The Bernard Mejean Fund for Girls' Education

Last Friday, I had the privilege of visiting the girls’ boarding school in Adraoui with the High Atlas Foundation. Although the students were scheduled to arrive on Monday to begin the school year and I did not meet them personally, walking through the facilities and speaking with the staff gave me a vivid sense of the environment awaiting them.

The school offers spacious and welcoming facilities: high ceilings, shared rooms furnished with four-bed bunk beds, and a large kitchen that creates a warm atmosphere. Outside, the grounds are home to rosemary, fruit trees, and olive trees, though support is needed to clear weeds and plant new trees to strengthen sustainability. The natural surroundings reflect the potential of a place that can grow alongside the girls.

What touched me most was the kindness of the staff. Teachers and maintenance workers greeted us warmly, offered us water, and we shared a delicious couscous together. That hospitality reflected the strong sense of community that sustains the boarding school and will make the girls feel truly at home once they arrive.

Even though the girls were not yet present, their needs are evident. They require more books and resources to study and to learn new languages. Volunteers from different countries could make a huge difference by teaching languages, sharing cultures, and opening doors to new opportunities. Beyond education, there is also room to contribute to environmental projects, cultural activities, and everyday support that will make their lives more comfortable.

The High Atlas Foundation has already delivered laptops, which is a great step forward, but there is still so much more that can be done. Every contribution—whether time, knowledge, or resources—helps ensure these girls are better prepared for the future. It is a beautiful project, full of hope and potential. Even before the girls arrived, I could feel the care and dedication that surrounds this place. Together, we can do so much for them, helping to change lives, empower communities, and bring lasting opportunities to girls who deserve the chance to thrive.