Rabat - Social entrepreneurship is on the rise in Morocco. A six day program aiming to expose young people to the ideas and practices of entrepreneurship is coming to Al Akhawayan University this summer.

Eirene4Impact, a Moroccan organization for finance and entrepreneurship, and ESSEC Business School, the first school in France to develop academic expertise in social entrepreneurship, are organizing this program, which will include trainings, workshops, and conferences conducted by international experts.

The program, titled Impact Camp, will take place from 19-25 July and focuses on inspiring young entrepreneurs to develop their skills and gain a motivation to transform their communities.

Additionally, the camp aims to inform young people on the practices and impacts of social entrepreneurship.

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Rabat - Among the many Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIS) combatants who have died in Iraq and Syria, Moroccan and Tunisian citizens have been killed more than any other nationality, according to Akhbar al Youm.

Abu Jaled al Yazraui, a director of ISIS, confirmed that these nationalities are the leaders in body count, followed by Chechens and Russians.

The source adds that about 100 Moroccan soldiers have been killed in combat in Iraq and Syria. A large number of Moroccans were killed during ISIS’s battle against the Kurds in the Syrian city of Kobane. Many deaths have been suicides or occurred at the hands of the Iraqi army, rival militias, and the coalition headed by the United States.

Jaled Chakraui, a Moroccan specialist in jihadi groups, told the newspaper that Maghreb fighters that have not taken leadership roles in the organization plan to move up the ISIS ladder and compensate for their “ideological weakness with savagery in battle.”

Chakraui added that ethnic rivalries have a substantial amount of weight in the organization, and that competition to gain notoriety in the group is intense.

According to recent statistics, more than 1,300 Moroccans are fighting in the ranks of terrorist groups in areas of tension such as Syria, where 246 have been killed, and Iraq, where another 40 have been killed.

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Rabat - DOZ curates and qualifies the best marketers to deliver online marketing campaigns on search engines, social media websites, and blogs. It brings hundred of curated marketers work together to drive appropriate audiences to DOZ clients’ sites.

To learn more about DOZ, its mission and goals, [and] the challenges it faces, we approached [its director] Faouzi Elyaagoubi for an interview.

MWN: How did you come up with the idea of lunching DOZ?

Faouzi Elyaagoubi: Marketing is a sector that is crying out for disruption. While the marketing agencies in Europe and North America have adapted to digital marketing methods, they have not evolved their business model - it remains stuck in the same old processes it developed in the 1980s. Marketing agencies expect clients to be passive, to arrive looking for expertise, and to accept that marketing is so complex it cannot be understood by outsiders.

We realized pretty quickly that the agency model could not survive in a world where digital technology, crowd-powered solutions, and access to marketers in different countries with just a few clicks of the mouse all converged in a single nexus. We recognized this not as a problem, but as an opportunity, and we were able to leverage our experience in SEO, our business training, and our international experience to create DOZ.

MWN: Tell us more about the challenges you've faced with your co-founder to spread the word about your online platforms and build an online community, which is quite large for a young startup.

Faouzi Elyaagoubi: Anyone can have a world changing idea, but that doesn’t mean that everyone will be able to make that dream a reality. We’ve spent a lot of time and effort building the community of experts that represent all areas of modern digital marketing, as well as searching out clients. Indeed, we really work at both ends of our business model at the same time: of course we need clients to work with, but we also need expert marketers to get the marketing work done.

When it comes to spreading the word to marketing experts and to prospective clients, we’ve of course used digital means. Social media is a powerful channel for us, and reaching out to people on LinkedIn, on Twitter, through Facebook, and via a content marketing program tailored for social is an important part of that strategy. Concurrently, though, we have also reached out to companies in person, over the phone, tailoring our creative pitch to industry sectors and highlighting the ways that other companies can benefit from DOZ’s disruptive approach to digital marketing.

We’re proud to have worked with more than a hundred companies - many of those becoming loyal, repeat customers of DOZ - and tp have built a network of 5000 expert marketers to serve them.

[caption id="attachment_159705" align="aligncenter" width="676"] Faouzi Elyaagoubi, the Moroccan Founder of DOZ[/caption]

MWN: San Francisco is known as the first location of young entrepreneurs in the United States. Is it hard to compete with other local startups since you come from abroad?

Faouzi Elyaagoubi: Any time you take an idea from Europe to the US there is going to be push back. There are issues of cultural fit, communication problems to overcome, and just the fact that you come from outside of the normal Silicon Valley hive is enough to put some people off. However, on the other hand, if you have the confidence to leave your home base and pitch your product in the most competitive market on the planet, you earn the respect of investors and clients just by walking in the room. That’s not ever enough to see you win funding or a contract, but it is often enough to prove how serious you are about solving a real global problem - and that can get you a foot in the door.

MWN: Are you planning to open a third office in Morocco?

Faouzi Elyaagoubi: DOZ expects to continue its expansion and North Africa, and the Mediterranean is an attractive market for us and for the companies we work with. While we can’t confirm a Moroccan office today, it is something we’ll continue to consider as our client base expands in the region.

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Rabat - For the United States, world governments, including Morocco, are not doing enough to stop their citizens from joining jihadists of the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.

"We are not seeing nearly enough global action to criminalize and actually prevent the movement of foreign terrorist fighters (FTF) to and from conflict zones," the US ambassador to the UN Samantha Power said on Friday.

Large numbers of foreign fighters are travelling from Tunisia, Morocco, France and Russia. The UN says now that there are also jihadists coming from the Maldives, Finland, Trinidad and Tobago, as well as from some sub-Saharan Africa countries.

The UN Security Council adopted a resolution in September that called on governments to criminalize joining extremist groups in the Middle East.

"We need countries to step up by creating new laws if they haven't, enforce laws on the books where they have them, and take concrete steps to make it possible to stop FTF travel," the US ambassador said.

A study by a UN panel of experts showed a 71 per cent increase in the number of foreign fighters between mid-2014 to March 2015.

"The rate of flow is higher than it has ever been historically and is mainly focused on movement into the Syrian Arab Republic and Iraq, with a growing problem also evident in Libya," the report said.

An estimated 25,000 foreign fighters from over 100 countries have joined the ranks of local armed groups, according to the report.

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By Hassan Salman

Orlando -In order to break up the daily hustle and bustle of everyday life here in the United States, Moroccan immigrants do all they can to keep their lives interesting and fulfilling. Moroccan men and women across the country meet online and exchange daily news and events, both about the United States and their home country.

To better understand how Moroccan immigrants feel about their homeland thousands of miles away, I asked several of them the following question: what would our country have to look like in order for you to return permanently to Morocco?
Below, I will analyze some of thoughts our fellow countrymen and women living abroad had about this issue. I have removed names for security purposes, and have included direct quotes from those interviewed.

The first male commenter said that Morocco must offer “opportunities, safety, and justice.” This commenter hopes for the best. Currently, Morocco is a land with few opportunities for youth, which explains why the majority of youth have emigrated to different parts of the world. They leave their homes seeking better opportunities for a sustainable future.

Regarding many interviewees’ safety concerns, they often find that Morocco "is not a safe place" to live, except for a few small cities and villages around the country. Banditry takes place in both public and private areas at all hours of the day and night. The big question being asked is: “why can’t the government make it safe for the people?” The public wonders if it is a deficiency on the part of the government or if it is willful negligence.

Justice and equality often appears absent in Morocco. The majority of citizens are deprived of their rights in all aspects of life: employment, housing, hospitalization, and other related areas. Laws are not always implemented, and when they are, it is done very poorly. The worst of all is that only three types of people make up the social hierarchy of the country: the filthy rich, the middle class, and the impoverished lower class. Deplorably, the latter category represents the majority of the country’s citizens.

One Moroccan woman living in the United States brought attention to another important issue in the country: healthcare. This issue is in need of closer consideration from the Ministry of Health. Health coverage in most, if not all, of Morocco’s public hospitals is disappearing to the point that people, both rich and poor, must resort to private clinics for hospitalization.

Most public hospitals barely contain the basic necessities for a health facility, including healthcare equipment, medicine, and sustainable rooms for patients. Almost all public hospitals lack a sufficient number of nurses and doctors to help provide for a comfortable visit for the patient. The question is: can a penniless Moroccan man or woman who needs immediate surgery to survive be given a chance at life?

Four other interviewees shared a concern for the state of education in the country. Morocco is in dire in need of a system of education that guarantees fruitful learning and produces valuable citizens. According to the interviewees, the ideal education system is one that pays attention to quality, not quantity. They seek an education that enables degree-holding graduates to find a job with little-to-no difficulty. Above all, the education they dream of is one with curriculum that does not contradict or misrepresent our beautiful religion, Islam.

One of the female interviewees also mentioned she wishes she did not have “to offer a bribe to every office” she visits. She also highlighted the lack of respect while driving and human rights. A less-optimistic female said, “nothing really. I know the change won't occur at least a decade from now. For anyone thinking about going back now: do not waste your time waiting for big change to happen yet.”

Despite all of these attitudes, which perhaps some may view as pessimistic, there are thousands of other Moroccans who want to move back to Morocco permanently. They are eager to do so simply because it is the land where they were born and raised; it is the land where their parents, siblings and relatives live; and it is the land that speaks their mother language. These people dream to lend a hand to make the change they want to see in Morocco.

One cannot help but wonder: how successful will these Moroccans returning from the US be in changing our kingdom’s future?

The post What Would Push an Immigrant to Move Back to Morocco? appeared first on Morocco World News.

Rabat - A Moroccan woman is working tirelessly to provide children in deprived schools with a chance at a better education.

Fatima Khouchoua is the founder of Giving Chances, a charity that provides the young students of Morocco with books and other educational resources so that they can reach their full learning potentials.

Khouchoua, a grassroots activist, first began her work with Moroccan schools five years ago. Motivated by her desire to give something back as well as a love for her country, she organized a teaching curriculum for a group of students at a school in Marrakesh. The success of her first program was overwhelming. Khouchoua decided to continue her work in other locations so she founded Giving Chances.

[caption id="attachment_159839" align="aligncenter" width="807"] Fatima Khouchoua is the founder of Giving Chances[/caption]

Khouchoua raised funds and developed hands-on curriculums to bring to schools. So far, Giving Chances has equipped ten different schools with libraries, books, school supplies, and literacy resources, touching over 2000 children. “Our vision is to be able to reach as many schools as we can in the most remote and deprived areas of the country,” says Khouchoua.

Giving Chances differs from the traditional teaching techniques in Moroccan schools, which primarily utilize auditory methods. However, Khouchoua argues that the best way to teach is through a balance of visual and creative learning styles.

“Our work for these children is a once in a lifetime experience,” says Khouchoua, pointing out that the Moroccan government does not provide adequate learning materials to all schools.

Besides teaching, Giving Chances also supplies important tools for learning such as small libraries in order to promote habits of reading. But not only does Giving Chances provide books; it also provides a new meaning to education for children. By promoting enrollment and different learning styles, Khouchoua hopes to provide friendly, stimulating environments for children so that they can develop confidence in their abilities to learn.

Khouchoa has been recognized several times for her achievements in Moroccan communities. She has received the Women4Africa Humanitarian of the Year award in 2014, the Pride of Morocco Award, and the British Community Honours Award.

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New York — The first Muslim adoption agency in the United States will hold its fifth annual reunion and gathering for parents who have adopted children from Morocco for the first time this year after it began operating formally as New Star Kafala.

The reunion will be held on June 6, at 2:30 p.m. at the Studio AVCom Visual Arts Center in Sterling, Virginia, outside of Washington, D.C.

The event is expected to draw 130 parents, adopted children, friends and supporters from around the country.

“It is important for adopted children to keep their ties with their homeland, their culture and roots,” said Wafa Bennani, a Morccan-American Board of Directors President who helped organize the reunion. “We try to bring Morocco to them in a fun, cultural celebration while recognizing their success in having a forever family to call their own.”

“New Star is committed to ethical adoption practice,” said New Star Kafala Executive Director Barbara J. McArtney, an attorney and  founding  member of Parents for Ethical Adoption Reform. “Transparency, cost-effectiveness and giving back to children who remain without parental care is part of our core mission. Long term, we hope to raise awareness of this problem in Muslim countries where international adoption is only one small solution to a much larger problem.”

McArtney said the agency is creating a supportive community of Muslim adopted families in the United States, “not only for them but to assist the children who remain in institutions where their prospects of a productive future are bleak.”

New Star Kafala is the only faith-based adoption agency in the United States that specifically helps Muslim families adopt, a process known in most Islamic countries as “kafala,” the Arabic word for custody. Before transitioning to New Star Kafala, it operated as Graham's Gift Children's Foundation, a New York State child placement agency operating since 2001.

Very few Islamic countries allow foreigners to adopt and those that do require parents to be Muslim. New Star currently has adoption programs in Morocco and Pakistan.

Under the Universal Accreditation Act effective July 14, 2014, all international adoption services must be performed by a Hague accredited, supervised or exempt entity or person. Previously, parents could adopt independently. That is no longer allowed for Americans residing in the United States. New Star currently operates as a supervised provider until it completes its own Hague accreditation, expected later this year.

Morocco slowed foreign adoptions in 2012 while courts reviewed new guidance from the country's Justice Minister. One of the guests at the reunion will be Keltoum Touab, a court administrator from Meknes, one of the few cities in Morocco where foreign adoptions currently are being processed. Moroccan adoption guidelines require parents to submit yearly updates, including medical information and school reports, to the Moroccan Embassy in the United States until a child is 17.

Fazlul Zubair and Fatima Shahnaz Iqbal-Zubair, of California, adopted their son from Morocco in 2014 when he was 5-months-old. (Most children available for adoption in Morocco are boys).

“Having a Muslim Adoption Agency allowed us to seamlessly interface with the host country and ensure that their laws and regulations are followed,” Fazlul Zubair said.

He said families hoping to adopt from Morocco should take the time to understand the rules and requirements. He and his wife spent three weeks in Morocco while waiting for guardianship, permission to leave the country and the U.S. visa.

“There is a lot of down time as you are waiting for paperwork to be processed, so make plans to enjoy the country with your new addition to the family,” he said.

New Star Kafala has a formal agreement with the Rita Zniber Foundation, which runs Le Nid, French for “the Nest,” an orphanage in Meknes, Morocco.

New Star Kafala is unique because part of its mission includes helping to resolve the issues that lead to children being abandoned in the first place.  6,000 children are abandoned in Morocco each year, according to INSAF, an NGO. That number has been increasing every year.

Attendance registration for the reunion is open on Eventbrite and a $30 donation at the door is requested to help cover expenses.

For more information, www.newstarkafala.org or on Facebook.

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By Youssef Igrouane

Meknes - It is commonly believed that a nation’s youth are the wealth of society. Most democratic countries correctly perceive their youth as a vigorous well of innovation and progress, and as the only age group that pushes the country towards equality by eradicating corruption and freeing it from the tight fist of oligarchy and the lobbies that work to sanctify ignorance and illiteracy in order to control natural resources and repress the people’s freedom.

In dictatorial regimes the youth were a marginalized group of citizens confronting indirect disaffection and discrimination from the old political leaders. After the awakening of political activism across the Arab world and the many uprisings that have taken place, the governments of these countries firmly believe that youth participation is the engine of development and that encouraging their engagement in the political arena should be a priority in the decision-making process of a nation.

Regarding this issue, let’s shed some light on what’s wrong with participating in politics in Morocco.

Youth Aversion to Politics in Morocco

A hideous spot in Morocco’s history was known as “the years of lead,” which was marked by haphazard political detentions; during this period anyone who had a political background or independent view could be arrested. During this period the people could not castigate the regime or openly discuss politics.

Today, the majority of youth are victims of propaganda and traps set by the current policy regulated by the regime. In this way, the government is allowed its own individualism without any accountability. By the same token, old, arrogant political leaders are still hogging the political scene with their fundamentalism and undermining youth ambition to be involved in politics.

The Positive Role of the Youth During the Arab Spring

After the success of the Arab Spring in some countries in the region beginning in 2010, a deep scab was left on the face of history. Admittedly, the youth played a huge role in something that was regarded as the symbol of gaining new freedoms and comprising the head of the pyramid.

During the Arab Spring, the wave of change was sure to hit Morocco. At that time, a cluster of young people conducted a movement called “20th February.” This diverse movement saw the inclusion of multiple ideologies and political beliefs, but shared a common goal: to overthrow corruption and begin building a democratic country.

During this period, most political parties were terrified of the youth’s rebellion, disobedience, and their strong insistence to speak out against inequality and injustice by manifesting their claims and demands in the streets instead of with ink and paper. Thus, the youth’s power shook up the political parties’ schemes and upset their pre-determined decision-making calculation. As a result of this, the Moroccan government developed an amendment to the constitution that enabled youth to engage political parties with no restraints and boundaries. But this was four years ago and nothing has changed and the youth still askew being regularly involved in politics.

Democracy’s Achievement

First off, I would like to congratulate Tunisia—the first Arabic-speaking country to ignite the spark of revolution. I truly respect the Tunisians, who have taught the world how to write justice, equality, and dignity with will’s ink. This is how people prove their existence. Tunisia is a prototype for how any chaotic country is capable of improving its status from a negative one to a much better one. Regardless of any collapse and devastation the country has previously experienced, the road to democracy is close at hand. The war can still be won, regardless of how many battles have been lost.

Emna Trabelsi, a Tunisian English student stated, “Before the Arab Spring, Tunisia was a safe land. The pro-Ben Ali had been living in heaven but the dissidents were oppressed. The revolution brought freedom but took security in return, raised the average rate of poverty, and caused an inflation of prices. People could not pay for their necessities. We are fighting terrorism, and this kind of poverty is itself terrorism. Due to poverty, injustice, despotism and joblessness we have taken our efforts to the streets and we won’t surrender until we get our demands.

“Actually, I don’t anticipate that Tunisia will be better, but hopefully the status will be at least a bit better than it is now, and has been before....Something good that came out of the revolution is the engagement of youth in political parties. Now, the youth believe that change comes by engaging with governmental intuitions” Emna added. Sondes ben Achour, also an English Tunisian student, said, “Before the revolution, Tunisia was a country seemingly calm and peaceful because it was ruled by fear. Now, we have some freedom of speech, but things are getting chaotic. Tunisians are not accustomed to democracy, so they abused their freedoms.”

Beyond Revolution and Rebellion              

Change does not come easily. We cannot build a sufficient base overnight as long as the state has distrust in the youth.

Since the state does not grant an unconstrained platform for youth to express their political stance, they are incapable of freely promoting a democratic policy that will clear the path to the coming posterities for a system that believes in competence and rejects favoritism.

Most of the emblems that have arisen aim at building a creative and intellectual society, granting access to the country’s natural resources for all citizens, and establishing transparency in all fields. Essentially, supporters hope to create a pact that will overcome chaos and serve the government and the people equally.

Morocco World News. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, rewritten or redistributed without permission

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By Hind Touissat

Rabat- The Tamkeen Initiative is a program that aims to transform schools into vectors of social innovation by introducing high school students aged fifteen to sixteen and their teachers to innovation and social entrepreneurship.

This year-long training and mentorship program is organized by the Moroccan Center for Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship, the Association Anoual, Morocco Change Makers, Quimam, JCI Rabat, JCI Casa Impact, Students in Action, Vents du Changement, and in collaboration with the National Endowment for Democracy.

The Tamkeen Initiative has directly impacted more than forty schools, more than five-hundred students, and fifty teachers and administrative staff during this school year, with the goal of transforming more than two-thousand middle schools and high schools over the next four years to create a generation of social entrepreneurs and teachers ready to share their knowledge in a fun and innovative manner.

The Tamkeen Initiative National Competition organizing committee, in partnership with the Regional Academies of Education and Training of Kenitra, Rabat, Casablanca, and Sefrou Settat, is pleased to invite everyone to the national competiton ceremony this Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 14h at the Centre d'Accueil et de Conférences du Ministère de l'équipement et du Transport in Hay Riad, Rabat.

Saturday will be an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable efforts of teachers, students, and project stakeholders and to encourage the sharing of a social and entrepreneurial spirit in our schools and communities.

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Rabat - A Muslim woman has reportedly been subject to an Islamophobic attack in London as she went to pick up her children from school. 

According to the London Evening Standard, a group of women in London allegedly abused, punched and kicked a woman for wearing a headscarf, “as she walked towards private Islamic primary school Al-Khair in south London.”

The young mum, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that a group of women ripped off her Hijabin a racist and Islamophobic act.

“They pulled my headscarf off and started punching and kicking me,” the woman said.

“One was dragging my head down while the others were hitting me. They were being so racist and using derogatory terms,” she added.

The same source added that two women, aged 18 and 35, were arrested on suspicion of attacking the Muslim woman, after police officers arrived to the scene.

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said, “We take any offence seriously. We have made two arrests in connection with our ongoing investigation.”

The two alleged suspects have left the police headquarters on bail, but the investigations are still going on to determine if they are the offenders.

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By Hajar Jannad

Rabat -  The Moroccan Ministry of Justice has turned a deaf ear to human rights associations’ numerous calls condemning the accusations brought against Mustapha El-Amrani, coach and president of the Taekwondo club “Ennour,” for negligent manslaughter in the tragedy of Cherrat Valley (Oued Cherrat), where eleven children passed away after they drowned in an unwatched beach.

Head of the Moroccan government Abdelilah Benkiran also expressed his solidarity with the “innocent” coach, saying it is not fair to accuse someone for something he did not intend to do. In this regard, Mr. Benkiran called for his release by the Moroccan authorities, claiming he is not responsible for the death of the eleven kids who went on an excursion to a beach with their coach and a bus driver.

The charges against Mustapha El-Amrani caused indignation among Moroccans, who protested against the accusations and claimed the coach is innocent. Consequently, there have been protests in some Moroccan cities such as Tangier, where young men assembled in the United Nations Square to express their indignation and support for the coach. They waved banners and chanted slogans condemning the accusations.

Mustapha has also gained the support of Facebook users, who created about seventeen Facebook pages gathering more than 10,200 followers, including civil society and social actors. For that matter, the families of the victims had withdrawn the legal action of El-Amrani, saying that it was just a natural incident, thus, the blame should not be on the coach, who had always been a caring person with high morals.

Surprisingly, this is not the first time Mustapha has had a run in with possible charges of negligent homicide. According to a statement given to CNN Arabic in 2010 by his brother Boucheib, a boy died while exercising as he banged his head against the floor. Boucheib urged the boy’s family to not take legal action the coach, who had done nothing but monitor him.

Mustpha El-Amrani was born in 1982 in Bensliman, where he established the Taekwondo club “Ennour,” enabling poor children to become highly qualified athletes like the late Halima Mortaziq, the Moroccan Taekwondo champion.

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Rabat - The African Leadership Academy (ALA) is hosting its annual Leadership Gala in the four regions of Africa. This year, the North African event will be held in Casablanca on July 4.

ALA strives to develop the future leaders of Africa by training individuals from all 54 countries of the continent.

The Academy seeks out the talented students in society and builds their intellectual foundation as well as their leadership capacities through a special curriculum in Entrepreneurial Leadership. This curriculum is designed to prepare youth to lead Africa in the coming years.

The Gala expects to see participation from the President of Injaz, a well-known NGO, and representatives from organizations such as Uber and Bank Al Maghreb. Additionally, the Minister of Employment and Social Affairs is expected to be in attendance.

The three other galas will be held in Nairobi, Lagos, and Johannesburg.

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Taroudant - Members of the Youth Forum for Democracy and Citizenship organized last weekend a humanitarian campaign in Rabat, lobbying for the eradication of all forms of racism and xenophobia targeting Sub-Saharan Africans, Syrians and other immigrants living in Morocco.

Upon its creation, the YFDC, a Moroccan non-governmental organization, pledged to fight for the rights of immigrants originating from Sub-Saharan-African countries and those fleeing the civil war in Syria today.

The young activists took to the streets of Rabat this past weekend to offer a symbolic flower to immigrants they encountered on their way. Chanting, “Moroccan, remember! You, too, are an African,” their slogan and their kind gesture symbolized hospitality, love and tolerance.

Youssef Gherradi, an active member of the YFDC’s Rabat branch told Morocco World News that this humanitarian gesture aimed to raise the morale of the migrants whilst reminding Moroccans of their African origins.

This philanthropic move coincided with the World Refugee Day. The campaign was also timely as it set off just a few days after King Mohammed VI’s return from a tour in a number of African countries, promoting Morocco’s stellar diplomatic relations with its neighboring countries and beyond.

One of the objectives of the Youth Forum for Democracy and Citizenship, YFDC president Abdelilah Lendani says, is to “enhance a culture of mutual understanding and spread values of tolerance.”

“This high spirit of active citizenship pushes us forward to act in favor of all the members of our society, be they native or foreign, so as long as they respect the principles, values and national integrity of our kingdom,” the president added.

Most of the immigrants expressed their gratitude to the members of YFDC for this “very symbolic act.”

According to the organizers, a few Sub-Saharan African immigrants burst into tears of joy upon receiving the flower.

“We had the opportunity to put a smile on some African migrants. It was really hard, but I am pleased to have been involved in this incredible cause,” said Souad E Jomani, sponsorship coordinator for YFDC’s Rabat branch.

In 2014, Morocco naturalized thousands of migrants, most of whom are from Sub-Saharan Africa, having left their countries of origin with the hope of finding a way to Europe, and others who had hoped to flee sectarian wars in their homes.

Edited by Marwa Al Omami

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By Nahla Bendefaa

Rabat - Over the past few days, the Facebook page of Moroccan-Swedish blogger and fashion model Kenza Zouiten has received many of negative comments about her Ramadan habits.

Zouiten, who was born to a Moroccan father and Swedish mother, is the owner of one of the most read blogs in Sweden. During the month of Ramadan, she continued posting pictures of her meals on her Instagram and Facebook page. Due to the posts, she has garnered much unwanted attention.

Some of the 145,000 people following Zouiten on Facebook felt like she should be held to the same standards as Muslim Moroccans because of the fact that she is half Moroccan. The young model, who is currently on vacation in Ibiza, took to Facebook to express her frustration on June 22.

As stated by the model herself, she was raised by her mother, primarily in Sweden. She only lived with her father in Morocco between the ages of two and six. In her post, Zouiten made sure to differentiate between her Moroccan cultural heritage and her faith – which seems to be the main causes of the backlash.

Despite the numerous negative comments on the page pushing Zouiten to react, it is easy to see that some people see beyond her belief system. Although expressed differently, there still are people making a call for tolerance and mutual understanding.

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By Sanaa Afouaiz

Paris - African Diaspora Youth Network in Europe (ADYNE) held its General Assembly on June 8-10 in Vienna to elect a new president and board members for the next two years.

ADYNE is a platform of organizations led and driven by young Africans and fellow youth with African backgrounds living in Europe with the main aim of serving interests of young people all over Europe.

The General Assembly of ADYNE is held once every three years and is attended by representatives from organizations of more than thirty European countries as well as members of ADYNE. In the General Assembly, delegates and representatives discuss the current overall situation of African youth and their inclusion on the political, economic and social levels in Europe. The delegates vote for the different decisions taken by ADYNE including the structures, policies and activities.

Mohamed Yassine Ennaem was elected as President of the “African Youth Network in Europe” for the second time. This young Moroccan has been working for the African cause through rich history associative work. He was a trainer, mentor, and speaker with an African focus in more than 20 countries worldwide. Meanwhile he was representing Morocco in different international high-level discussions.

Yassine holds a Diplomat in International Business, a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from the American College and an MBA from the European University in Cyprus. He also served as Interpreter at the Asylum Service  from 2007 through 2012.

Yassine is permanent member of the Africa-Europe Youth Platform on behalf of ADYNE. Previously, he served as president of the international students in Cyprus from 2008 though 2012. He was representative and trainer of the Cyprus Youth Council and as an experienced project coordinator and youth trainer; he has worked with the North South Center of the Council of Europe, the youth department of the Council of Europe and the Pan African Youth Union. In addition, he has taken part in numerous conferences, summits and debates relating to immigration, migration and active citizenship, role of diaspora, identity, culture and religion.

In his speech during the election, Yassine said, “I believe that Africa has been waiting too long for the right generation that will lift it up, and I do believe that this is the generation that Africa has been waiting for.”

He highlighted his vision and his commitment to make ADYNE a network that connects organizations and individuals to collaborate and actively participate as global citizens to shape the lives of African Diaspora in Europe. He promised to provide a space for individuals and organizations to exchange and share similar interests, goals and aspirations.

Yassine assured that he will offer strategic support for capacity-building, networking and the dissemination of good practices for youth and he accented  to voice the concerns of its member organizations through submission of their recommendations to the European, African and international institutions.

Yassine concluded by saying, ”Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is a progress, working together is a success.”

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By Fatima Ezzahra Metkal

Casablanca - Ramadan is an occasion for the family to gather and share joyful moments every night. In this holy month and after breaking their fast, Moroccans have an appointment with their televisions. With Ramadan comes a special season of must-see Moroccan TV channels that offer a variety of comedy works.

What captures, however, our attention in “Marhba b S'habi” (Welcome my friends), broadcast on the Moroccan TV channel “Al Aoula,” is the language used between the characters of the story, especially between members of a nuclear family. The figures of speech used by a boy to address his friend include: “the son of a bi*** (female of dog), “the son of a greedy” (someone who likes food very much), and he compares his beloved mother to a Doberman. When his father addresses him, he uses: “the son of Haram,” (son of an unmarried, illegitimate couple).

Is this what makes people laugh? Or are our Moroccan comedians running out of words to use? Where is the noble message that comedians should transmit to our children? Can’t we join the purposeful to the humorous?

Moroccan comedians are using shocking, provoking and offending language to describe the most precious person; our mothers. Making fun of parents, particularly the mother figure, is what Moroccan comedians chose as a way of entertaining fasters.

Insulting language was the reward generous women received this holy month. This is not teaching children how to talk to their parents and is socially destructive.

There is a lack of balance between what is educational and what is entertaining. The content of what is watched and the quality of words matter to Moroccans. For this reason, the content and quality of words should be checked and re-checked.

Actors are examples that children follow. It goes without saying that TV influences the development of our children’s language.  Moroccan comedians should offer their viewers, and above all, young children, a quality that aims at stimulating their cognitive development while entertaining them at the same time. It is neither in Islam nor in Moroccan culture to speak to parents or to children in an offensive way.

These comedy works may reflect the everyday conversations of some Moroccan families, but the point is not to highlight those expressions to make the people believe that this way of conversing is the norm. Moroccan viewers’ expectations rise up and so should the quality of Moroccan TV productions.

Moroccan TV productions should seek quality over quantity, live up to the expectations of taxpayers and stop offering its viewers insulting and mind-numbing programs.

Edited by Miriam El Ofir

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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 Esther Bedik

Kenitra - The Global Summit on Peacebuilding and Social Development kicked off tonight at Ibn Tofail University in Kenitra. The twelve-day program brings Moroccan youth together with young people from all over the globe to formulate a vision of a peaceful and prosperous world.

According to Maroua El Hani, public relations manager for the conference, the idea for the summit originated with the Unit of University Leaders of Dar Lekbira. Since 2012, this group of university students has volunteered at Dar Lekbira, an association that serves children and families in difficult situations, and has run several camps focused on community building. Broadening their scope to a global level for the current project, the organizers, spearheaded by Mr. Akram Cheggari, invited young leaders like themselves from many different nations and cultural backgrounds to share ideas and best practices for fostering community development, peace, and tolerance. The aim is not simply to hold a conference but also to generate actionable ideas and an effective network for developing grant projects regionally and internationally.

[caption id="attachment_163820" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Maroua El Hani, Active Leaders for Women’s Advancement in the Near East. Picture credit: GPSD Summit - Kenitra[/caption]

Although similar conferences have been held in many places around the world, this is the first time that a meeting on the subject of peacebuilding and social development has taken place in Morocco. Interspersed among the presentations and workshops will be excursions in the region which will introduce attendees to the rich history, craft heritage, and natural beauty of Morocco.

The attendees have been gathered from over thirty countries in Northern and Subsaharan Africa, the Middle East, Eastern and Western Europe, and Asia. In addition, a dozen or so volunteers from the United States, all of whom are currently living in Morocco and working with Moroccan youth, are on hand. Organized by fellow volunteer Nicholas Rees, the Americans will have the opportunity to mingle with these dynamic young leaders and will assist the conference organizers by facilitating small-group discussions following the formal presentations. Throughout the conference, participants will be working toward developing a charter of principles of peace, tolerance, and co-existence, from the perspective of international youth. After the summit, these positive messages of peace will be disseminated via various social media channels to all the summit stakeholders in order to create a truly global impact.

Attendee Gehad Sebah, a 21-year-old student at Egypt's Arab Institute of Science and Technology, said that he was attracted to Morocco because it is a confluence of Arabic and European cultures. A practitioner of judo, he has made many Moroccan friends through international competitions and is delighted to be here in person to experience the country's multi-faceted history and culture. Another participant, Prince Annor, a 24-year-old from Ghana who is currently studying economics at Ibn Tofail, is enjoying the interaction with people from so many different countries. Like most attendees, he hopes to learn more about bringing peace to the world.

[caption id="attachment_163821" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Mr. Zine El Abidine Taoussi, The President of Dar Lekbira Association (L), Mr. Akram Cheggari (L)[/caption]

The opening ceremony included speeches by Mr. Akram Cheggari, Event Manager; Mrs. Zineb El Adaoui, Governor of Gharb Region and Kenitra Province; Mr. Azeddine El Midaoui, President of Ibn Tofail University; and Mr. Taoussi Zin Albedine, President of Dar Lekbira Association. The Governor, a strong supporter of the summit, stressed the critical role of peace in human development, as well as the emphasis placed by Islam on peace and understanding among people of all faiths and nationalities. Formal sessions will begin tomorrow, and the summit will run through August 1.

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By Nahla Bendefaa

Rabat - In March 2015, Yasmine Berraoui, born with Down Syndrome, gave a speech at the TEDx Casablanca.

Berraoui first made headlines in Summer 2014 when she received her National Baccalaureate degree with honors.

Berraoui started her speech by stating that some people might be wondering why a person with Down Syndrome would be on the stage of a TEDx talk. “This question, ‘what am I doing here?’ has been my biggest problem in life.”

She carried on by bringing up an article on LaVieEco entitled “60,000 people with Down syndrome in Morocco, should abortion be legalized?” and used it as an example for the constant feeling of rejection that Berraoui received from society. “From a very young age, I had no friends,” she said.

Berraoui went on to address the fact that she made headlines in 2014. She said that over the course of a few weeks, her name was buzzing on social media and was decorated by King Mohammed VI. However, she did not understand why because while “it is true that I have an extra chromosome, I am just like you with two arms, two legs, a brain, and a heart.”

In spite of the pity she has been subjected to from other people, Berraoui said that she did not feel disabled. She candidly reminded her audience not to “forget that I am the one with an extra chromosome. You’re the ones missing something.”

Berraoui finished her speech on a thoughtful note. “People who think that individuals with Down syndrome are incapable of doing anything, are not open to a more accepting world,” she says. She then addressed parents of special needs children requesting that they “fight for them. Everyone deserves to aspire for and achieve their dreams.”

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By Salah Eddine Salmi

Rabat - Tinejdad, a small city in the province of Errachidia South East Morocco, hosted the first Model UN camp in the country from July 23rd to July 30th for 53 students from different villages in the region.

The camp, whose theme was “today’s youth, tomorrow’s leaders,” was organized by Andrea Filzen, an American Peace Corps volunteer, in collaboration with Larbi Arbaoui, Morocco World News assistant editor and correspondent, and in partnership with the House of Culture “Dar Takafa” in Tinejdad.

[caption id="attachment_164618" align="aligncenter" width="701"] Delegates during moderated caucus[/caption]

The TinMUN camp was fully funded by Peace Corps, and it took place at both the House of Students “Dar Talib” and the House of Culture “Dar Takafa”.

It aimed to motivate the region's youth to get to know the functions of the United Nations, and to have an idea about the international system and international relations.

[caption id="attachment_164624" align="aligncenter" width="700"] the opening ceremony of Tinejdad MUN camp[/caption]

During the camp, students attended workshops and training sessions that developed their skills in public speaking, debating, research and writing skills and resolution papers.

The campers were able to experience the work that delegates do, debate and defend their countries’ positions at the Tinejdad MUN conference (TinMUN), whose topic was “Poverty and hunger in the world”

[caption id="attachment_164623" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Registration and check in[/caption]

The workshops and training sessions were facilitated and animated by various expert volunteers who came from all over Morocco.

[caption id="attachment_164625" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Abaid Bousslam at his workshop about World geography[/caption]

“The idea of organizing a Model United Nations conference in Tinejdad was challenging, and exciting at the same time,” Larbi Arbaoui said.

“After a long process of preparation and hard work, the TinMUN 2015 overnight camp which lasted one week was successful thanks to the primary support of the Peace Corps, the House of Culture, Dar Talib, the expertise of Moroccan trainers and the logistic help provided by the local authorities and the community,”  he added.

[caption id="attachment_164622" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Salah Eddine Salmi at his workshop about UN functions and how to do research[/caption]

In parallel to the professional workshops that aimed to increase the participants’ interest in international issues and prepare them for the future MUN conferences, they enjoyed various activities such as games, competitions, and cultural evenings.

[caption id="attachment_164626" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Ouiam Mellouk explaining the UN rules of procedures and UN functions[/caption]

The participants also went on field trips to nearby villages and visited the fortresses in Tinejdad as a way of learning about the history of the region and its demographic, cultural, and architectural characteristics.

One of the most interesting activities that took place during TinMUN camp was the cultural evening where students were able to learn about foreign cultures from volunteers who represented the US, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Japan.

[caption id="attachment_164627" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Meriam Bentaleb teaching campers public speaking skills in the open air[/caption]

Those volunteers presented their countries’ culture, cuisine, customs, and answered all the students’ questions. This was an opportunity for the campers to get to learn about those countries and to appreciate cultural diversity.

"From camp songs to couscous lunch, a lesson on public speaking to a panel on cultural diversity, picnic hike to Tinejdad’s first Model UN conference, and from belting out “This Land is Your Land” sung by the group of Imenza n Tilleli, to dancing to indigenous Moroccan music, Tinejdad’s Model UN camp (TinMUN) was a roaring success,” Andrea Filzen, a Peace Corps volunteer, told Morocco World News.

[caption id="attachment_164619" align="aligncenter" width="700"] A trip to a nearby village[/caption]

The two days preceding the MUN conference, both the campers and their trainers were working very hard to prepare their speeches, their arguments for the debate and to submit their position papers.

"I was enormously surprised about the cleverness and interest that the participants showed during the workshops through their active and fruitful discussions,"Ouiam Mellouk, a trainer in the MUN camp, said.

[caption id="attachment_164620" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Lunch under palm trees where campers had a historical overview about the architectural richness of the oasis of Ferkla[/caption]

This allowed them to appreciate team work and interdependence, while fostering a healthy competition amongst the campers.

“TinMUN camp proved itself to be a success. It was not only an opportunity for entertainment but also a learning experience through a number of insightful and enlightening activities, workshops, and discussions/debates. It’s been rewarding seeing the campers develop that sense of autonomy, leadership, and willingness to try new things.” said Bouslam Abaid, one of the trainers.

[caption id="attachment_164629" align="aligncenter" width="700"] A visit to Asrir, one of the oldest villages in the region[/caption]

July 29th was the big day of the MUN conference. The main hall at the Tienjdad’s Municipal held TinMUN’s General Assembly and was under the chairmanship of Larbi Arbaoui.

“Delegates did an excellent job in representing their countries, delivering their speeches and participating in the debate. The conference demonstrated their seriousness, hard work and commitment,” Aicha Bahou, director of the House of Culture, said.

“Taking part in organizing a Model United Nations (MUN) week-long training camp for the youth of the small, rural town Tinejdad was rewarding, challenging, and a novel experience for myself and for the entire town” said Andrea Filzen.

[caption id="attachment_164631" align="aligncenter" width="720"] Delegates during unmoderated caucus[/caption]

“This camp could not have been successful without the many hands and heads that brought their enthusiasm and passion for community service to the camp. I am extremely thankful for the support of the whole community of Tinejdad and the support of the camp’s team leaders," she added.

The camp concluded with a social party entertained by the campers themselves; singing, acting, and dancing.

Certificates were given to all the participants, who experienced a range of mixed feelings; feelings of happiness for their outstanding accomplishments and feelings of sadness because the camp came to an end.

The campers were in tears while saying goodbye to their trainers, albeit hopeful to see such initiatives take place in the future.

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Rabat - A Kentucky, USA county sheriff and one of his school resource officers have been called into a federal lawsuit after allegations that they illegally handcuffed an 8-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl, both previously diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

Kentucky County Deputy Sheriff Kevin Sumner serves as a school resource officer in the Covington Independent Public Schools district, and is reportedly being sued by the mothers of the two young students who were handcuffed around their biceps.

Both students had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the young boy had also been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The lawsuit asserts that Sumner’s actions violate the students' civil rights and the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The lawsuit further claims that officials at both schools knew of the students’ disabilities, which includes "impulsivity, and difficulty paying attention, complying with directives, controlling emotions and remaining seated."

The incidents in Kentucky highlight larger questions as to whether or not police offers receive adequate training when assigned to school districts and for dealing with children with mental disabilities.

The 8-year-old boy was reportedly removed from the classroom for not following the teacher’s directions, and later tried to leave the principal's office but was restrained by school administrators until Sumner arrived to escort the boy to the bathroom.

The boy later tried to hit Sumner with his elbow, according to a report from the Kenton County Sheriff's office cited in the lawsuit. This is what caused Sumner to put the boy in handcuffs.

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