My Nonprofit Reviews

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)