Dragging a suitcase containing 23kilos of children’s clothes and supplies, donated by the children, parents and staff at St Mary’s School (my fulltime occupation) for the children of Centre Amane – I arrived in Taroudannt on the 21st December.
Having exhausted my snacks and languageless communication with fellow passengers on the bus from Marrakech, drawing up to the magnificent walls surrounding the city filled me with enormous excitement – an excitement which stuck throughout the rest of my trip.
Without delay, I was able to get stuck in. The team in Morocco know how to keep you busy, and I was delighted to be able to take part in several different activities whilst getting a chance to experience all the different aspects of their work. From homework help to hockey, attachment theory to cooking mini-pizzas, English lessons to kickboxing class, I was wrapped up by the bustling activity of Centre Amane and at every point amazed at the dedication and achievements of the team.
Monday 28th
The Moroccan Children’s Trust Team accompanied by Elena (a returned trekker), went to Ibn Zohr university at Agadir to run a session on child protection as part of the build up to their next research project around fostering – ‘What does home mean to children living in residential centres?’.
Jess, one of our Directors delivered a fantastic lecture which we facilitated with gesticulations and a bit of French.
It was great to see how our commitment to collaboration pays off .
Tuesday 29th
Shortly after Christmas, Fondation Amane pour la protection des enfants hosted a party. After weeks of preparation by the staff, volunteers and children at Centre Amane, the roudanee (Taroudannt people) poured in the direction of hall decked in red and gold to learn more about FAPE and enjoy an evening of music, drama and delicious food cooked by the women’s group.
Thank you to everyone who hosted me in Morocco – it was an experience which will stay with me as I continue to Intern in the UK and support the work of the Moroccan Children’s Trust.
Our Intern, Sophia
