Disaster Response Morocco Project #61241

Morocco Earthquake Response Fund

by Eve Branson Foundation

Project Report | Jan 3, 2025
Morocco Earthquake: Recovery & Progress

By Danielle Ford | EBF Lead

School rebuild at Imi Oughlad

Over the past three months, The Eve Branson Foundation (EBF) has continued to raise funds to support Morocco’s recovery effort with a focus on social and education projects and the rehabilitation of cultural tourism to help restore incomes in the Asni and Imlil valleys.

EBF was primarily involved in supporting food and shelter relief and the rebuilding of essential infrastructure right after the quake. Villagers were given additional financial and technical support to help rebuild their lives. We then transitioned to improving welfare with the reconstruction of meaningful community spaces. Projects included repairs to the Tamgounssi Weaving Centre and Tansghart Woodwork Centre, the construction of a new playground at Tifaouine crèche and the rebuild of the public hammam in Asni. More than 800 families have been helped through these efforts.

The return of visitors to the region and re-opening of Kasbah Tamadot in October was welcome news, and a relief, to the many Amazigh (Berber) people who count on tourism for their livelihoods.

Our target is now firmly focussed on rebuilding schools in the region which have no other funding source. We are concentrating on providing children and young people with learning materials, well-equipped classrooms and safe play spaces.

A special initiative supported by your donations has helped to build a new school in Imi Oughlad. This has signalled a positive turn and we are now looking at a second site to rebuild another badly damaged school in the region, working closely with architects, local engineers, stonemasons and local officials. The new school is progressing at pace and will offer 140 primary school-aged children face to face learning in a well utilised space comprising 380 square metres.

EBF's Tousna study centre goes from strength to strength, recently hosting a theatre workshop for women affected by the earthquake and a special awards ceremony to recognise the achievements of primary school pupils learning in temporary classrooms.

With community participation at the heart of our approach, we continue to develop solutions which are sensitive to local culture and traditions, led by local people. Special thanks to our Virgin family for covering the cost of programme management and oversight so that every donation from this fund could be put directly back into the community.

Finally, we are incredibly grateful to every one of you who donated, trekked, volunteered, shared our story or simply cheered us on over the past 12 months. We could not have achieved so much in this short time without you.

There is plenty more encouraging progress underway and we will bring you all the latest news in the coming months.

So thank you - and we wish you all a happy and healthy new year.

Site check at Imi Oughlad school

Tansghart Woodwork Centre training

A new playground for Tifaouine pre-school

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Sep 6, 2024
A Year On

By Danielle | EBF Lead

Welcoming children at Tifaouine Creche

We remain deeply grateful to our supporter community who have donated so generously over the past 12 months. The effects of the earthquake were significant but the collective recovery effort that followed has been immense. Our progress on the ground has been boosted by every single donation, helping to get the Asni valley region of the High Atlas Mountains back on its feet.

When we last wrote, our focus had shifted to early recovery. We set to work restoring community facilities, helping to improve temporary classrooms for displaced pupils, enhancing access to clean water and rebuilding livelihoods. Funds will also purchase a new mountain ambulance.

Women have been some of the most affected in our community and utilising funds to restore the Tamgounssi Weaving Centre has safeguarded a space where women feel valued and supported and the local artisan craft economy is strengthened. Thanks to our wonderful Virgin community for their positive steps to connect these artisans to retail opportunities within the hospitality industry.

As a community-based organisation, we know that schools are the heartbeat of Asni. One of our priorities has been to furnish relocated students with the materials they need during term time and to enhance the temporary learning spaces set up for primary school pupils. We were delighted to host a Summer music festival at our new study centre, celebrating the achievements of the school community. Families received a bursary to support their child’s education and further investment has been committed to rebuild two primary schools in Asni and Imi Oughlad.

A major litter collection programme has helped to keep the valley clean and safe at a time when many families have been in temporary shelter. Affected families received financial support so that they could celebrate the Eid festival.

Our impact is only made possible because of the engagement and support we receive from our incredible supporter and partner network. We look forward to sharing news of our major schools rebuild project over the coming months.

Thank you.

The Eve Branson Foundation Team

The newly restored weaving centre

Crafting in Tamgounssi

Links:

Latest Impact Report

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May 11, 2024
Morocco Earthquake: Eight Months On

By Danielle | EBF Lead

Morocco Earthquake Update: Eight Months On

Thank you to everyone who has donated to our Morocco Earthquake Appeal.

Your support has given local people the tools to rebuild and repair essential infrastructure and community spaces.

“The spirit of giving has united us like never before. Neighbours have joined hands, offering support and resources to one another, creating a tapestry of solidarity. Together, we're not just rebuilding our physical structures but also cultivating resilience for the future.”- Driss, Imi Oughlad resident.

Your generous donations have raised more than $850,000 to help hundreds of people affected by the earthquake.

In the immediate aftermath, we were able to distribute emergency food, water, shelter and warm clothing to families in five villages surrounding the Asni valley. Since then, a further 300 family tents have been installed in Azzeden, Tansghart and Imi Oughlad and 5,000 kilos of household and temporary classroom kits including winter clothing, blankets, heaters, school resources and children’s toys have been distributed.

Over the past three months, The Eve Branson Foundation has worked closely with each village community and sought technical expertise to direct our efforts into rebuild and recovery. Recent projects include:

Structural repairs and internal restoration of Asni study centre;
Reconstruction of Tamgounssi Weaving Centre for women;
Reconstruction of a drinking water reservoir and well repairs in Imi Oughlad;
Maintenance of essential sanitation facilities;
Repairs to Asni crèche and construction of a new playground;
Provision of school supplies for displaced students;
Reconstruction of the public hammam at Tifaouine.

Thanks to you, both the weaving centre and study centre have now fully re-opened, providing a safe community hub for artisans and an opportunity for students to continue with their learning.

From here, we aim to further restore normalcy by focussing fully on education. Utilising funds raised through this appeal, we will rebuild the secondary school and primary schools in the region, working closely with local government to re-establish classroom learning.

Your donation has helped to ease the burden for hundreds of families and we are grateful for your continued support which will help keep young people on their path to an education.

“In Imi Oughlad, signs of renewal are blooming everywhere. With each tent pitched and each family supported, our village takes strides towards healing and revitalisation. These donations are more than material goods; they embody compassion and unity, serving as a reminder that we're not alone in our journey towards recovery.” – Hamid, Imi Oughlad

Thank you!

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