I signed up for the volunteer program through a UK based organization which had partnership and support with a local organization in Morocco called Open Hands. All volunteers stayed in 2 different traditional houses called Riads. Each house had a beautiful courtyard in the middle, several shared bedrooms for volunteers (ranging from 4 to 12 beds per room), a kitchen, and terrace upstairs for hand washing and line drying laundry. Volunteers pay a reasonable weekly rate to the organization for these accommodations and coordinators assist us with transportation to and from the airport as well as travel to different project sites.
The volunteer experience has definitely been one of the most humbling and utterly magnificent highlights of my life. I met some wonderful people, witnessed phenomenal landscapes, got to know kids from different walks of life, worked on classroom and outdoor activities, did a ton of walking and trekking, explored an unfamiliar culture and place until it felt like home. It wasn't always easy, especially those first several days of culture-shock and feeling overwhelmed but where would the fun be if things weren't challenging? Your body also has a great deal of adjusting to do with the different foods and spices, the intense heat, stomaching long bumpy rides on unpaved roads, 4:00 am calls to prayer, and extended periods of walking.
One of the things I really loved about this experience was the opportunity to do multiple projects in a short time frame. We visited various schools and nurseries both in Marrakech and in Tamsloht village, and different orphanages, as well as participate in a feeding program for street children. I do wish that volunteers were given more training and a little more independence when it comes to many of the project activities though. We were provided a basic TEFL lesson and permitted to lead group lessons for practicing vocabulary (eg. fruits, numbers, body parts, etc.). It was important to look at the weekly project schedule ahead of time and plan the appropriate activities. The common area in the volunteer house had some cupboards stocked with donations that volunteers had brought. We'd often have a brainstorming session a couple nights beforehand and decide what to bring based on age-group and available materials. Lesson worksheets always had to be photocopied ahead of time and masks for younger children needed to be stenciled and cut-out.
Here are some of the items I felt were in great demand and would have added to my suitcase if space permitted:
Anything related to arts and crafts. Bring both materials AND ideas!
- crayons, markers, stickers, felt bits, wires, string, paper plates, beads, stencils, masks, glue, scissors, paintbrushes, FACE PAINTS!
Outdoor game props such as parachute, frisbees, soccer balls, tennis balls, jump ropes, bubbles.
Baby needs such as wipes, baby formula, and diapers could be purchased after arrival and donated.
Oh, and don't forget balloons!
Some projects were close enough that volunteer coordinators would simply arrive at the volunteer house and walk us to the location. Others required a trip to the nearby (about 10-15 minute walk away) taxi rank from our volunteer riad. We would then squeeze in - 6 passengers per taxi! The taxis in this country seem to operate the way buses in North America do. If they are not carrying the full/over capacity of 6 passengers, they will stop and randomly pick up and drop off people on the drive. The cost of these rides is very cheap, at around 5 dirham or 50 cents per person. On days visiting Tamsloht village, we would walk to the bus station and catch a bus for approximately the same cost.
I always tried to have a litre bottle of water with me on all projects. Otherwise, absorbing all the heat from commuting and frequent outdoor activities with the kids could leave you easily dehydrated and sick. A small daypack with lots of spare change, tissues (incase you visit a public restroom that doesn't provide it), and hand-sanitizer would be the other daily essentials.
I loved getting to know the kids and their personalities. It was impressive to see these spectacularly well-behaved nursery school kids. After they finished their animal mask creations, they had snack time and promptly helped set up and throw out garbage on their own. I'll overlook the expected fighting over crayons and papers, of-course.
Despite the cramped gross-motor space, they jumped and danced around happily. Many of us tried to sing and clap along while wielding our cameras to capture the incredible cuteness.
One time, we watched their classroom teacher give them their morning lesson on counting from one to thirty in both Arabic and French. She had the kids take turns coming up to point at the numbers on the chalkboard and recite in both languages.
Here's a relaxing Sunday afternoon of craft activities at a youth centre. Well, somewhat relaxing - I spent a large part of the afternoon frantically making more paper heart cut-outs to prevent the girls from grabbing them from each other. Many of the older kids enjoyed trying to teach me to count or speak basic Arabic phrases.
I have such a boatload of amazing memories; I wish I could share them all. There were some heartbreaking moments such as seeing street children we met and bonded with, out begging or selling tissue paper on the streets but that is the reality of the situation. These children lack many of the resources that we take for granted, such as well-stocked schools, books, clothes, shelter, doctors, dentists, even toys or ice cream treats are out-of-reach luxuries. I can't believe the daily hardships of these children and the lack of work opportunities and conditions they will encounter as adults. These bright, active young souls should have so much more.
One thought that crossed several of our minds and that we discussed at length was the impact of such short term volunteer projects and relationships on the children. It was very difficult to work with children that we were all aware we would only meet a few times before it would be time to return home.
Coming face-to-face with this dire reality makes me truly grateful for all that I have been given in my life. From ice-cream cones to education and a safe home, my family has continuously provided so much support, love, and opportunity. As much as possible, I'd like to pass on this love and support to people who haven't been given the same privileges in life. And even though these kids may not have the same life opportunities, they are very adaptive, open-hearted, and welcoming - which means volunteers are that much more appreciated!
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Kids,
Morocco,
Travel
There are boat rides that take you just under the falls which is a fantastic way to cool down after the climb. Each colourful decked-out boat has a single rower at the front who takes the work of steering twenty passengers in a full circle under the flood of cascading water. It's a magnificent sight that just can't be captured through a camera lens. I absolutely recommend coming to Ouzoud if you're ever in Morocco. It's not too time-consuming even if you're on a short trip and it's a relatively cheap excursion for some beautiful landscapes.
