meet the most basic forestry standards in the United States or Europe, and when confronted about it the president simply says "I am a Doctor of this" to dismiss any criticism.

This organization is cult-like, and anyone who tries to criticize the leadership or its operations is thrown out. Also, there is no transparency in its budgeting so no one knows how money is being spent.

Do not be fooled by many of these great interviews, they are a scam.

1

leontrujillo Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/16/2018

Morocco´s agro sector has great potential for development. Fortunately, it is being championed by committed and experienced organizations that include NGOs. I just returned from a 15 day volunteer marketing assignment based in Marrakech where I supported 2 cooperatives in the promotion of their products. The invitation came from IESC (International Executive Service Corps) as part the USDA/USAID Farmer to Farmer program and my host was HAF (High Atlas Foundation). The experience has been outstanding. HAF´s influential work starts at the bottom of the pyramid. The Foundation engages and empowers women that are heads of households to set-up and run their own businesses. The women in the pictures (from Ourika) operate a tree nursery, buy and process wheat, calendula, almonds and walnuts -among others- and sell to international buyers and at their own shop to support their families. The social impact of such projects is evident, the consequences of such actions for development are immense. HAF´s team is a knowledgeable melting pot of talents that include local staff and volunteers flying in from different origins that come together working for a higher purpose.

Review from Guidestar

PamelaJ.Karg Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 3

07/13/2018

I was introduced to HAF and two of the cooperatives with which it works during a two-week assignment through the USDA/USAID Farmer to Farmer volunteer program implemented by Land O'Lakes International Development. The HAF staff is very dedicated to the long-term success of its farmers, working constantly to connect them to the value chain for calendula, almonds and walnuts (as well as other products). It was also very interesting to see so many college-age volunteers who, on their own or through their university programs, give their time to assist HAF in its endeavors.

Review from Guidestar

1

tmag Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/26/2018

I stumbled upon a volunteering opportunity with High Atlas Foundation through a sabbatical option at my not-for-profit organization in the United States. I learned a great deal here about sustainability, community empowerment, and agriculture. I had the opportunity to visit developing nursery sites, and seeing a new nursery take form from the beginning stages has been one of my unexpectedly exciting experiences here.

HAF does incredible work, and it's growing. If you want to feel real impact in community empowerment, look no further.

Review from Guidestar

Salim23 Volunteer

Rating: 4

06/26/2018

Being a volunteer among HAF members enabled me to become socially aware of the context of rural Morocco. It gave me the opportunity to draw a better understanding of local's needs and gave me an appreciation of serving people through the contact and field trips organized by the HAF. The implementation of focus groups, assessements and interviewes also enabled me to grasp better the participatory development approach as opposed to the orthodox one.
Also, being surrounded by a multi-cultural group where each is providing his/her experience, perspective and understanding of reality was genuinely thrilling and would possibly bring about all positivity and joyfulness of serving communities.
I am very pleased and satisfied with this experience and would fervently recommend other individuals to integrate the HAF or other NGO that aims at improving beneficiaries lives in the context if social development.

HadmaD Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/18/2018

Having been a volunteer in HAF for a humble period, I came to realize a simple fact: Organizations like this are the places where one goes with the intention to contribute something, help in some way, yet, what happens is actually the opposite, I came to give but ended up getting ten folds of my little input. Surrounded by people (staff and volunteers) who are both kind, cheerful, helpful, and serious, professional in the mean time, I felt home as I enhanced my translation skills... Just a little time here is worth years of learning.

Review from Guidestar

Kimmell Volunteer

Rating: 4

03/30/2018

This NGO has taken on the long term project of getting Moroccan farmers to plant fruit and nut trees. They grow the seedlings and supply the farmer with not only the trees but the training to bring those trees to maturity. This requires persistence, knowledge, salesmanship, and most of all desire to keep the building blocks piling up. When visiting High Atlas you feel the drive and commitment to make this a long distance race. Many of the obstacles have been overcome and they continue to attack the obstacles that remain.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/30/2018

I spent the last two weeks as a volunteer working with the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakesh. It was a very rewarding experience for me to participate in the activities of this noble foundation. This non-profit foundation has a mission to provide sustainable prosperity in Morocco through helping communities ,schools, farmers and the environment. I was impressed by the dedication of the foundation staff and the scope of different projects and will welcome participating again.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

02/12/2018

My experience with HAF was full of knowledge,learning skills,sharing charity,
I had an opportunity to work with a professional team ,in a very social climate ,
Thank you HAF for giving me this opportunity

clairelynch3825 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/25/2018

I volunteered with the High Atlas Foundation in January 2018 and was blown away by the truly impactful work of the organization. HAF works to center the communities it serves, prioritizing their voices and needs in its programs and projects. The commitment to service and compassion of the staff is evident and it was a true joy to volunteer here.

zag5022 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/04/2018

HAF is doing great work in foresting vulnerable soils and working with the Amazigh people. The staff is incredibly passionate and dedicated to these communities. Thank you so much for supporting me and making me feel at home in Morocco.

Review from Guidestar

jackfbutler Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/02/2017

I have spent the past three weeks as a volunteer for the High Atlas Foundation helping HAF in its effort improve the lives of nomadic populations in Eastern Morocco by teaching them to grow high value crops. HAF has developed an effective business model, growing transplants in nurseries it has established in schools and youth support centers, distributing them to family farmers and teaching them modern crop growing techniques. Along the way, the trees help disadvantaged children learn a new vocation, help the nomadic people attain more settled and prosperous lives, and remove thousands of tons of carbon from the atmosphere as productive orchards are established on the edge of the Sahara.
My first stop was at the Center for the Protection of Children in Oujda, a mid-sized city about 60 kilometers from the Mediterranean coast. The Center provides housing and vocational education to children ranging from twelve to eighteen years of age who have been convicted of minor crimes, as well as orphans and abandoned children. High Atlas is in the process of installing a nursery at the Center, capable of growing up to 40,000 trees, where the children will receive valuable hands-on training in farming and will experience the profound therapeutic effects of tending to living plants.
But there are technical problems. The well that supplies water to the Center does not have adequate capacity to supply the nursery and drilling a new one is prohibitively expensive. The current well can be deepened at reasonable cost, but it is unclear how much additional water this will produce. While at the Center I helped High Atlas staff develop a plan to upgrade the well, size the nursery to match the output of the upgraded well and design a drip irrigation system to make efficient use of every drop the well produces. The plan has been finalized and we expect the nursery to be in full production early next year.
After saying goodbye to the children in Oujda our small team headed inland to Bouarfa, the capital of Figuig Province. Bouarfa is the cultural hub of the Bni Guil nomadic tribe, which has tended sheep in Eastern Morocco for over ten centuries. The nomadic life is harsh, and has become more difficult in the past few decades as changes in Morocco’s climate have made surface water more difficult to find and the closing of the Algerian border has hurt the local economy. In the past several years the Provincial government has helped the nomads by giving them land and training to diversify their sheep herding income with farming. It is against this backdrop that we arrived in Bouarfa to help the farmers use drip irrigation to grow high value organic crops with scarce desert resources, and to find homes for some 50,000 fruit and nut trees from High Atlas nurseries.
The farms we visited are small and remote: many less than three hectares, family managed and over fifteen kilometers from the nearest paved road. The government has helped the farmers drill wells and install solar powered pumps which are perfect for this place where the sun is always present and electricity is scarce. The region has good soil, plenty of sun, and the desert surroundings hide the fact ground water is plentiful - in some places only three meters below the surface. The farmers are hard-working and eager to create a better life through growing crops, but they need help. Many are new to crop production and information is hard to find in this remote region. They lack both the resources and experience required to adopt environment-friendly, world-class farming practices.
After gathering information, we began work on a plan to transition the farmers from their current use of inefficient flood irrigation to resource-efficient drip systems and to provide them with High Atlas Foundation transplants that were raised in places like the Center for the Protection of Children in Oujda. The plan includes a unique training program catered to specific local needs, drip irrigation equipment and the transplants themselves. Once funded it will enable these small family farmers, less than a generation away from nomadic life, to grow export-quality organic produce using cutting edge irrigation technology.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

10/13/2017

I have recently returned from a most rewarding volunteer assignment with High Atlas Foundation. HAF had asked me to assess their tree nursery business and to develop a business plan that would guide their efforts. I spent three weeks with HAF in Marrkech, Morocco, interspersed with three day-trips to nurseries and a wholesale fruit and vegetable market.

HAF utilizes volunteers frequently. In fact while I was working with them there were three other US-based late career volunteers and half a dozen university volunteers from Europe, Israel, and Morocco.

I suspect that I learned as much from HAF as they learned from me - - great synergy. I look forward to another assignment with this fine organization.

AzizBlink Volunteer

Rating: 4

08/30/2017

High Atlas Foundation is a great example for other organisations to follow. It is home to international staff and volunteers that are passionate for helping others. HAF does it by creating a pleasant environment for the staff in order to maximise their productivity. HAF is not shy from taking intitiatives in challenging projects that directly improves people’s lives. I am very thankful for HAF for giving me a space to share my knowledge with my colleagues in a helpful manner.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

07/31/2017

The High Atlas Foundation has an entrepreneurial spirit and desire to explore new opportunities that made working with them a gratifying experience. The team members are open, helpful and genuinely care about their mission and the broader part they play in Morocco's social and environmental development. As with most small organizations, information and knowledge is usually housed with individual members but there was never a time that someone wasn't not willing to sit down then or schedule a time. A truly wonderful experience and great way to experience Morocco.

LachneyBL Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/28/2017

Great non-profits are those focused on greater concern; those with a broader scope. The High Atlas Foundation is one of those. It doesn't matter if a non-profit is large or small, it matters if they are willing to concentrate on larger outcomes that will have bigger affect. HAF, through small, or better yet intimate, devotes their energy in a way that seeks bigger, more affecting, outcomes. A small package doing bigger things...they are punching well above their weight. Easy to work with, they are welcoming to volunteers and work hard to make every moment important. I would highly recommend working with them...helping to affect real and positive change.

ellenhighatlas Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2017

The projects that HAF is doing are truly amazing, and its employees are very dedicated to its mission.

maxbone Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/07/2017

The High Atlas Foundation is an amazing and inspiring organization. I have been fortunate to work with many non profits on five continents, and I will say in a heartbeat that the High Atlas Foundation is by far the most effective. The first thing that stuck me about the HAF office is how the majority of the staff is Moroccan. This is significant because many NGOs operating in other countries have westerns staffing them, and this can lead to cultural barriers. This small example is just one of many that show how the High Atlas Foundation works so hard to empower the people of Morocco. The HAF staff works tirelessly, and the work that they do is equivalent to their personal passion. It is also worth mentioning that the relationships HAF has with the communities it works in is amazing, and that they truly make differences in the countless communities they work in. Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, the founder and president of HAF is an expert at the participatory approach to development, and it is used in all of the projects HAF implements. It is worth saying that not once in my 7 months with the organization did I feel that HAF was imposing it's ideas and goals on communities, instead they were working with communities every step of the way to hep them achieve their own dreams. I would highly recommend supporting this extraordinary organization.

Writer Advisor

Rating: 4

05/26/2017

Having spend two weeks with HAF, I was quite impressed with the scope of their work and the zeel that they bring to their efforts. Sans the technical details, they were willing to accept advice and learn from others. These comments apply to my work advising on their nurseries and in their office completing the required paperwork.

1

rachid Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

05/23/2017

My name is Tim Ager I spent 2 weeks in Morocco under a USAID sponsored Farmer-to-Farmer program, in Marrakesh and Fez. I worked closely with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and everyone involved was professional, helpful and extremely friendly. They facilitated in making my assignment successful, and I would not hesitate to work with them again. I found HAF to be a well run organization with great morale and camaraderie among the staff - who all enthusiastically welcomed me and made me feel at home.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/14/2017

I spent 2 weeks in Morocco under a USAID sponsored Farmer-to-Farmer program, in Marrakesh and Fez. I worked closely with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) and everyone involved was professional, helpful and extremely friendly. They facilitated in making my assignment successful, and I would not hesitate to work with them again. I found HAF to be a well run organization with great morale and camaraderie among the staff - who all enthusiastically welcomed me and made me feel at home.

Ellman01 Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/14/2017

In an arid country like Morocco water is exceptionally precious. Water is available in some places but hard to access. High Atlas Foundation is dedicated to expanding orchards of all kinds through its series of tree nurseries which it then contributes to interested farmers. High Atlas Foundation quickly learned that without water these orchards would not survive. They have now expanded their work to include acquiring water, designing drip irrigation systems and generally doing what is necessary to fund and grow successful tree crops.

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/11/2017

I served as a volunteer for over two weeks for the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in Marrakesh, Morocco. The purpose was to assess the operations of their tree nurseries and to make recommendations on improvements in their nursery operations and tree distribution programs to rural households. I worked closely with the staff and traveled to the field to observe the operations of the HAF. I found the staff motivated to work with me and include me in their activities. I observed their nurseries in several locations and saw first hand how they produce and deliver tree samplings (almond and walnut) to villagers. I was impressed by their work with women cooperatives and building their capacity to improve their status and household livelihoods by producing Calendula for L'Oriel in Paris. I would strongly recommend HAF to anyone who wants a volunteer assignment in a great country, very cordial and polite people, and work that is both satisfying and rewarding. Gregory Sullivan, USAID Farmer to Farmer volunteer for International Executive Service Corp (IESC), Washington, D.C. USA

Said Volunteer

Rating: 5

05/05/2017

Moroccans and Foreigners Working Together

By Said El Bennani, HAF Project Manager

Each person is shaped by his own unique life experiences. One pivotal experience in my life that helped me to truly understand what it means to be an engaged, contributing member of society was my internship with the High Atlas Foundation.
In 2010 I moved from my hometown of Kelaa M’Gouna in southeastern Morocco to Marrakech to study at Cadi Ayyad University. I graduated in 2014 with a bachelor’s degree in geography. Normally students of geography travel throughout the country to study the topography, but unfortunately my studies were confined to just the classroom.
After graduating from university, I interned for three months with a government agricultural office in Marrakech. During this time, I worked with agricultural experts and visited farmers in their fields in Al Haouze Province. I also participated in field and theoretical trainings. I was finally able to study the physical land that I had only read about in books during university! It was very exciting for me to see first hand how Morocco’s unique geography plays a key role in our country’s development and economy.
Being in the field gave me an opportunity to learn from the local people and to hear about their experiences. It was during this time that I first heard about HAF’s work. HAF already had active projects in Al Haouze where I visited with my colleagues. However, at the time, I did not know very much about HAF and was not aware of the scope of their work.

In Marrakech I met several foreigners, including one person who asked me about my career aspirations. After I mentioned my experience interning at the government agricultural office, the foreigner told me about HAF and encouraged me to look at their website.
After hearing about the High Atlas Foundation from farmers, co-workers, and even a foreign tourist, it was clear that I needed to find out more about this organization. In February 2016, shortly after finishing my first internship, I visited HAF’s office. Fatima Zahra Laaribi, the office manager, was the first person I met at HAF. The way she greeted me greatly surprised me! She was very friendly and very kind. Eventually I was invited back for an interview to discuss my background, experience and interests. I also had the privilege of meeting HAF’s president, Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, whose down-to-earth, humble demeanor made an impression on me.

February 8, 2016 was my very first day as an intern at HAF, and I remember that day well. The office was already buzzing with many foreign interns and volunteers who were all congregated in one room while I sat with other office staff in another room. I was sure that I would have a chance to learn new skills and gain valuable experience with this international team. That day I was the only Moroccan intern and it was a little difficult for me to work with all the foreigners due to the language and cultural differences. Dr. Ben-Meir took notice of the fact that I was the only Moroccan amidst the group of foreigners and encouraged all of us to learn about and from each other, share our experiences and skills, and contribute to each other’s work. We took Dr. Ben-Meir’s suggestion to heart and discovered that together, we made a stronger, more effective team, forming strong bonds and friendships as we worked together on projects such as building a new outdoor structure that provides shade from the hot sun for women who work in the fields in the countryside. One example of successful cross-cultural collaboration was my experience working with one of the foreign interns who had also studied geography in her native country. She was very knowledgeable about geographic information system (GIS). My own knowledge of GIS was more limited, so I was able to learn from her and together we made maps of HAF project sites.
During my HAF internship, I was very fortunate to closely observe the president, Dr. Ben-Meir, perform his work and to learn many valuable and useful things from him. For example, I noticed how he is able to effectively communicate and connect with both the local people and the local administrators. He introduced me to community leaders throughout the country and also to many foreigners who are committed to promoting economic development in Morocco. I visited most of HAF’s project sites which provided invaluable insight into both the successes and benefits of the projects as well as the challenges.
I returned to Al Haouze in January 2017 to help distribute trees in schools for HAF’s big, annual tree planting celebration. It was a joy-filled experience planting trees with the students and teaching them how to care for the trees and how to appreciate and respect nature and the environment. Seeing their genuine interest in the tree planting project was very gratifying and I realized that I really enjoy this type of work.
HAF’s work has benefitted even my hometown, where trees were sent on behalf of HAF to my former primary school. When I studied there as a young child, there were no trees at the school. Now the school has its own well and enough water to take care of trees. I am very happy that the students at my former primary school had an opportunity to receive trees and learn about taking care of them, which I never had a chance to do when I was their age.

My dream job is to manage a major project in my country of Morocco and devote my time and energy to helping people gain the necessary skills and experience to earn sustainable incomes, thereby supporting and strengthening their families and their communities. My HAF internship prepared me well to carry out this work. In May 2017 I will move to Fes in northern Morocco to oversee HAF projects in that region. To say that I am excited about this opportunity is an understatement. I feel truly blessed and am honored and humbled to be able to help my fellow Moroccan citizens by doing this work. I also am very grateful for the people at HAF who are not only my work colleagues but also my good friends. Working with the HAF team has been a special and life-changing opportunity.
In closing, I wish to thank Dr. Ben-Meir for his life work and all that he has done and is doing to help Moroccans improve their standard of living and be self-sufficient. I also wish to thank the amazing, dedicated HAF team, including the interns and volunteers from Morocco and from all over the world, for welcoming me so warmly and teaching me how to be part of a multicultural team. I have learned that we can all benefit from collaborating together and respecting each other’s differences. I appreciate each person at HAF very much and thank everyone for the wonderful opportunities to join the important work of creating a more prosperous Morocco.

Nouhaila Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/13/2017

My experience with HAF was the best experience ever, I have learned too many things: Self-motivation ...., and the circumstances were good enough to make some new friendships with the other volunteers, The cop 22 was a good opportunity for me to discover a new world of business , politics ...
I would like to thank HAF for giving me the chance to be one of its volunteers, If you want to try some of the voluntary work, HAF is the best place for you.
Nouhaila

sakina Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/13/2017

My volunteer experience with HAF was amazing! I learned a lot of things during three months, I was taking pictures in many different events and activities, and this reminds me of the great moments I spent in the international event COP22. It helped me to develop my personality and have the ability to talk to strangers with various languages Arabic, French, English and sometimes Amazigh, I was also an active member in the office with so many volunteers that I am glad to know.
I would like to thank HAF for giving me the opportunity to experience new things and know more about myself.
Sakina

Marwa N. Volunteer

Rating: 5

11/23/2016

COP22 was a successful opportunity for High Atlas Foundation, for Morocco, and even for myself; to expand the business network, to learn from international initiatives and creative ideas. Moreover, it was an awakening event for everyone to get aware to act on climate change, and to get whatever it takes to save our planet. In addition, attending the “Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network” event was very valuable for me as I heard international stories of indigenous women fighting climate change all over the world making it an international cause, getting to know that I myself can do something, feeling strong with them.
Marwa

1

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/18/2016

No education is complet without experience. My experience during my two months internship with High Atlas Foundation (HAF) as Intern coordinator was an amazing and rewarding experience. I had the pleasure to meet and work with great staff and volunteers.My role within HAF is coordinating between staff and volunteers and help in the process of recruiting interns. .I cannot thank you all HAF staff enough for everything you taught me while working as your intern coordinator. With this experience I learned organizational skills and sharpen them . I greatly value your kindness and the expertise you imparted to me.

You taught me so many things that went far beyond the theoretical knowledge I gained in other NGOs. I learned to carefully observe and give much more important to details and always being there for interns for any issues. Working with HAf was also an added value to my career in cross culture as I had the chance to meet with other interns from other cultures and nationalities and interact with them and build a great relationship with them. HAF is a distinguished NGO and it is the kind of NGO that Morocco are in need of due to the incredible work they do in rural areas.HAF not only distinguished NGO but also a unique one because of the innovative and productive it uses in developing projects which the participatory approach. So if you are looking for great opportunity and you are passion with rural development then HAF is the best NGO to experience this and also meet and work with an awesome and supportive staff .

4

Ouajib Volunteer

Rating: 5

08/12/2016

High Atlas Foundation had been a place where I got an amazing experience. In parallel with my English studies in Faculty of Humanities, Marrakech, I was a student in HAF for 7 months. I started out working on a business plan, then my manager had changed it to do interviews with farmers almost all arround Morocco.

The fact that I had interacted with new people from my country and from other countries, such as the US, France, Germany..... in the foundation had made it a multi cultural place! You can imagine this while we were eating from the same dish of Couscous! talking; discussing different topics altogether! I have learnt English and practise it with native speakers, this was my chance. I have learnt somehow how to do a business plan, especially how cite and avoid plagiarism, how to do researches ... and so on so forth

Then, I moved to do interviews with farmers to know the problems they have, how they grow their crops and where they sell them and what are the problems they face while selling, also we had given them some solutions... This has helped HAF to know how to deal with farmers and find it easy to get to help them to develop their skills.

All the team starting from Mr Yossef, the president to everyone has a role in HAF were so nice to me and helped me to develop myself and all the time they were aware about my studies.

If you think you can help HAF to keep going, you are thinking well. HAF was and still for me a great place and I would be so happy to get to help them any time.

This to say, that we need organizations like HAF everywhere, because they get in touch with poeple in order to be closer and know what do people undergo. I have a vivid example, HAF had been in touch,and for sure they are still , with wome women in Ourika,Marrakech and help them to have an authorized cooperation to sell their product, they helped them also to have land and plant organic almond trees... I still vividly remember those active women and how they liked eveything HAF had suggested.

Thank you THE WHOLE NICE TEAM of HAF.

OUAJIB

5

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/19/2016

After more than three years of study I felt the desperate need to get out of my common environment and way of thinking. This was one of the reasons why I wanted to come to Morocco and volunteer with the High Atlas Foundation for ten weeks. I wanted to learn about a new country, a new culture and maybe also about myself.

In the last three months, I fell in love with this beautiful country and I guess a lot of my affection is due to the warm and welcoming culture that I experienced at the High Atlas Foundation. My internship was mainly for GIS (Geographical Information Systems) and I created some overview maps about HAF’s project sites as well as more detailed maps for specific projects and campaigns. By creating those maps, I got to know a huge amount about what kind of projects the High Atlas Foundation is working on and where they are located. It also made me more aware about the geography of Morocco and which cities I might visit! The following example shows a map displaying information about the 2016 planting campaign.

Apart from GIS, I was happy to help with anything else that has been needed. I was always informed about the recent activities of HAF and gained new technical skills while working on social media and the website.

I had the chance to work closely together with the President Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir. I supported him in writing letters, campaigns and papers as well as accompanied him travelling to different events. At the Sister Park signing ceremony between the Great Basin National Park (USA) and the Toubkal National Park (Morocco), I learned a lot about environmental preservation in Morocco and experienced the beauty of the Toubkal National Park. I also had the honor to meet the High Commissioner of Water and Forests and the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco! Furthermore, I was able to accompany Dr. Ben-Meir to a Prioritizing Project at the SUPMTI University in Beni Mellal. Besides an interesting three-hour car drive – which made me get to know Yossef on a more personal level – I learned a lot about the way the High Atlas Foundation encourages young Moroccans to serve their society. Since I myself was not familiar with the prioritizing techniques taught in this seminar, it was a worthy experience for me.

The High Atlas Foundation also gave me the opportunity to see parts of Morocco which I would not have seen otherwise. Together with the Program Director Amina Elhajjami, I got to experience different parts of the Ourika Valley, where the High Atlas Foundation has tree nurseries. I learned a lot about the participatory approach and how organic certification can lead to sustainable development, while witnessing the gracefulness of Morocco’s landscape.

Looking back, in addition to the professional experiences I gained, the culture and the sincere involvement of all the staff made me appreciate volunteering for the High Atlas Foundation. From the first day I was not only included in the work that had to be done, but also in the team itself. Even though I do not speak Darija and not a lot of French, and even though there were times I did not understand anything, HAF staff and the other volunteers made me feel welcome and at home. Every day, except for Ramadan, we had tea breaks and shared our lunch in the comfortable environment of the office. At this point I want to spell out great thanks to Atika, who made me realize the amazing variety of meals you can have in Morocco! Shokran Atika! If I needed anything, or did not understand something – work related or not – Fatima-Zahra, Yossef and Amina would always be there to help me out. But not only the staff members, also all the amazing volunteers would be there for me. I was not only working with international but also lots of Moroccan interns, who guided me through the city, showed me nice cafés and places to be and tried to teach me some Darija!

They showed me their culture by inviting me to their homes, travelling with me, preparing a Ftour meal together during Ramadan, teaching me their language and by telling me about their lives. Something I will always remember is a weekend we spent in Kalat M’Gouna, for the Rose Festival and to visit two other volunteer’s hometowns and houses. Thank you for inviting all of us, Said and Jamal, and a great thanks to your families for warmly welcoming us in their homes.
I would never have experienced Morocco and its culture the way I did without the amazing people I met at our office. Inshallah, I will come back to this wonderful country not only once and meet all those beautiful minds again. It was a pleasure to work with you all!


My name is Nina Schmitz, I am 22 years old and from Aachen, Germany. This past March I just finished my Bachelor’s degree in Applied Geography, despite that I am enrolled at a Bachelor’s program in Environmental Engineering, both at RWTH Aachen University. In the last years I had the chance to travel and learn about different cultures and countries a lot. After graduating in March, I wanted to combine both – professional experience and exploring a new country. Doing my internship at the High Atlas Foundation gave me this opportunity that I was looking for. In October my Master’s Program in Applied Geography will start, and who knows what the future holds? Maybe I will come back to Morocco and the High Atlas Foundation to do research for my thesis.

4

Ramzi T. Volunteer

Rating: 5

06/28/2016

My experience during my two months internship with High Atlas Foundation (HAF) was fruitful. I had the pleasure to meet and work with great staff and volunteers. I worked mainly on social media, wrote blogs and took pictures for the Foundation from different events and field trips.
I feel strongly that HAF is great example for other organizations in Morocco to follow in sustainability development field.
Here is the link to my blog about my experience with HAF: https://ramzi1.wordpress.com/2016/06/27/trees-for-life/

6

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

04/26/2016


As you head east from Marrakech you will pass through many little villages that showcase the bright colors, vibrant culture, and wide smiles of the Moroccan people. Make sure to open your window so you can smell the fresh, cold air of the wind which comes from the mountains, mixed with the daily activities of the villages and the tantalizing smell of tagine.

This ride will lead you close to the High Atlas, whose white capped mountains grow as you approach them. The river Qued Zat brings fruitfulness to the Area of Ait Ourir but, as in many areas in Morocco, water is a precious resource and aridness often dominates the landscape. On this outing, the field work involved distributing trees to five schools through Sami’s project in the hopes of improving Rural Moroccan schools.

Walking around the school brought up fond memories of my first school. My school had a very beautiful garden and every morning the children walked through an imposing alley of old trees to the school buildings. The daily surrounding of nature had a positive impact on my time in school. The students in Ait Ourir (and in many other Moroccan villages) have the same chance to learn about the environment because of Sami’s project. The children were eager and happy to learn how to plant trees in their school gardens and therefore improve the learning environment.

After planting, it became very clear that the access to water will decide if the trees grow or not. The school gardens are often in very dry areas with a lack of vegetation. For every tree planted, HAF had to provide plenty of water for the plants and the same process has to be continued in order to keep the trees alive and growing. Ms. Amina, one of HAF’s project facilitators explained to the staff of the schools how to benefit from the whole biological cycle of trees by using the leaves when they fall down for creating compost.

The Abteh school was a great example of student’s projects helping the school environment, which was shown through a beautiful school garden. When we visited the school, the students had been preparing for a week about the various sides of sustainability and they were preparing example art projects which highlighted the ever growing issue of plastic trash in Moroccan wilderness. All this unwanted refuse is having a negative impact on Morocco’s ecosystem and is causing irreversible damage to nature, thereby influencing the life of people in Morocco in a detrimental way.

This field trip was one of the last days of my internship with HAF and I am deeply grateful that I had the chance, thanks to this group of wonderful HAF team members, to gain experience in development work in Morocco through working in the Social Media team in the office as well as having the possibility to visit the projects. I will leave with a much larger repertoire of working and life skills which I can bring back to Germany and which will for sure have a positive and important impact on my future.

5

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

03/31/2016

I would like to begin by saying I thoroughly believe in HAF and the work it strives to do for numerous communities throughout Morocco! I was an intern for multi-cultural initiatives for 3 months during the summer. My overall experience was quite enriching, and I gained a lot of practical experience, which has continued to help me in my work endeavors. I worked on various administrative tasks, maintained the donor webpage, wrote thank-you letters to donors, wrote blog posts on outings and events, and wrote updates on HAF's multitude of initiatives. I also worked on a fundraising outreach project involving the Jewish and Muslim communities, which not only provided me with a rich historical overview of religion and religious communities in Morocco, but also allowed me to practice my language skills, as well as my coordination skills. I very much enjoyed all of my co-workers at HAF. Everyone was extremely patient and kind, and always was available to help. My only wish was that there was an additional person at the office to help supervise and look over intern projects and tasks, as I often felt everyone at the office was already overloaded with work, which made it difficult to provide as thorough of supervision as I was hoping to receive. However, in a different light, I learned how to work more independently and confidently, and how to take initiative in situations where guidance is somewhat limited. This was an invaluable skill to gain, and one that I still continue to improve. I would love to work with HAF again in the future ! I

5

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

03/29/2016

I was an Social Media intern for HAF for 3 months in the Marrakech office and I gained many interesting experiences. The internship, and the friendly staff members of HAF, gave me the possible to experience more about the various kind of work behind the implementation of projects which support the development in Morocco. The internship showed me how important networking and a cultural sensitive approach for the development work is. I can recommend it and for everybody who can speak Arabic it might be even a greater experience because you will be able to learn much more than someone who can not speak the language. The special moments I had in the internship were during the fields, even without being able communicate, I appreciated the welcoming and warm attitude of the people of the projects.

4

Writer Volunteer

Rating: 4

01/26/2016

I was an intern for HAF for about 4 months in the Marrakech office and I had a great experience! The HAF staff was really nice and they teached me a lot about sustainable development in Morocco. I mainly worked on social media but I was included with many other tasks as well. My favorite part of the internship was going into the field and meeting HAF's beneficiaries. When you get to experience the projects and meet people, you realize the impact of HAF's work in Morocco.

4

Writer Donor

Rating: 5

01/09/2016

Working in the NGO field, the High Atlas Foundation stands out as a leader, largely due to its commitment to community-driven projects without compromise. The leadership of the organization designs projects imbued with a vision for a better future for Moroccans, and ultimately men and women in developing social systems everywhere. Moreover, this vision is translated into reality through the unrelenting hard work of a diverse and engaged team both in the field and the office.

HAF continues to expand in new directions, but its steadfast mission is never diluted, which means that the bigger it gets, the more we can all benefit from the tremendous results of initiatives. This is manifest through the over one million fruit trees planted by HAF, the first ever organic walnut oil producing federation and social enterprise created out of smaller projects, and thousands of youth trained to be future leaders for their own community development.

When friends and family ask where to donate to support education, women in business, sustainable development, or environmental projects, I always recommend HAF.

6 LillianThompson

LillianThompson Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/06/2016

A Legacy of Peace Corps Service in Morocco
January 2016

Since the first group of Peace Corps Volunteers (PCVs) arrived in Morocco in 1963, over 5,000 Americans have served in the Peace Corps’ partnership with Morocco to develop resilient communities through education and similar voluntary initiatives. In 2010 I was sent to work with Yossef Ben-Meir, president of the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), which turns fifteen years old this year. Yossef was an environmental PCV in 1993-1995. His story, and the story of the High Atlas Foundation, which was founded by Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) who served in Morocco, is a testimonial to the lasting impact Peace Corps service can have.

Yossef’s kitchen was a Moroccan version of Whole Foods, so over chicken tajine, I asked him how it all came about. It’s a story of PCVs’ love of Morocco, of each other, and a lifetime commitment to Peace Corps’ “three goals.”

As a Volunteer from New York City, Yossef was assigned to a remote mountain village where he worked for the national park system and learned how to succeed in agriculture in an environment where water contributes more to erosion than crops. A highly motivated entrepreneur, Yossef knew he had to come back and continue his new-found calling in arid mountain agriculture. When he arrived at the airport, RPCV Tom Anderson, who had finished grad school and come back to run the seaman’s club in Casablanca, picked him up at the airport. Tom urged Yossef to apply for the environmental program manager’s job at Peace Corps-Morocco, which he did.

The friends’ decision to form a nonprofit, instead of a business, set the course for the High Atlas Foundation. It would become an organization that has brought RPCVs, PCVs and Moroccans together. Fundraising events in New York brought Moroccan culture to America and helped attract a strong American-Moroccan board. Liz Fanning, who had been Yossef’s site mate and fellow environmental Volunteer, served as vice president for six years. Kate McLetchie, who had been evacuated from Morocco in 2003, reconnected, and later became the foundation’s first country director from 2007 to 2009.

In 2003, Yossef and Mohssine Tadlaoui, a Moroccan who had taken over as Peace Corps’ environmental program manager, went to see the U.S. Ambassador to Morocco, Margaret Tutwiler, who had a reputation for toughness. Yossef and Mohssine were on a mission to plant fruit trees to produce cash crops and help prevent erosion high in the mountains. Several agriculture experts were present, including the head of USAID. Yossef knew that planting trees was a grassroots business—not in the same league with the large-scale projects USAID was doing—but Yossef had his technical and business model down and was prepared to give it his best shot. In closing, he described the reaction of a mountain community when the first truck of saplings arrived in their village—“they cried,” Yossef said, “because they saw planting a tree as an act of faith.” “Well then,” replied the ambassador, “let’s spread some faith around.” The project was funded within a week and, in 2006, the HAF launched its One Million Tree campaign, which reached it goal in 2014.

These days, the High Atlas Foundation raises half of its funds in the U.S. and half in Morocco, with the assistance of the Moroccan and American ambassadors, and countless others who believe in the cross-cultural partnership. You will find them at “Heflas” (parties), drinking mint tea and enjoying the food, music and art of Morocco, including Moroccan films at festivals the HAF organized in New York in 2010 and 2011.

Besides planting trees, the High Atlas Foundation has constructed irrigation canals, drinking water supply systems, women’s co-ops, and numerous other projects identified through participatory development meetings in communities. In 2009, the foundation formed a partnership with the state university, Hassan II, to open a Center for Community Consensus-Building and Sustainable Development in Mohammedia. During my service, I helped create a program at the Center to educate and promote participatory development. Since that time, the HAF has created four new university partnerships.

In retrospect, I believe that I went to Morocco to meet Yossef and the Moroccans and Americans who continue this legacy of Peace Corps service.

Lillian Thompson
Peace Corps Response Volunteer, Morocco 2010
Peace Corps Program & Training Officer, Romania 2006-2008
Peace Corps Volunteer, Ukraine 2003-2005

______________________________

Source of data in first paragraph:
http://morocco.usembassy.gov/peacecorps.html

Photos: 1) Villagers hauling water in a community outside Mohammedia in 2010 2) Mountain village in the High Atlas Mountains near Marrakech 3) Myself with Yossef and HAF members Suzanne, Miriam and Nabila in Casablanca 4) Nabila facilitating a meeting of women in the High Atlas Mountain village

4

Writer Former staff

Rating: 5

12/11/2015

I worked for the High Atlas Foundation for over a year (October 2014-December 2015) as a project assistant and later project manager. During my time here, I gained valuable agricultural and business research experience, learned how to write proposals, improved my Darija and French, managed university students and traveled throughout rural Morocco.

I am most grateful, however, for the experiences in development journalism that HAF allowed me to pursue: thanks to the freedom to write articles about rural Morocco in a public relations capacity, I was published in numerous news outlets, including Your Middle East, Al-Fanar Media and the World Policy Journal's blog. I will continue to pursue development journalism as a career thanks to my experiences with HAF.

3

ABald Volunteer

Rating: 4

09/22/2015

I worked with the High Atlas Foundation for three months as a remote intern based in the United States. My main responsibilities were updating the HAF Blog and editing the website.
I am so happy I decided to take on this volunteer position with HAF. Everyone I worked with was welcoming, helpful, and dedicated to sustainable development. As a remote intern, communication was key, and the staff in Marrakesh was very responsive and helpful whenever I had questions or concerns about my work. The HAF staff and volunteers come from all different countries and disciplines, which makes for a dynamic working environment and aligns well with the organization's mission.
My favorite part about working with HAF was seeing the projects unfold. HAF is doing real, meaningful work in Morocco, and I felt like I could see the positive effects on communities even remotely from the US. Not only are HAF's projects meaningful, their discourse is as well. The blog this summer featured papers and discussions by HAF staff and volunteers, all with the goal of expanding sustainable development and developing an understanding of culture, community, and acceptance. Though I was remote and didn't see the work on the ground, I would not hesitate to recommend HAF for those interested in NGOs and participatory development. My internship was a great learning experience, and thanks to all at HAF for making my time so rewarding.

3

Jamal Volunteer

Rating: 5

07/01/2015

As an Intern at the High Atlas Foundation, the months May and June has been very enriching for me. I have participated in various projects, and my main focus has been on working with High Atlas Agriculture and Artisanal (HA3) and the Walnut Factory in the commune of Asni in the High Atlas Mountains.

Together with my colleagues I have created a brochure that was used as an information sheet at the Walnut festival in Asni, 12th June till 14th June. I selected the pictures for the front page and wrote the text that would be used in the brochure. After that I completed the brochure together with HAF Director of Development, Jacqueline Seeley, HAF Intern Miranda LaBrash and the Riad Saba Guest House manager, Brahim. This cooperation is the first step in a new approach planned by the HA3 – Tourism for Development.

It was an especially valuable working experience to cooperate with Ignacio Ruiz, General Manager of the HA3, with various tasks relating to preparing the Walnut Festival. Together with Ignacio I created a film that was shown to the governor of the Tensift-Al Haouz region during the Walnut festival. I also assisted Ignacio in various minor tasks, such as printing the labels for the oil bottles.

I have conducted various social media activities such as writing a Swedish blog post that will be posted on the High Atlas Foundation’s blog in order to spread awareness about the organization in Sweden. I interviewed on film the factory manager Hassan Inflass, filmed by Interns Miranda LaBrash and Hannah Rickard, which will be used for social media purposes.

Currently I am working on a promotion campaign that will be launched in Sweden for the sale of walnut oil and the planning for the new approach launched by the HA3 – Tourism for Development.

As an Intern at the High Atlas Foundation, I am able to apply my previous practical experience of working for sustainable development in Tanzania, and my previous theoretical knowledge from my masters in Development Studies that I did in the Netherlands. In addition, I am learning several new aspects of developmental work in practice, specific to the context of Morocco.

Besides this I have also been given the opportunity to work with development workers from various parts of the globe. The team spirit at HAF is fantastic, and I am learning more and more by the day.

Thank you everybody at the HAF team.

Jamal Sebnat
HAF Interm

3

MichelleMe Volunteer

Rating: 5

03/20/2015

I have done a 3-week internship at the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakech. Part of my responsibilities has been the creation of a newspaper list, taking pictures, and writing reports about the situation of the women in the walnut factory in Asni. As well, I accompanied different staff members to community projects. I enjoyed the internship a lot. Unfortunately, the time has passed quickly and I would have liked to stay for a longer period here. I would recommend HAF to anybody searching for an internship. It was a pleasant working atmosphere. All of the staff members are very nice, interested, motivated and hard-working. As an intern, I have been well included in the work of the NGO, in discussions and other activities; therby I got a good impression of what it means to work with a participatory approach. The most interesting and unique experience for me has been to work with the women in the walnut factory and to spend the night in Tamgunsi, a village close to Asni together with a woman of the factory and her family. It is great that there is the possibility to intern with the High Atlas Foundation. Thank you very much for it and I wish you all the best for your future work here.

1

Ouafa E. Client Served

Rating: 2

03/04/2015

Salam, I'm Ouafa Elbargui from Morocco. I worked with HAF for three years. In this long enough time, I always considered HAF as my second school in which I enjoyed the adventure of knowing my country, its people and even knowing myself. HAF was the only door I knocked and answered me without any hesitation after 8 years of joblessness.There, I was offered a great job, the opportunity of well-being, and best understanding.

In this US-Moroccan organization, I was developped professionally day after day. Year after year, we worked together, Americans and Moroccans,as one unique and very united strong team to realize many dreams and implement many development projects for the sake of rural isolated Moroccan villages;helping people in need not only in the High Atlas area but also in different various geographical areas of Morocco.

During those three years of working, I always felt very respected and well treated as a Moroccan employee. Though I no longer work with HAF, I still have cherished the good beautiful memories with the wonderful team. I feel proud of working once with HAF. I feel so proud of lending a hand once to people who need help.

Special thanks to HAF leaders specifically to Mr. Yossef Ben Meir, and to the hardworking team to whom I would say : " Just keep up the hard work you are doing great!."

3

tkan Volunteer

Rating: 4

02/07/2015

I found the High Atlas Foundation via another NGO who highly recommended the work, ethical convictions and approach of the Foundation. They initialized the contact and I got in touch with Yossef and one programm manager at that time. I am coming from a technical as well as geographical background (in short: GIS).
In a preliminary VoIP call we managed to form a connection and develop some perspectives which could be beneficial to both parties. As soon as I finished my studies, I grabbed a flight to Marrakech. The people from HAF recommended me a place to stay, offered the office as a place to crash and made sure I felt connected with the quite new and overwhelming life in Morocco.
During my time in Marrakech and Essaouira in early 2014 I learned a lot about Morocco itself, the daily routines and workflows at an international NGO and the struggle involved to better the lifes of people in a country like Morocco. My duties were composed of (no surprise): making maps, crunching numbers and doing research. As I had to cut my stay short (2 instead of 6 months), I was merely settling in and left with the impression of being a sort of letdown since the time was too short to have a meaningful impact. But nevertheless, I felt very appreciated and was taking seriously on a professional level while having enough space to sort things out for myself.
The people at HAF are hardworking, passionate and full of idealism to build a better future for a country on the brink of Europe, having an anticipation of freedom, wealth and cultural exchange. HAF will play a vital part in making this anticipation a reality.
The last little paragraph also explains why I rate only 4 stars despite I can fully recommend HAF for volunteers. The drive and passion of the people working there can be overwhelming for someone like me. If you have a high sense of duty and feel bad leaving when others are poring over loads of work, you may want to agree on working hours/days before your actually start. I do not regret one hour at HAF's office but should have - on the other hand - spent some more time outside learning about the new culture. So, just be careful to not get in overdrive when you are merely adopting to Moroccan life.
That being said, I, again, can fully recommend HAF. And the best part of the story: the volunteering abroad at HAF helped me to score a job contract. In the end, I can only hope to visit Morocco and HAF sometime again - be it as a professional, volunteer or traveller.

I wish all the best for HAF and its great people.

2

Safaelach Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 3

01/29/2015

As a former staff member in High Atlas Foundation i have a very positive appreciation of this non profit organization because i observed during my service, genuine and concrete efforts at all levels towards the achievement of a sustainable development to the benefit of the moroccan communities especially disadvantaged populations. The approach applied at the foundation is participatory, inclusive and respective of all categories of community members, and the commitment of the operational team to the fundamental values of the foundation is remarkable.
Working at High Atlas Foundation can be nothing but a pleasant and enriching experience either for volunteers , interns or staff members because of the mutual respect between all members and management, the delegation of responsibilities, the large space of freedom, the participation of all the team members in the decision making process and the definition of the organization's strategies and processes, and the pleasant ambience of work.
I'm very greatful to this organization that offered me great opportunity for learning and whose role was crucial in the determination of the personal and professional path i have chosen for myself.

3

Caroline33 Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/27/2015

I started volunteering with HAF last June, when I lived in Marrakech and wanted to expand my experience in sustainable development and international organizations. HAF's dedication and true commitment to the participatory method and community development has impressed me countless times. I started volunteering with mostly administrative tasks, and after a few months the Director of Development and President both invited me to expand my experience by assisting with social media and outreach. I am so grateful for the Foundation and its incredible staff, which has afforded me amazing experiences.

5

Marcello T. General Member of the Public

Rating: 4

01/20/2015

Thus far I've had a very short experience with HAF, but the conditions appear to be excellent for future collaborations. During my visit to the High Atlas, I have witnessed HAF playing a facilitating role in the creation of projects that assist agricultural development in rural communities while also supporting the Moroccan government in its efforts to offset soil erosion and deforestation. The key to their success appears to be a proper understanding and implementation of community based participation where all stakeholders take part in the process contributing with their individual strenghts as well as demands. I am looking forward to take this relationship to the next level.

5

calcorn Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/18/2015

I spent 4 months interning with HAF in their Marrakech office. My time with the organization was rewarding on so many levels. Every staff member I interacted with was kind, passionate, and excited to share their knowledge and experience.
As an intern I helped with communication and outreach efforts through their website and email campaigns. I was invited to join discussions about the work and projects HAF was creating which was an incredible experience for me to learn about the participatory sustainable development approach HAF uses. The staff’s desire to include me in these conversation was invaluable learning opportunity and I feel it reflects the transparency and honesty within the organization.
HAF has been working in Morocco for more than a decade and I can see that it is continuing to strengthen the relationships and friendships they made when starting. I saw this when the organization consistently invited community members into the office for discussions and workshops and when I joined a project manager in the field. They focus on learning what communities are in need of to improve living conditions and work with them to make those conditions a reality.
I am grateful for my time with HAF and the relationships I made within the organization. The small staff works incredibly hard to support successful projects around the country. Everyone I met there has a genuine determination to better the organization and thus lives of people in rural communities in Morocco.

4

Malika18 Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

01/14/2015

Founded in 2000 by former Peace Corps volunteers, High Atlas Foundation severs the Moroccan communities through promoting sustainable development. During my time with HAF as a project manager in High Atlas region, I gained a wonderful experience that I will always treasure. My experience with HAF raises my aspiration as a Moroccan young woman who always believes that I can be very significant for my beloved country. HAF’s engagement and commitment with the Moroccan rural and marginalized communities especially, encourages and boosts people to be included in the process of their communities’ development and to empower them and build their skills to be the decision makers. Working with women, youth and men have changed my perspective about community development because adopting the participatory development approach teaches the community people how to change on their own their challenges and turn them into opportunities. During the community meetings, the community people are given the chance to identify and prioritize their needs through drawing the maps of their communities.
It is an amazing thing when people can see their houses and farms, rivers and schools …etc. And build up a discussion upon and exchange their ideas through the participatory methods on how they can plan to bring those needs into an actual work plan. HAF always believes that the priorities identified by the community people have to be resulted into community projects. In collaboration and cooperation with the community people, HAF works to overcome the challenges in implementing the people’s needs. I recognize that HAF never stops to think about collective solutions.

For those who are interested to join HAF, I encourage you to go for it. I worked with an amazing team that I really enjoyed working with. Very friendly, encouraging and supportive staffs that will motivate you to perform, develop you managerial skills, serve the Moroccan communities and learn about the Moroccan wonderful and diverse culture.

I am very delightful to work with HAF that creates a great environment for starting up innovations like High Atlas Agriculture and Artisanal (HA3). My work experience with HAF boosts me to bring new solutions, to be very active, determined, modest woman leader not only that but it teaches me how to be a good human being to support and serve my community.

5

mdris Volunteer

Rating: 5

01/12/2015

I volunteered with the High Atlas Foundation and offered my services to rebrand the organisation where I saw a huge potential in the activities that it undertake​s​ in Morocco. I worked closely with the management team who are great people full of compassion, dedicated and committed to their mission which consists ​i​n creating a better future for the rural communities in Morocco, through programs such as training, women activities, youth, organic agriculture and clean drinking water.
My experience working with the team was very positive and I would recommend anyone to volunteer with the High Atlas Foundation.
The HAF team and its​ ​P​resident care about developing a self sustaining future for morocco and I believe it’s already showing it​s​ fruits.

5

fatimazahra General Member of the Public

Rating: 5

01/12/2015

The High Atlas Foundation’s (HAF) reliance on the participatory approach has made me more familiar with this method. Particularly, I found that the approach is the same as the goals of my work and through HAF, I gained a lot of experience with this method. I was taught to give more than just purely social development. In fact, I learned to be selfless and patient, in order to help others.
The High Atlas Foundation gave me an opportunity to draw closer and feel for others. It also increased the publicity and legitimacy of my work. It gave me an incredible opportunity to help and reach others. HAF introduced me to the geography of the region. By communicating with different groups throughout the region, HAF taught me important ways to communicate and listen to others. In this sense it gave these individuals an opportunity to speak without interruption or indifference to their words.
Through my work with HAF I learned of teamwork, based on the actions of the individuals at the Foundation. Beginning with Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, I consider him to be a role model in teamwork and in what God has given him in terms of humanitarianism and self-sacrifice. He helps others and gives opportunities to all who want to give goodwill. He is credited with the excellent conduct of the Foundation and its widespread reach. There is also Dr.Abderahim Ouarghidi, from whom I learned the harmony of teamwork. I will not forget my sister Fatima Zahra, who deals with all of the most pressing issues at HAF. MouhssineTadlaoui-Cherki demonstrates teamwork in the projects he manages. There is Jacqueline Seeley, with whom I’ve had wonderful conversations. Finally, I cannot exclude Larbi Didouqen and the strength of his work. Each of these representatives of HAF, in different languages, dialects, and religions, all share the same goal: working hard to further human and social development.
Whenever I speak about the virtue of the High Atlas Foundation, I will not forget the right it has given by allowing me to speak on behalf of it in order to help others. To the President of the High Atlas Foundation, Yossef Ben-Meir, I have nothing but thanks and respect for all of his hard work. Thank you to all of the other individuals at HAF for all of their good will. May God bring you success.
اعتماد مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير على المقاربة التشاركية ، جعلني اكثر تقربا منها سيما وانها ذات اهداف تنموية اجتماعية محضة ... فعملي بمؤسسة الاطلس اضاف لي الكثير حيث تعلمت ان اعطي اكثر مما اخذ ، تعلمت نكران الذات ، بل تعلمت الصبر والصبر من اجل مساعدة الاخرين ...
مؤسسة الاطلس الكبير اعطتني فرصة التقرب اكثر والاحساس بالاخر ، زادتني شعبية وقننت عملي الجمعوي ، اعطتني فرصة كبيرة في مساعدة الاخر والتقرب منه ، كونتني وزادتني طاقة ، بل اؤكد انها عرفتني بجغرافية المنطقة انطلاقا من التواصل مع ساكنة الجماعات ، مؤسسة الاطلس علمتني طرق مهمة في التواصل وحسن الاصغاء للاخر ، والاحساس به بل واعطائه فرصة الكلام دون مقاطعته ...
انطلاقا من عملي بمؤسسة الاطلس تعلمت العمل الجماعي ذلك انطلاقا من كيفية التعامل بين الاطر المسيرة للمؤسسة بدءا من الدكتور السيد يوسف بن مير هذا الاستاذ الذي اعتبره قدوة في العمل الجماعي لما حباه الله به من انسانية ونكران للذات ، بل مساعدته واعطائه فرص لكل من اراد العمل شريطة النوايا الحسنة ، له الفضل في حسن تسيير المؤسسة وتوسع رقعتها ، وهناك الدكتور عبدالرحيم الذي تعلمت منه الانسجام في العمل الجماعي ولن انس الاخت فاطمة الزهراء التي كان لها الفضل في حسن التعامل مع مشاكل مهما كانت....والسيد محسن واللباقة في الحديث ولن استثن جاكلين وحديثها وتواصلها الرائع دون اهمال السيد العربي وتكتيكه في العمل ...وكل الطاقم الممثل للمؤسسة في كل العمالات فلكل واحد بصمته ومهما اختلفت اللغات ، واللهجات ، والاديان فالهدف المشترك بيننا هو العمل الجاد والانسانية و التنمية الاجتماعية ..
مهما تكلمت عن فضل المؤسسة فلن اوافيها حقها فقد اعطتني فرصة في ان اكون الناطقة باسمها وباسم من لجا اليها من اجل المساعدة ، لن اقول لمؤسسة الاطلس في شخص مسيريها برئاسة الدكتور يوسف بن مير سوى شكرا واقف احتراما لكل من عمل عملا واتقنه ، وكل ذوي النوايا الحسنة فشكرا جزيلا و الله ولي التوفيق ..
Hana Boujdour Project Manager

7

AichaG Professional with expertise in this field

Rating: 5

12/22/2014

The High Atlas Foundation is doing an incredible job of reaching youth, women, and marginalized communities throughout Morocco. I was fortunate enough to work closely with the High Atlas Foundation for 1 year, during which I saw the dedicated team implement a wide range of projects, and show a particular expertise for empowering rural communities through a participatory approach. It is through this approach that the beneficiaries are given the tools and skills necessary to make drastic and sustainable socioeconomic advancements. Most impressive is the organization's newest innovation to create a for profit enterprise to ensure sustainability and maximum project impact.

In my time with the High Atlas Foundation, I witnessed true dedication, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of Morocco's most marginalized. The team, composed of volunteers, community members, and talented experts, is uniquely aware of the challenges and opportunities that face Moroccan communities, and demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and effectiveness in the field.

9

KMRoumani Volunteer

Rating: 5

12/19/2014

The 15 months since I have begun to volunteer for HAF has been a period of transition which is both exciting and demanding, as the organization moves into creating a for profit enterprise to ensure a solid financial basis for future project development.

I have witnessed the consolidation of a dedicated and talented core team - and of the overall vision of the organization - as well as the creation of documentation and procedural guidelines necessary as HAF grows in size.

Involved mainly in editing and administration, I have also been responsible on an ad hoc basis for attracting support and publicity for the organization, in the form of donors, partners, interns, academics and journalists.

What impresses, from the feedback I receive as well as from my own perspective, is the presence of several 'soft' elements - at both beneficiary and staff level - that contribute greatly to project success. These include a commitment to ethics and fairness and to personal development, the pursuit of intellectual rigor and the employment of best practice, along with a democratic and convivial atmosphere in a multilingual and multicultural setting.

2

moroccojoe Advisor

Rating: 1

12/05/2014

This corporation funnels money from a non profit to a for profit (as stated under their social enterprise page, donate here for HA3 which takes you to the High Atlas Foundations page). The founder plays off of two countries rules, violating them with no regards to repercussions. In my time as a consultant, I witnessed many illegal activities and was never paid for my work and in fact, as I stopped working for free, was told my services were no longer needed after all of the pay dates had passed. I personally heard him (in front of other interns) use harassing language in regards to religion as well as cursing at employees. I moved to the city this is based out of thinking I could create my own job as it seemed like such a great corporation, in reality it is a lot of drama with almost 100 percent turnover.

Review from Guidestar

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