Current Projects

Morocco

Global Youth Network sent its first delegation of students to Morocco in May 2008. In a combined effort, this team cooperated with a non-governmental organization called Amis des écoles who focus their work amongst the scattered Berber communities throughout the Atlas Mountain Range (approximately 3-4 hours east of Casablanca). This particular location, which primarily surrounds the town of Abaschkou, is not easily accessed due to the many narrow roadways, steep slopes, and sharp turns riddling the mountain side. While immersed in a series of lush and beautiful valleys, teams help aid a variety of rural schools in this vast area by giving out teaching/learning supplies, warm clothing and bicycles for long-range transportation.

The 2008 team also helped to re-cement and/or tar several schools that were in dire need of repair due to the effect that harsh winters and arid summers have had on these communities. The schooling system in the mountains receives little to no assistance from the central government and relies heavily upon aid networks in Morocco for donations. Many of the schools were dangerously inadequate learning environments due to collapsing roofs, broken windows (especially in the towns located near the mountain peaks), water damage, inadequate school supplies and limited class space.

Contaminated water is a crucial issue in these villages which has caused severe health and hygiene problems for children, adults, and seniors alike. This is arguably a significant reason for the approximate 50% infant mortality rate in the area as well.  The 2008 team had the privilege of witnessing the work of an individual associated with the Peace Corps and the labour of the community – a series of small pipelines bringing spring water in from the mountains.

We look forward to continuing to develop our connections with these projects through sending more teams to Morocco.