By Joshua Kohen

Washington D.C - Last May, I had an interesting encounter on a train ride from Marrakesh to Rabat. It was my fourth visit to Morocco as an American Jew, visiting a land my paternal ancestors had left many generations ago.

As usual in Morocco, people are friendly on train rides, especially within the small confines of a cabin. Several Moroccan passengers began talking to me in Arabic out of curiosity. Where are you from? What brings you to Morocco? Where did you learn to speak Arabic? As our discussion grew deeper, I began telling them how much I loved visiting Morocco and the pride I hold in my Moroccan roots. They listened and wanted to know more. I told them that I attended a rally for King Mohammed VI the previous November in Washington and that I was on the TV channel 2M shouting “I love you Morocco.”

They were impressed by my abundant knowledge of Moroccan history since the days of Moulay Idriss I. They were amazed that an American boy could feel such a deep connection to their country, our country!  I remember this conversation like it was yesterday. A man sat across from me who was originally from Rabat. A mother and a small child were sitting next to him returning to Tangier. And beside me were two young ladies returning to Casablanca from a weekend in Marrakesh.

At a certain point, one of the young ladies asked me “the question.”  A question I receive often in Morocco, especially after they discover I have Moroccan heritage. “Are you a Muslim?” Usually, I decide to be discreet and avoid answering these questions. Only my friends in Morocco know I am Jewish, I rarely announce it to strangers. Then I realized this is Morocco. None of us are strangers. We are one big family. After listening to them converse with me for 2 hours, I decided what do I have to hide? I could tell from the tone of our conversations that they were open-minded and tolerant individuals  so I replied to the young woman “no, I am not Muslim. I am Jewish.”

At that moment, my blood rushed and my face warmed as I awaited their responses. I felt nervous but there was no negativity. The man had a very proud look on his face and said “we are all brothers and you are one of us. Religion does not divide us.” The mother with the young child gave me candies as a gesture of warmth and kindness. And the two young ladies were surprised but also curious. Their reactions inspired me and empowered me to be proud of who I am.

They started asking if I can’t eat pork or how often must I pray? At this point, our conversation became more personal. One of the young women from Casablanca told me “I wish my father, may he rest in peace, was still alive.  He was a former politician and well-respected in Casablanca. He would have loved meeting somebody like you.” I remember pulling out the Moroccan flag from my small carry-on suitcase and kissing it. They were in awe and so proud to have met me.

As the train reached Casablanca, the two young ladies left after expressing pleasure in meeting me. The mother with the young children also departed to connect to a different train. As she exited, she told her child “give him a kiss on the cheek.” A Muslim woman told her child to kiss the cheek of a Jew they had just met. In this moment, I realized a common human identity really overrides all preconceived ideas and I asked myself “why can’t all Muslim-Jewish relations be just like this train ride?” By connecting with my Moroccan identity, I was able to become closer with Muslim people as a Jew.

I am Jewish and I love Muslims. I love Muslims because half of my friends are Muslims.  I love Muslims because every time I visit Morocco, my Muslim friends are ready to embrace me and tell me “welcome to your second home.” I eat with them. I go out with them. I sing and dance with them. I laugh with them. I cry with them. I sleep in their homes. Whenever I have a problem, they are at my side immediately. When I was 16 years old, a Muslim Palestinian woman helped me obtain my first job and I am the grandson of Israeli immigrants who came to the United States in the 1960s.  We became close as she was my boss. One day, my Israeli grandmother came to my work and my Palestinian boss told her “I love your grandson.”

My maternal grandparents saw tragedy with their own eyes and endured persecution in their lifetimes so they taught me to respect all people and to never hate. My maternal grandmother especially inspired me to always get along with people regardless of their differences. Hundreds of members of her family were murdered in the Holocaust so she understood how hatred and indoctrination could drive people to do the most wicked things to humankind.

A few years ago, my grandmother’s Liberian Muslim friend had a family emergency at the beginning of Ramadan. Her friend was supposed to prepare the entire meal for all her relatives the first night of Ramadan. My grandma felt sorry for her and immediately went to the supermarket and bought a ton of food and began cooking without her friend’s knowledge. All day my grandma cooked her specialties before she called her friend to come over to surprise her.

These examples of human compassion should inspire all of us to reach out and never perceive each other as enemies. We are all brothers and sisters. Religious affiliations and political persuasions should never keep Jews and Muslims divided especially in the face of extremism and media incitement. The rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia in certain countries should bring us together against hatred, not drive us apart.

Let’s hope that my experience on the train ride from Marrakesh will one day become a broader reality for Muslims and Jews all over the world. May we all have our children kiss the cheek of the other as brothers. I will never succumb to Islamophobia and I will never accept those who label Muslims as terrorists. I will always respect and cherish my Muslim friends and I will never show hostility toward any Muslim.

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Chicago – A Moroccan-American, Hicham Zerhouni, has been selected as a fellow of the New Leaders Council (NLC), a U.S. non-profit organization that promotes progressive political entrepreneurs — trendsetters, elected officials and civically-engaged leaders in business and industry — who will shape the future landscape. 

Zerhouni, who is the Managing Principal of TransCultures, is one of 24 fellows selected from hundreds of qualified candidates to become a fellow of the NLC’s Chicago chapter. The NLC was founded in 2005 to create a progressive leadership development infrastructure for young professionals who already have some initial career experience. The NLC selects fellows from outside traditional power structures and trains and equips them with the skills necessary to be civic leaders in their communities and workplaces. The NLC’s mission is realized primarily through the NLC Institute.

Zerhouni, now only 34 years old, was born in Fez, Morocco, and moved to Chicago when he was 19. He graduated from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago in 2006 with a BA in Political Science and in 2009 received an MA in Political Science with a focus on International Relations. While working in banking as an International Analyst, he taught foreign languages to executives and government officials seeking to understand global markets and political diversity.

In 2006, he launched Argan Oils, a socially conscious cosmetics company that markets Argan oil from Morocco while supporting women’s cooperatives. He went on to work as a Global Media Analyst during the Arab Spring, and provided insights regarding turmoil in the Middle East.

His current venture, TransCultures, is a globalization services company that helps organizations overcome cultural barriers and achieve their global potential by customizing language and cultural services to help them grow in today’s global economy.

“I am so humbled to have this opportunity,” said Zerhouni. “This fellowship will allow me to advocate better for the communities I represent.” When asked whether there are similar programs in Morocco, he said “Leadership programs like these are much needed in Morocco. They would encourage young Moroccan men and women to participate more in the political process of Morocco.”

He added that “Morocco can play a key role in the globalization services industry due to its diverse languages.” TransCultures has been establishing a presence in Morocco for the last two years.

Zerhouni says that the globalization industry in Morocco shows great promise. “TransCultures through its expert management and diverse staff can play a significant role in shaping the business as Morocco becomes a hub destination that attract global companies,” he added.

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Agadir - CorpsAfrica has just finished training ten young Moroccan social activists. This is the second group of Moroccans that will be sworn in on January 26th to volunteer in rural areas across Morocco for one year of service.

CorpsAfrica is a nonprofit organization founded in 2011 by Liz Fanning to provide an opportunity for Africans to serve like Peace Corps Volunteers in their own countries.

Last year, the organization succeeded in training and placing seven Moroccan volunteers in different regions of Morocco including the High Atlas Mountains and Dakala Abdaa regions. This year the organization trained its first group of nine volunteers for 2014-2015, all of whom are already serving in their community.

The second group of trainees comes from many different regions of Morocco: Ouarzazate, Nador, Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Al Hoceima. They go through one month of training before beginning their service.

During the first week of training, the volunteers participated in Design-Thinking, facilitated by the trainer Garrett Mason at the Cultural Center of Sidi Moumen in Casablanca. There they were exposed to theoretical and practical aspects of problem solving and facilitation before being placed in their communities. During the Design-Thinking training, CorpsAfrica trainees were divided into three small groups and designed different projects to address the major issues that Sidi Moumen Cultural Center faces.

The trainees learned several skills to identify community needs, as well as used tools that will help them come up with an appropriate end of service project, which will be needed to address key needs of their community.

The Design-Thinking process includes the gathering of information, focusing (in which volunteers define the need of the community), prototyping (in which they create a visual image for a certain project), delivering the project and receiving feedback from the community.

During the training, CorpsAfrica trainees received first aid certification by the Red Crescent, met different active Moroccan organizations, and visited the sites of last year’s volunteers. They also had the chance to attend lectures at Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane.

CorpsAfrica has the eventual goal of having 250 volunteers in every African country by 2024. As part of a three-year pilot phase, CorpsAfrica plans to expand to Senegal and Ethiopia before scaling up to the rest of Africa.

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By Ferdaws Aharrar

Rabat - The British Council Morocco will organize a meeting on the topic "Employability of Marginalized Youth" on Tuesday at the General Confederation of Enterprises of Morocco (CGEM) in Casablanca.

The meeting aims at “building a collaborative international community focusing on the development of marginalized youth in Morocco and the United Kingdom” through a British Council program entitled “Skills for Employability,” which focuses on “skills development and vocational training”.

The program will be conducted in coordination with the CGEM and in partnership with, Moroccan organizations AIDA and Bayti, and British institutes Coleg Gwent, West Lothian College, and Coleg y Cymoedd.

According to a press release obtained by Morocco World News, “the meeting will raise awareness around the issue of employability of marginalized youth,” and aims “to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the main private and state actors committed to the same issue in Morocco and the United Kingdom.”

The meeting will explain the details of a partnership that includes “elements of technical training, monitoring and educational support engagement with employers to ensure the care of the young beneficiaries in the development of their skills and build their future.”

This initiative was inspired by the vast number of youth facing many obstacles to employment. The program aims to provide skills and training for those in need, under the terms of a partnership between Morocco and the United Kingdom.

[caption id="attachment_150339" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Yassine benefits from the BC programme and is currently working at La Grillardière[/caption]

Young people from Cardiff and Edinburgh in the United Kingdom and Casablanca in Morocco will participate in the event. They will have the opportunity to exchange their experiences and knowledge overcoming their own difficulties in their access to employment. They aim to show those who are still trying that they can have a real chance to change their current situation.

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By Ferdaws Aharrar

Tangier - Immigrants now living in Morocco have embraced Morocco, a country that has welcomed them warmly, and become a part of Moroccan society.

Medi1 TV interviewed some immigrants as guests on its “Generation News” show. They shared their mostly positive experiences living in Morocco. Unfortunately, their experiences have also had a dark side.

Generation News’  host, Oussama Benjeloun,  recently interviewed four guests on his show, each with a different nationality, who have lived in Morocco long enough to acquire the Moroccan dialect of Arabic and have also become accustomed to Moroccan culture. They called Morocco their second country and discussed matters of belonging and integration.

Oscar, originally from Senegal, is an assistant manager of a restaurant in Tangier. He shared an account of an incident that he experienced with a Moroccan child in the town where he lives. “I got out of the taxi and stood by a shop and right above where I was standing I heard someone calling: ‘Ebola! Ebola!,’” he explained.

With a good sense of humor and a smile he added: “I started wondering to myself: 'Where is he? Who is Ebola?' When I looked up, I discovered it was a little child who was calling to me from the window of his house!”

Oscar replied with the simplest response: “He was just a child. He will grow up and one day he will understand. I have other important things to worry about rather than make a scene about it."

Immigrants like Oscar who have decided to settle in Morocco for various reasons admire the diversity of Moroccan culture and have found peace, belonging, and home in this country. They are living what they might call their "Moroccan Dream.” However, they understand that there might be situations where unpleasant incidents occur due to lack of understanding or awareness, but they have chosen the Moroccan life style, embraced it, and want to be assimilated into it in order to experience peace and harmony.

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By Adil Bentahar

Casablanca - As part of the ‘Engaging Civil Society and Youth in Public Policy Dialogue in North Africa’ project, the Moroccan Center for Civic Education (MCCE), supported by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF) and in collaboration with the Moroccan Center for Youth and Democratic Reforms, held the National Meeting ‘Local Youth Councils: Experiences and Projects’. The event, which was held on January 24-25, gathered more than 30 Local Youth Councils leaders from eight different regions across Morocco.

Chaired by Mr. Youssef Kalakhi, Director of Moroccan Center for Youth and Democratic Reforms, the first session featured opening remarks by President of the Moroccan Center for Civic Education Mr. Elarbi Imad. Mr. Imad gave an overview about the Center’s experience in implementing civic education and related initiatives, particularly ‘Engaging Civil Society and Youth in Public Policy Dialogue in North Africa’ project that is being implemented in Morocco, Tunisia, and Libya.

Mr. Houssam Hab, Vice-Director of Moroccan Center for Youth and Democratic Reforms, shared contextual background information about the rationale behind founding the center with a focus on scientific research and academic contributions to the ongoing democratic reforms in Morocco. President of the Local Council for Youth in Assilah, Mr. Nidal Benali, stressed the important role that the Moroccan local councils could play in promoting the dynamics of the youth sector as a suggestive power.

Mr. Abdelmalak Lakheily, Advisor to Mr. El Habib Choubani, Moroccan Minister-in-charge of Relations with the Parliament and Civil Society, also highlighted the key role of Local Youth Councils in fostering civic concepts of democracy and youth civic engagement in politics in general and the upcoming 2015 communal elections in particular. He also emphasized the willingness of the Ministry to support all youth initiatives that help prepare Moroccans civically toward understanding and evaluating public policies.

The organizers set a number of objectives for this event. These include showcasing civic education community projects and sharing and exchanging ideas about possible avenues for engaging youth and civil society organizations in public policy dialogue. They also targeted the establishment of a national network of local youth councils as one of the participants' recommendations.

As a result of this national meeting, the participants decided to create the National Network of Local Youth Councils which would serve as a body governing and assisting in the promotion of participatory democracy and local governance, goals that the Moroccan Center for Civic Education upholds and considers in its many activities. Additional recommendations included institutionalizing local youth councils, drafting a national charter that particularly addresses the needs of local youth councils, ensuring equity among the local youth council members, and creating a committee for the preparation for collective charter. The participants also recommended designing a guide to youth local councils, creating a national Web site as a tool of communication, and last but not least, advocating for all these goals within the framework of the National Network for Youth Local Councils.

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By Joshua Kohen

Boston - From the moment you enter the giant hall, you might think you are in North Africa. The giant Amazigh flags plastered on the walls, guests in traditional garb, and Amazigh music playing in the background might have you fooled. But no, this is not North Africa. This is the Annual Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) Event in Boston, Massachusetts. 

For the past several years, the Amazigh community of Greater Boston has been hosting the Yennayer party with great success. Kabyles, Shilhas, Riffians, Touareg, and various other Amazigh groups come together every year to share their cultures. The purpose of the event is to display the rich and pluralistic heritage of North Africa’s indigenous people, the Imazighen. This year’s event was held on Saturday, January 24, and was sponsored by the Boston Amazigh Community, Elma&Sana LLC, and the Moroccan American Cultural & Community Center.

Each year, the New Year event attracts more and more people of all backgrounds, coming together to celebrate a common culture. The celebration is not a nationalist event; rather, it is an Amazigh event, and all the people of North African descent are encouraged to participate in the celebration, regardless of their nationality, religion, or race. This year’s party lasted from 5 PM to 11 PM.  Six full hours of fun, food, music, dancing, and cultural activities was a great way to ring in the Amazigh New Year of 2965, and show the deep North African identity of the vibrant Amazigh-American community.

Despite the fiercely cold Boston weather, 200-300 people from various countries braved the icy roads and attended, allowing for a full house. The evening’s entertainment created a truly energized atmosphere. Many featured bands and individual artists performed, including Amud Band, Youssef Tafroaut, Rafik Aqvayli Band, Crushing Roll, Khalid from Touareg, Ankfraf Band from Virginia, Abdelhadi Amnay, and former Arab Idol contestant Jennifer Grout.

When asked how she felt about being at her first Yennayer celebration in the United States, Grout, an American who sings in Tamazight and Arabic, said, “I felt so honored to be there because the atmosphere made me feel like I was in Morocco again.  After returning from Morocco to the US, I really miss everything about Morocco and this event made me feel like I was back home in Morocco. Yes, it really feels like home for me in Morocco”.

The night before the event, Grout and other artists rehearsed for hours in preparation for the celebration.  People were certainly moved by the rhythmic sounds of North Africa, with many people performing traditional Amazigh dances while dressed in ethnic attire. Throughout the evening, guests from all backgrounds expressed their delight in being present at the event and having an American venue to express their Amazigh roots.

Although most of those in attendance had an ancestral connection to North Africa, there were some people who came simply to learn more about the Amazigh people. One Lebanese-American woman said, “I came here because my husband is Amazigh and I wanted to learn more about his people and this event provided me the opportunity to explore beyond my own culture. This is completely different from Lebanese culture. Oh, and I really loved the food.” At each table, people mingled and socialized while enjoying traditional couscous, a staple of North African cuisine. Mint tea was served as well as amlou.  On one side of the hall, kiosks were set up where people could learn more about Amazigh history and buy Amazigh cultural items including artwork.  A henna artist was also present.

Children played games and wove Amazigh flags together, a sign of cultural awareness for the younger generation. Many families brought their young children to the event because they want their American-born children to stay in touch with their North African roots. One mixed family of a Moroccan father and an Algerian mother said, “The shared historical bonds of the Amazigh people is what brings us all together under one roof with a common flag that represents our culture across North Africa. Our shared roots unite us even if we come from different countries.”

The Yennayer celebration in Boston provides the perfect opportunity for all North Africans to experience Amazigh culture, despite being thousands of miles away from North Africa. Sanaa Abidar, one of the event organizers, said, “I just want to thank everyone for their support in the celebration of our Yennayer event. We were touched by how many people came out to celebrate with us and by the number of diverse groups including Jewish, Arab, and American who came to share this unique moment with Imazighen and explore the Amazigh culture.”

In addition to striving to make a perfect evening where everyone feels welcomed, Sanaa Abidar has been working very hard to raise money for flood victims in southern Morocco. Flyers were given to each table in an effort raise to awareness of this natural disaster and to allow people to contribute to the cause.  Adding a humanitarian cause to any cultural event is a great way to encourage people to get involved and remember those who are less fortunate.

The annual Yennayer celebration in Boston reminds us of the importance of our roots and maintaining a connection with our heritage. It also gives us a deeper appreciation of the diversity of the Amazigh civilization, and inspires all North Africans to explore and celebrate the pluralism of our peoples.

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By Ferdaws, Aharrar

Rabat – Eradicating underage marriage in Morocco requires serious changes to the socioeconomic situation throughout the country, the legal provisions and people’s mentalities, said Mustapha Ramid, Minister of Justice and Freedoms.

In response to a question posed at the House of Councilors on Tuesday, Ramid explained that countries such as Spain, Belgium, France and Finland “have legalized underage marriage with certain caveats and conditions.”

Under Moroccan family code, the legal age of marriage for both genders in Morocco is 18 years old. However, in some cases, and only if certain conditions are met, minors can obtain the right to get married.

Ramid added that although the government cannot change this social phenomenon directly, it can effect changes through integrated social and legal arrangements that will guarantee the safety of minors.

People might not be aware of the risks of underage marriage and how it can be problematic for underage girls who are not yet ready to undertake the responsibility of marriage. In some cases, underage marriage may even endanger their lives.

The Minister of Justice and Freedoms, therefore, emphasized that eradicating this phenomenon should go further than just enacting new laws; it should address the problem at the social and socioeconomic levels.

Edited By Kristina Fired

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Rabat - A French pedophile who sexually abused nine Moroccan children has been sentenced to two years in prison, according to Agence France Press (AFP).

The elderly French identified as Jean-Luc G must also pay 40,000 Dirhams in damages to the Moroccan Human Rights Association (AMDH) and a symbolic Dirham to the benefit of other associations.

One of the plaintiffs' lawyers was quoted by AFP as saying they are planning to appeal the court's ruling.

The French sexagenarian was arrested two months ago in Marrakech after a passing- by police patrol noticed his dubious behavior towards a child in a semi-dark place.

According to media reports, a photo of the child showing him wearing only his underwear was found in possession of the French national.

The police reportedly listened to the statement of the child who said that the elderly man was permanently forcing him into having sex with him, adding that his brother was also subject to the same shocking practices.

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By Kristina Fried

Rabat - Moroccan-born MIT student Zyad El Jebbari is the founder of a new and innovative platform, MoroCrafts, which could change the face of the Moroccan economy.

A large part of Morocco’s economy depends on tourism, which in turn is what many Moroccan craftsmen depend upon to earn a living. However, with the increase in retail transactions happening online, these craftsmen stand to suffer economic hardship. Because of the high illiteracy rate in rural Morocco, many of these craftsmen are forced to work through a middleman, selling their one of a kind handicrafts to a bazaar for next to nothing, while the bazaar then sells them to tourists and art galleries that are willing to pay much more for the products. As a result, the craftsmen often earn no more than 20% of the retail price, according to El Jebbari.

In order to ameliorate this problem, El Jebbari created the idea for MoroCrafts, an online crowdfunding platform that would allow Moroccan craftsmen to sell their handicrafts online and thus reach a wider consumer base.

El Jebbari explained his vision for the project to online journal MIT News, saying that, “Our vision is to broaden the Moroccan artisans’ horizons and enable them to improve their standards of living. This has broader implications in improving the region’s business and cultural dynamism and ultimately puts in place a sustainable economic model that will help reduce poverty in the country. Instead of offering charity to these regions, we are planning on opening them up to the world and removing them from isolation.” He estimates that MoroCrafts could increase craftsmen’s earnings to up to 70% of the retail price.

[caption id="attachment_150829" align="aligncenter" width="623"] Lalla Aicha, left, is the Ma?lema (Master) of the cooperative. He is responsible for the workshop and manages to cooperatives 15-20 artisans[/caption]

The project also represents a growing movement within the younger, educated, and often-emigrated generation to work on projects that give back to their native country. El Jebbari emphasized this, saying, “I felt that there was an urgent need for young Moroccans to take action through entrepreneurship to help our artisans broaden their horizons and reach.”

The project is currently being funded on Kickstarter, where its goal is to reach $10,000. It has currently reached nearly half of its monetary goal, and is still over two weeks short of its deadline. If successful, the project will be extended to other African countries.

[caption id="attachment_150830" align="aligncenter" width="625"] El Jebbari came up with his idea for MoroCrafts while hiking in the remote peaks of the Atlas Mountains[/caption]

The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Morocco World News’ editorial policy

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By Brianne Kelly

Bouarfa, Morocco - I cannot remember the last time that I craved hot chocolate this often and looked forward to early nights knowing that once I was under my covers I could snuggle myself into a warm cacoon of never-wanting-to-leave. It's officially Winter in Morocco and I am dressing the part. My usual attire consists of sweater-pants or thermals under comfy yoga-pants with at least five top layers incuding a tank, long sleeves and a thick sweater left by the previous volunteer. I even fall asleep in my wind-breaker jacket occasionally and I have been keeping my hat, scarf, and gloves close by if not constantly on me.

When walking to class on Friday, the wool infinity scarf just about covered my mouth and my jacket hood covered any indication that I may be a female with my hair tied back. This is admittedly a favorite look for me here because people are often confused as to what gender I represent thus keeping the unwanted verbalization of their thoughts stuck in the coprehension phases. If they do eventually figure out that I am a female, I have long walked by and the moment has passed thus sparing me the repeatitive phrases all too often lacking originality.

Unfortunatley, this is not always the case. As I was dutifully walking to class having just crossed the road from the mosque, where I would be less visible from the cafes and therefore circumventing the unwanted stares of curiousity, a man standing near another casually took it upon himself as the temporary town-crier to announce his perception of my outward appearance. I would have chosen such adjectives as "cozy," "comfortable," "layered." However this man chose the all too common phrase "you are beautiful." I should be flattered, right? I was not. Perhaps disgusted, annoyed, or expectant. This man could hardly see me and this really was not about what I looked like. These kind of phrases have far less to do with how I actually appear and rather more to do with this stranger's idea that his words somehow have power over me. And they did. I replied back "baraka," translated as "enough." Ready to go on with my day and not give this situation a second thought, his unexected reply was a genuinely concerned, "what?"

I truly believe that sometimes the boys who curse in front of me or the men who speak French to me are unaware that I find it annoying, so if time permits I usually use these moments to practice my Moroccan Arabic and explain why I am not French or why a phrase used in an American movie is actually very offensive, but of course offering some alternatives that they may use instead. It has been fun hearing random kids attempt my first name and they seem to have more respect because I endulged them just a bit, feeding their curiousity enough to let them know that I am not a tourist and that I will see them around another time.

Fortunately, this particular man spoke great English. The confusion on his face was unmistakable but the conversation probably took less than two minutes. In the end I reversed the roles on him and asked him how it would make him feel if everyday, every single time he left the house, there were comments made to him. His response "this makes you nervous". I don't know that "nervous" is the exact feeling, especially after a year and further understanding of the culture. I certainly do not feel ready to skip down the road picking flowers and giggling (at least not in my small city, Rabat is a different story) when I leave my home, but I feel safe enough and I like to keep it that way. Overall, he understood. However, "hello Bri!" is always welcomed.

This incident led into a conversation in English class in which I came away with the idea that in some ways, this is cultural. In other ways, this is outdated. Some females may be flattered by this, but this is something that I continously grapple with. My position here as a female Peace Corps Volunteer is to be "professional", "presentable", "knowledgeable" and of course, "open". These remarks absolutely happen in America, an argument this man used, and quite honestly I really do not care for it there either.

Morocco is a very fertile and scenic country with rich culture and some of the best hospitality that I have ever experienced. Friday was just a day in which I found myself weighing the cultural differences against basic human rights. Why did I feel so hostile when responding to that man, just one of several for the day? Why is it acceptable that a woman must even think twice to be out of the house at certain hours all over the world when some men know nothing other than taking this right for granite?

I believe that we are quite some ways from gender equality and it is both baffling and frustrating. Many people do not see the issues here, which is baffling. Therefore they do not take the steps to alter the uncomfortableness it may inflict on others, which is frustrating. As a person with a female perspective, I am just attempting to provoke dialogue because some days I feel just as confused as anyone else as to how and why a complete stranger offers his approval before he offers the gift of conversation.

After I went to shoot some photos for this article, it turned in to be quite the cultural exchange! Check out what happened on my blog and follow me for future updates.

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Rabat - The police are reportedly investigating the two Swedish security guards who were filmed slamming a Moroccan nine-year-old boy’s head into a stone floor at the main station in Malmö, Sweden.

According to The Local, Linda Pleym, a spokesperson for Skåne police, told Swedish newspaper Aftonbladet that "they are suspected of assault and will be questioned on that matter."

The same source added that Anders Lönnebo, the CEO of the security company Svensk Bevakningstjänst, which employed the guards, admitted on Monday that the incident “didn’t look good on camera”.

Cecilia Granath, spokeswoman for the train station Jernhusen, told The Local on Monday that her company contacted the security guard to account for the incident.

“We have a zero-tolerance policy towards excessive violence,” she said.

In the video, published on YouTube, a security guard weighing approximately 90 kilos sat on the boy’s chest and pressed his gloved hand violently over the boy’s mouth and nose.

The guard slammed the boy’s head against the stone floor, while the child struggled to recite the Shahadah (declaration of faith).

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Radia Benabbou

Tangier - The State of Virginia, USA will host the Moroccan Talent Expo Sports (MTES) to provide young Moroccan soccer players with a chance to showcase their talents.

This event will be held in April 2015 and will last for ten days.

The MTES is organized by RSLOU Management, an independent, publishing, producing and managing company founded by the Moroccan American Miloud El Aomari.

Twelve Moroccan soccer players will have the opportunity to visit the US and participate in “the first soccer tournament between Moroccan soccer players and the Virginia Soccer Association, which will take place at James Long Park, Haymarket, Virginia,” the organizers said in a  statement.

The twelve Moroccan soccer players will be able to show their talents outside Morocco, which may be a golden opportunity to take their careers a step further.

The ten-day stay in Virginia will be also a way to expand the players’ professional networks and open up to a new culture.

Moroccan Talent Expo helps young Moroccan talents fulfill their dreams. Two musical events had already been organized in May 2013 and November 2013 in Virginia and New York, respectively.

The two previous editions brought the two cultures together and provided a good platform for communication and sharing experiences.

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Fez - There is no doubt that the scarcity of green areas and the spread of cafes in Moroccans cities is one of the aspects that strike any foreigner who visits Morocco. This phenomenon, which has taken alarming dimensions, has negative impact on the well-being of Moroccan youth.

Fez, originally the capital of science and learning in Morocco, has become overcrowded. As a major destination for migrants from outside the city, Fez’s rapid urbanization has seen an influx of people and a decline in its green spaces. The poor urban planning and the negligence of the city municipality have further contributed to the severity of the problem. The city’s empty spaces were sold, and the few existing green spaces suffer from years of lack of maintenance, depriving citizens of their pivotal role in relieving anxiety and embellishing the city panoramic view.

The policy of the municipality, which is oblivious to citizens’ welfare, is short-sighted and allocates little to no resources to maintaining, renewing and constructing new gardens. Massive urbanization has had severe repercussions on citizens who find nowhere to go, like parks for entertainment.

They endure the daily stress of work, study, and transportation and find themselves obliged either to sit in cafes and watch football games on big screens or walk along the crowded polluted streets enduring noise, which causes discomfort. To escape the hustle and bustle, Fassis have to get away from the city. The most common place of refuge for Fassi people is Ifrane, about 65 kilometers from Fez.

[caption id="attachment_152351" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The Atlas Sqaure Garden, Fez[/caption]

In Fez itself, with the exception of the Ain chkef forest, which is poorly equipped with only a few benches to host visitors, there are no other family-oriented areas to which people can resort. Out of necessity, most middle class families wander through the narrow garden along Hassan II Boulevard to enjoy the view of the fountains and greenery. However, the place is too small to cater to the needs of the huge influx of visitors, who seek relaxation from daily work stress. The lack of green spaces impinges on the psychological wellbeing of the residents, and especially the youth who cannot find ways to unwind.

[caption id="attachment_152353" align="aligncenter" width="960"] The garden along Hassan II Boulevard, Fez[/caption]

Football pitches, where teens can practice their favorite sports have nearly vanished from the city. In the past, I used to play football daily with my friends in open spaces like the ones that once existed in Oued Fez, Jnane El Alami, and Sefrou Street. Most of these spaces have either been exploited by big entrepreneurs to set up businesses or used to build blocks of flats. The situation is very frustrating to the youth. Teenagers have to jump over the school walls to gain access to sports grounds where they can practice sports.

Finding few or no alternatives to expend their extra energy, many teens turn to spending hours in social networks exchanging trivial videos, chatting or aimlessly checking people’s profiles or even sexually harassing their peers.

In Fez, there is a growing epidemic that saps teens’ power, creativity and participation in social political events. This is manifest in the many cafes and Hookah places that host minors, adults and prostitutes who consume a variety of hard drugs. The cafes and Hookah places operate illegally while the phenomenon is spreading exponentially. The cafes harbor criminals who meet to brag about their criminal records in an atmosphere which is marked by promiscuity. Moreover, because access to those kinds of cafes does not require the presentation of any I.D., many minors access them and imitate adults to become addicted to drugs.

Said a father of two, and a shop owner in the old Medina, told MWN that "these places [Houkah cafes] have become a breeding ground of criminality. They represent a threat to the safety of my two little girls because they are frequented by delinquents, under achievers, prostitutes."

"Even if we try to complain to the authorities, who will listen to our concerns? This kind of cafes is spreading in residential areas," he added.

Youssef, 19, a school drop-out, told MWN that he resorts to such cafes in order to take drugs and avoid thinking about his current status as a jobless.

“Youth are not taken care of. There is lack of youth development projects that deal with their social problems. Many others suffer from extreme poverty, lack of skills and ambition. These cafes are a sort of escapism,” he said.

The average drug use in Morocco, excluding tobacco, is estimated at between four and five percent of the adult population, which is a minimum of 800,000 users, according to the annual report of the National Observatory of Drugs and Addictions.

The report which also finds that one out of five high school students has already smoked tobacco and one out of ten has used cannabis, recommends the adoption of a nationwide prevention program, as well as laws to ban the selling of tobacco and drugs near schools, and set up counseling and psychological support units in schools and universities.

Drug taking leads youth to think of delinquent ways to gain money. They become easy prey for criminals and conduct that harm individuals and society. As a result, the crime rate in Fez has skyrocketed and many people skip going out for fear to be mugged.

Edited by Elisabeth Myers

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Marrakech – Historically and socially, Moroccan youth have been deprived of a meaningful participation in political, economic and social life. They lack basic access to information and education and/or are considered unfit for leadership positions in their communities. This lacking is contradictory to the desire most young people have to be active in their environment.

The belief that youth have a rebellious attitude and a chaotic mindset has been refuted by the sense of citizenship and engagement many young people show. Today’s youth try to access and participate through working hard and engaging in their society. Still, the political will does not correspond with these aspirations. And with these two at odds with each other, coupled with the high rates of unemployment and illiteracy, Moroccan youth are in a dire situation.

Experiencing most of these youth hindrances enhanced my interest in youth participation. So, I analyzed the government’s attitudes towards this situation. I concluded that its measures are shy and the mechanisms to promote young people are either not very clear or not activated.

My curiosity further led me to research the relevant World Bank reports. At first sight, I was amazed to learn how the World Bank as an independent foreign institution view Moroccan people like me. Then, I realized that it is a very detailed description of the situation of youth in Morocco.

Based upon my research and experiences, it seems that the key to any positive change in Morocco is considering youth as a critical group. Young people must have more access to proper education and decision-making positions.   A 2012 report by the World Bank (No. 68731 –MOR entitled: Promoting Youth Opportunities and Participation, June 2012) stresses that education is an important factor in the economic development of young people and the economy of Morocco in general since youth constitute a majority of the population.

The urgency of this topic is clear because, as the report mentions, youth exclusion lead to high-risk behaviors, which leads to higher unemployment rate and pressure on wages. The probably result shows the need to increase youth participation and involvement in good citizenship practices.

The solution can be found in: 1- Promoting employability and maintaining the link with the labor market and entrepreneurship. 2- Enhancing participation of youth in the ‘programs’ and in designing youth policies, considering that the interventions adopt a sensitive gender and age categories approach. Another key is expanding the coverage of well-designed intervention to leave greater impact.

Synergy must be created to maintain and strengthen good cross-sectoral cooperation. Critical need for youth inclusion in the quality of services and accountability is highly recommended. Youth participation must be recognized by giving allowance for their work. Their participation should be taken through institutional channels.

Transition to employment is done through reforms in education partnership between public agencies, the government, and promoting training youth centers. Transition to citizenship is done through interventions such as increasing youth abilities to have ‘voice’ and helping them design their own programs. The key areas for intervention are :

Promoting employment and entrepreneurship( through training + comprehensive programs…)

Promoting active youth participation and citizenship ( providing support to youth-led organizations and initiatives + youth volunteering programs and services.)

To be continued...

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Nador - In a charitable move, students and the staff of ‘les classes preparatoires’ of Lyceé Mohammed Abdelkarim Al Khattabi in Nador have organized a group visit to children living in a charity refuge on the afternoon of Saturday, February 28.

Four classes, making up a total of around 60 students, and a few teachers took part in this voluntary act in an attempt to bring smiles to the faces of the underprivileged kids, most notably orphans and delinquents.

The Islamic Charity Association for Children’s Care welcomed the visitors, and led them through the school’s dormitories, cafeterias, library, ICT classroom, and playground. The school offers adequate living conditions for residents despite a staff shortage, which has placed great difficulty on the school.

The visit comprised of various activities and games, after which prizes were distributed. The games ranged from general questions to mimicry skills and memory games. The event ended with a football match, played by the CPGE students and charity members. A trophy was kept in the school’s administration after honoring the winning team.

The event aimed at paying respect to an important element of Moroccan society, whose circumstances recount untold stories about their lives’ pain.

Members of the visiting body gave motivational speeches to the children and the school principal at the end of their visit, as symbolic presents.

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By Ferdaws Aharrar

Rabat - Three women were sitting in the local hospital discussing something that sounded controversial to me, and as I happened to eavesdrop, I could not help but state my opinion and say, “The same weight that is laid on a woman who committed adultery must also be laid on the man.”

The conversation seemed to suggest that men’s adultery is something women can do nothing about. One of the women, a mother, argued that “one could never tell if a man has committed adultery; unlike women, he has nothing to lose.” She was referring to losing virginity. But actually, both men and women can lose their virginity, but a women's virginity is held in higher regard due to her biological differences.

The other woman, also a mother, complained, “Girls these days are out of control! They would let anyone approach them. The real woman is the one who can preserve herself and protect her and her family’s honor.” This triggered the thought: what constitutes a woman's "honor"?

I was muted in shock until the third participant, also a woman, decided to contribute: Lucky is the women who managed to find a man to conceal her”. Although the verbatim translation may not quite embody the idea, she implied that a woman needs a man above all else, not to protect her, not to love her, nor appreciate her, but rather to keep her "honor.” Lucky is the woman who has a man to hide and conceal her body, as if he is doing her a favor, as if he is saving her life. This conversation bothered me enough that I had to state my own opinion.

I am completely aware of the cultural and religious situation in Morocco, as I am also part of women’s struggle to earn dignity and basic human rights. However, men and women must be treated fairly.

I addressed the three women and shared my opinion about the matter: adultery needs two - a man and a woman - to happen. What we already know is that Arab society is generally stained with a great deal of patriarchy. In Islam, God has forbidden adultery for both men and women, but society has taught us that men are privileged, flexible, and more easily exonerated of adultery.

Some men came to believe that they could get away with adultery. Society allowed them this luxury; or rather they allowed themselves the false privilege of doing so. A patriarchal society is one that is “ruled by the male head of a social unit. The patriarch is typically a societal elder who has legitimate power over others in the social unit.”[1] In everyday conversation, a patriarchal society means one where women are dominated by male power. Thanks to the great efforts of women who lead the war against this social inhumanity and injustice, monumental changes have been made concerning women’s rights and the family code in Morocco.

However, the problem is not the laws and regiments. Rather, it is the social beliefs and behaviors that legitimate adultery for men and place all its weight on women. It is not only adultery to which we can apply this theory, but to several aspects of the Moroccan society as well, such as divorce and other family issues.

Why do some women accept and reinforce those ideological traits of patriarchy by blaming their sisters and expecting them to kneel to these dehumanizing beliefs? How can society develop and improve if women are blaming each other for the mistakes that are made in a partnership between a man and a woman? How can adultery or any other misbehavior be genuinely and solely attributed to women?

My hope is to bring greater awareness of the effects society has on us, because it is not always correct. The social judgment in this matter discriminates against women and gives plenty of misused freedom to the other sex. Mothers ought to teach their children that the same weight is laid on them. A girl should not be raised to fear and shame. On the other hand, there must be a confinement to the way adultery is socially treated as a sexual privilege for men. Society needs the collaboration of all its members to demolish those mistaken social behaviors. Whether consciously or not, many submit to those beliefs and values blindly, and speak the patriarchal mind that is deeply embedded within. The incident that I had encountered was one of which I hope to never revisit.

The women with whom I happened to have this conversation could not understand my point of view because they were deep in the dark hallows of outdated customs and social beliefs. They honestly thought that I was seeking chaos with my opinions, because some believe that when a woman speaks her mind, she is planning a mischief.

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Sidi Kacem - A nonprofit, self-advocacy organization has been established in Sidi Kacem, Morocco. The organization is making a positive impact within the community and assisting others with achieving their goals. The program was introduced by community development specialist, Justin Bibee, an American Peace Corps Volunteer. 

People’s Advocate Council (PAC) works collectively with the people of the community to create better living standards for all.  This is achieved by implementing community development projects that respect and fulfill the rights of people.

Oumaima Nouali and Abdellah Bouderqa are co-founders of the organization and effective community leaders in Sidi Kacem.  Their expertise, professionalism, and consistent involvement in community projects have been of great importance.

PAC’s current projects include, but are not limited to, removing trash from local schoolyards and playgrounds, as well as planting trees in Sidi Kacem each month. Each member works towards respecting and fulfilling the right for all people to benefit from a clean environment. Other projects include free educational classes, as well as food/clothing drives to assist families and individuals who are struggling.  Restoration and the building of new playgrounds is another project the PAC is working to achieve.  PAC raises awareness about people’s rights through the implementation of community development projects.

In honor of International Women’s Day and the importance of gender equality, a gender advocate training will be held in Sidi Kacem this month. The event will work towards raising awareness about the importance of girls’ education, both locally and globally. This project highlights the rights of women and the right to education.

PAC’s vision is changing the community outlook together. The organization is committed to community participation.  Each year, PAC conducts a community assessment survey. The primary purpose for conducting the survey is to find out where the community is striving and what needs improvement. With this information, PAC identifies problem areas and develops community projects focused around those areas.

The People’s Advocate Council supports better standards of living and provides a resource to community members.  The program is built by the people, for the people.  PAC is a strong movement of people who are dedicated to making a difference in their community.  The group works to respect the needs of Sidi Kacem and fulfill those needs to the best of their ability.

A strategic plan is being implemented to assort domestic partnerships and branch out into surrounding communities. PAC is connecting with international networks to grown towards a worldwide movement. This begins by spreading these ideas throughout communities across Morocco and encouraging the idea of advocacy to all.

People’s Advocate Council does not embrace political causes. The organization maintains neutrality in political affairs.

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Rabat - A teacher of religious education in Egypt shaved a schoolgirl's head in front of her colleagues because she was not wearing the Hijab.

According to Egyptian media reports, the primary school teacher from the Egyptian province of Al-Fayoum had also assaulted the girl physically before shaving her head inside the classroom for not wearing the Islamic garment.

The incident sparked uproar over the teacher's disciplinary tactics.

The victim's family decided to file a complaint against the school teacher, saying their daughter suffered psychologically from the incident especially that she had been assaulted in front of her peers inside the classroom.

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Rabat - Each spring semester, the Leadership Development Institute of Al Akhawayn University organizes a “Leader of the Year Award.” The ceremony will take place on April 23rd.

The ceremony awards the winner of competition between leaders of Ifran-Azrou and Meknes.

The “Leader of the Year Award” aims at enhancing community leadership and to celebrate the accomplishments of people and associations who work to facilitate development of Morocco.

AUI’s Leadership Development Institute students partake in the process of promoting, selecting and honoring the honorees. They also help in raising the money for the prize.

To be selected as a candidate, leaders and any employees working in any association, except for those of government offices or programs, should meet specific criteria including: high integrity, good communication, team orientation, motivation, vision, adaptability to changes, innovation, and reflectivity.

In addition, these associations’ work should focus on issues related to reducing poverty effects, increasing literacy, improving health, increasing access to education especially for rural girls and women, ameliorating the quality of education in local schools, meeting the needs of orphans, people in difficult situation and those with disabilities, single mothers, and the elderly.

The deadline for application is March 31Th.

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