Keep pupils studying in the High Atlas Mountains

Asni is a market town in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains with an already oversubscribed secondary school serving the entire region. We know there is a widening gap in education since the pandemic began and students here lack any kind of quiet study space outside of lessons. This issue became even more apparent when schools closed during lockdowns. We are now seeing students subsequently falling behind in their education and some have dropped out of schooling completely. 

In October 2021, the region faced more unexpected challenges when Moroccan borders were closed once again due to developments concerning COVID-19. Unfortunately, this meant us having to postpone ‘Climb Morocco’, an exciting challenge event where participants join a once in a lifetime experience to raise funds for EBF projects through GlobalGiving. We have plans to get going again with this special adventure once restrictions are lifted. 

Following the Moroccan local elections at the end of last year, a meeting with the new governing body in Asni was scheduled for Spring 2022 to discuss the donation of a piece of land to be used for the study centre project. A section of land close to the school has already been ear-marked. However, we are optimistic that we can secure a larger piece of land that will support the construction of a larger building to house more than 80 students at any one time.

We have connected with the Morocco Library Project to gather learnings in how to furnish the centre with appropriate student materials, books and other resources. Following interviews with the nearby state boarding house, we understand that equipment such as a photocopier is essential so that more students can access learning materials, particularly when resources are scarce and shared among so many. 

Our team will engage with local architects and submit building plans for approval in the coming months. We remain committed to building a resilient, healthy and educated community for the future.