Volunteering in Morocco Gains in Popularity

Participating in an international short term volunteer project ( so called Workcamp ) can be an exciting prospect. It is an interesting and meaningful way to travel with purpose and spend 2-3 weeks in a foreign environment. Working and living together with other volunteers from around the world provides an excellent opportunity to make many new friends, learn about unknown places and culture, gain new skills and experience. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm can make a difference in areas where help is really needed

One of the main volunteer organisations that has a good track record in Morocco is the Canadian Alliance for Development Initiatives and Projects (CADIP).

CADIP is a non-profit Canadian organization. It has no religious or political affiliation. Through various charity, volunteer and youth initiatives, Cadip promotes peace, cooperation, tolerance and understanding in multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and international surroundings. The organization also promotes patterns and examples of civil activities focused on serving others, on building social ties and strengthening communities, on supporting civil society development.

Aims and general objectives

• To promote volunteering as an expression of civic contribution
• To support the community initiatives and assist in community development
• To strengthen the international contacts among volunteers
• To build tolerance and understanding in multicultural and multi-ethnic surroundings
• To promote multiunderstanding among volunteers all over the world
• To facilitate the individual growth of the volunteers through the acquisition of work, life and learning skills
• To work for the recognition and promotion of non-formal learning

A good example of their work is the project to aid  the restoration of the historic heritage of Safi .

Safi is one of the oldest cities in Morocco. During the 15th century, Safi was an important trading port. The city was under Portuguese rule from 1488 to 1541. Amongst the Portuguese constructions from the Manueline period which still remain and stand out are the Cathedral of Safi, the Castle of the Sea and the Fortress of Safi.

This project is an opportunity for international volunteers to discover and contribute to the restoration of the historic heritage of Safi. The volunteers will take part in the renovation and restoration of historic sites and monuments in the city in order to preserve all its splendor and beauty. The volunteers' work will include cleaning and restoring historical remains. The volunteers will have meetings with local people who will share stories about the monuments revealing interesting facts about Morocco's history.

Location: Safi, situated directly by the Atlantic Ocean, is one of the most important harbors of the country. The oldest Mosque in Morocco, the national ceramic museum and the ancient medina are all worth a visit. Steep coasts and beaches near the city form a beautiful landscape. Volunteers can visit some nice towns nearby: El Jadida, Essaouira, Agadir.

Here is a list of other projects for 2014

LEISURE PROGRAM FOR LESS PRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN KENITRA
Kenitra April 11 - April 21, 2014
Kenitra July 16 - July 30, 2014
Kenitra August 1 - August 15, 2014

RENOVATION AND PAINTING A MURAL IN A SOCIAL HOME FOR GIRLS
Oued Zem April 11 - April 21, 2014

IMPROVING A CHILDREN'S CENTER AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS
Bouznika April 11 - April 21, 2014

RENOVATING AND ARRANGING A FLOWER GARDEN IN CASABLANCA
Casablanca April 11 - April 21, 2014

YOUTH HOUSE RENOVATION AND WORK WITH CHILDREN IN SALE
Sale April 11 - April 21, 2014

MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL IN RABAT
Rabat May 23 - May 31, 2014
Rabat October 18 - October 26, 2014

PAINTING AND CREATING MURALS IN A YOUTH CENTER IN CASABLANCA
Casablanca July 1 - July 15, 2014
Casablanca July 16 - July 30, 2014
Casablanca August 1 - August 15, 2014
Casablanca August 16 - August 30, 2014

IMPROVING PUBLIC SPACES IN SALE
Sale July 1 - July 15, 2014
Sale July 16 - July 30, 2014
Sale August 1 - August 15, 2014
Sale August 16 - August 30, 2014

CREATING A BRIGHTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN BENSLIMANE
Benslimane July 1 - July 15, 2014
Benslimane July 16 - July 30, 2014

RENOVATING AND DECORATING COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN RABAT
Rabat July 16 - July 30, 2014

HELP CREATE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED STUDENTS IN MARRAKECH
Marrakech July 16 - July 30, 2014
Marrakech August 1 - August 15, 2014
Marrakech August 16 - August 30, 2014

IMPROVING A CHILDREN'S CENTER AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS
Bouznika August 1 - August 15, 2014
Bouznika August 16 - August 30, 2014

PRESERVING THE COASTAL ENVIRONMENT AND INCREASING PUBLIC AWARENESS IN BOUKNADEL
Bouknadel August 1 - August 15, 2014
Bouknadel August 16 - August 30, 2014

RENOVATION AND UPKEEP OF THE CHILDREN'S CENTER IN AHFIR
Ahfir August 1 - August 15, 2014

RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE ANCIENT MEDINA OF FES
Fes August 1 - August 15, 2014
Fes August 16 - August 30, 2014

PAINTING A CENTER FOR POOR CHILDREN AND PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT IN ESSAOUIRA
Essaouira August 1 - August 15, 2014
Essaouira August 16 - August 30, 2014

MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL RECREATION AREAS IN MOHAMMADIA
Mohammadia August 1 - August 15, 2014
Mohammadia August 16 - August 30, 2014

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND AWARENESS CAMPAIGN IN TIZNIT
Tiznit August 1 - August 15, 2014
Tiznit August 16 - August 30, 2014

HELP IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR CHILDREN IN MIRLEFT
Mirleft August 1 - August 15, 2014
Mirleft August 16 - August 30, 2014

RESTORATION OF THE HISTORIC HERITAGE OF SAFI
Safi August 1 - August 15, 2014
Safi August 16 - August 30, 2014

CREATING BETTER SPORTS FACILITIES FOR CHILDREN IN AL HOUCEIMA
Al Houceima August 1 - August 15, 2014

RESTORATION AND PRESERVATION OF THE WORLD HERITAGE SITE OF EL JADIDA
El Jadida August 1 - August 15, 2014
El Jadida August 16 - August 30, 2014

YOUTH CENTER RENOVATION AND ORGANISING WORKSHOPS FOR CHILDREN
Temara August 1 - August 15, 2014
Temara August 16 - August 30, 2014

SCHOOL RENOVATION PROJECT IN MEKNES
Meknes August 1 - August 15, 2014
Meknes August 16 - August 30, 2014

PRESERVING THE ENVIRONMENT AND RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS IN TIFLET
Tiflet August 1 - August 15, 2014
Tiflet August 16 - August 30, 2014

AWARENESS WORK AND BEACH CLEANUP IN THE BAY OF TANGIER
Tangier August 1 - August 15, 2014
Tangier August 16 - August 30, 2014

IMPROVING THE STUDY ENVIRONMENT AND LIVING CONDITIONS FOR ORPHANS IN NORTHERN MOROCCO
Larache August 1 - August 15, 2014
Larache August 16 - August 30, 2014

NEW YEAR IN THE DESERT
Zagora December 26, 2014 - January 2, 2015

To find out more about this and other volunteer opportunities in Morocco click here

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Japanese Tourists Respond to Documentary On Morocco

A documentary film featuring Morocco, shot in December has been shown on Tokyo TV and BS Japan - and now a second one is being filmed. The huge audience and exposure which will certainly impact on the number of Japanese tourists visiting the kingdom.

The response was so great to the first documentary that a second round of filming has now taken place again with the assistance of Production Coordinator, Momoko Nishiyama. This time the focus will be on women in Morocco. It will be part of a full three hour Moroccan feature.

One of the things of greatest interest to viewers of the first film was the sequence shot at Riad Rcif in Fez of a traditional hammam and massage. So a new film crew this week enlisted two Moroccan women to take part. Rachida and Salma spent a long and demanding afternoon squeezed into the hammam and massage room along with the entire film crew and equipment.

Production Coordinator, Momoko Nishiyama

Rachida and Salma

The film crew setting up in the hammam

Salma awaiting the moment to begin the massage

The filming of an argan oil massage

The biggest problem experienced during the five hour shoot was the cold. The heating of the hammam would have caused problems for the cameras and so it was decided to go ahead without the usual warmth. The cold marble and tiles caused some problems especially for Rachida who needed breaks with hot towels to stop shivering.

See our report on the first film shoot here.

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New Book Club in Fez Explores Andalusian Heritage

Andalusian Links book club is starting for those interested in exploring the historical and cultural links between Morocco and Spain - evidenced by the Andalusian heritage shared on both sides of the Mediterranean

Amin Maalouf, whose work will be covered by the new Andalusian Links book club

Founders of the new book club, Zainab Cheema and Cristina Soto Bechet, invite you to come along and discover the fascinating legacy of Andalusian culture and how "Spain of the three religions"produced an intellectual, cultural and artistic flowering that is still admired today.

Andalusian Links book club members will select one book to read for each monthly meeting, which will serve as the basis for discussion.

Cristina says, "As well as exploring this legacy, we will learn how these cross-cultural intersections are reflected in Spain and Morocco's contemporary social and political issues. We plan to invite featured speakers, musicians, and artists to present to the group from their expertise; and to supplement the readings with documentaries and other multimedia sources."

Zainab Cheema

 The first book will be French Lebanese novelist and poet Amin Maalouf's On Identity, which showcases some of the key ideas that the club will explore in the Andalusian context: how identity is shaped in the cross hairs of conflict and cultural plurality

.Zainab Cheema and Cristina Soto Bechet are both residents of Fez who are fascinated with life in the old medina. Discussions of their common interests have inspired them to delve deeper into this subject.

As a Fulbright student from the University of Texas at Austin, Zainab explores the lyrics and poetry that Andalusian exiles brought with them to the Maghreb following the Spanish Reconquista.

Cristina Soto Bechet

Cristina is a community organizer from San Diego, who has been teaching the English language in Spain and Morocco over the past 7 years. She traces her roots to a Spain deeply influenced by Arabic culture.

The meetings will be held in English, on the last Wednesday of each month, at a location yet to be decided. Participants who are willing to contribute to an engaged, intellectually stimulating dialogue are invited.

If you are interested in participating in Andalusian Links, please send an email to andalusianlinks@gmail.com for further information.


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World Champion Returns for a Boxing Workshop in Fez

Fez is fortunate to host another boxing and kickboxing workshop by former World Champion in both sports, Christophe Tendil

The workshop, to be held at Jardin des Biehn on the 29th and 30th of March, is an extraordinary opportunity. Tendil is a veteran boxer, with nine titles under his belt – three times French kickboxing champion (1992, 1993, 1994), one time European Champion (1995) and World Champion in kickboxing in 1997 and 1998. Later in his career, he moved to mainstream boxing, where he also excelled. Tendil was crowned French champion in 2002; Intercontinental champion in 2004 and 2005 and World Champion in 2007.

“I started boxing 20 years ago,” says Tendil from his home in the south of France. “At that time I absolutely needed to do a sport, as I was taking the wrong turn in life with the wrong crowd. Boxing came by chance, and thanks to this discipline I found a healthy way of life. I fought my first fight a few months after I started, and since then have had a total of 122 fights in a career spanning 17 years.”

The previous boxing workshop was a big hit!

Boxing, Tendil believes, has more uses than simply as a sport. “Many people come to seek a discipline that is not found in any other sports - taking punches requires commitment, because the penalty can be very hard.”

Not surprisingly, Tendil cites the best moment of his career as when he won the boxing title of World Champion in 2007.

Details:
Le Jardin des Biehn
13, Akbat Sbaa, Douh
30110 - FES Medina - Maroc
00212 (0)664647679

00212 (0)535741036
contact@jardindesbiehn.com
http://www.jardindesbiehn.com 

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Moroccan Photo of the Day - Master Baker in Rabat

Today's Moroccan Photograph of the Day comes from our regular contributor and man on the ground in Casablanca, John Horniblow. He travelled to Rabat to get this photograph -  the Master Baker of the Communal Oven in the Rabat Medina

The View from Fez welcomes contributions for our photo of the day series. Our contact details can be found via link at the top right of this page. See more Photos of the Day here

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Jazz Guitar on Saturday in Fez's Ville Nouvelle

Come and see jazz guitarist Barry Glick perform this Saturday evening at the Cafe L'empereur des Arts

Barry Glick is an accomplished and unique American jazz guitarist who has performed professionally in his own bands and as a sideman for more than 25 years; first in San Francisco then New York City for 22 years and, most recently, in Portland Oregon where he founded 2jazzguitars, one of Portland's finest jazz guitar duos. In addition to playing his chosen instrument, he is passionate about live theater and has written, recorded and directed original music for several small theater companies.

Now Barry calls Fez his home and brings his love of jazz guitar and the art of jazz to this rich musical culture. The journey continues.

When: Saturday February 22 from 6 PM
Where: Cafe L'empereur des Arts, Rue Mohammed Diouri, Ville Nouvelle, Fez. (Across the road from the ALC.)
Cost: 10 dh plus a drink

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Maroc Electrik in Fez on Friday

See the best new music talents in Morocco perform in Fez this Friday night from 7 PM. A selection of bands from all the regions, from a training program run by the 11 French institutes will be performing

Bands include Gnawa Click, Noisea, Da Legend and Sara Touiger alias Real Blood.

Gnawa Click has a variety of multicultural influences, and is part of the Moroccan underground scene. Their mix of engaging lyrics and musical fusion have seen them perform at many events and festivals.

Noisea is a young group of rap artists formed in 2008, who merge hip- hop and heavy metal. Their influences span Rap, Hip- Hop, hardcore rock and reggae and reflect a musical melting pot, with a Moroccan identity at its heart.

Mehdi EL Himani, known as Da Legend, is a Moroccan rapper of French origin who is based in Fez. He's been performing since 2008 in French and Arabic. His influences are varied, but look mainly to old school rap  and West Coast Blues.

Sara Touiger, alias Real Blood, is a rapper based in Fez. She writes texts in English. Her influences are numerous, but tend mainly towards American old school rap, West Coast Blues and pop styles.

When: Friday February 21 at 7 PM
Where: Cultural Complex Al Houria, Fez
Cost: Free
Info: CLICK HERE

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Casablanca Vying for UNESCO World Heritage Listing

The push is on for the registering of Casablanca on the UNESCO list of World Heritage cities. Any such listing is still a long way off, but if successful the city would gain a boost in tourism and economic growth

Photo Credit: Rachid Tniouni

The Ministry of Culture and Casamémoire Association recently held a joint press conference at the Casablanca Wilaya to present an outline of the registration project from Casablanca to join the World Heritage List of UNESCO.

Casablanca relies on its cultural and architectural heritage to be recognised as World Heritage by UNESCO. Morocco's economic capital is already present on the indicative list of the organisation, "a laborious process that requires a lot of energy and commitment that we expect from the Wilaya of Casablanca and the departments concerned, "said Mohammed Sajid, the Chairman Grand Casablanca.

"An original synthesis of three different cultures"

The city administration and Casamémoire association that works to protect the heritage of the city, have been setting forward the multicultural aspect of the city centre. "The urban and architectural style of the city offers a unique synthesis of three different cultures from three continents: the African culture, European culture and American culture," says the Wali, Khalid Safir. Many iconic buildings reflect the cultural mix. "center of Casablanca has built its own modernity through buildings like Al Mahkama, the Bank of Morocco which cleverly combine neo-Moorish and Neoclassical styles," adds Andaloussi Rachid, president of Casamémoire. He points out that if "Casablanca joined the club of cities classified by UNESCO, it will benefit from a massive influx of tourists and the launch of numerous projects funded by multinationals." And especially " the authorities will no longer demolish some buildings without going through an organisation affiliated to the United Nations."  Hopefully that  would ensure a better protection of Casablanca's heritage.

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Moroccan Photo of the Day

Spring in Fez and the chance to dry some of the sheep skins...

Photograph: Suzanna Clarke

The View from Fez welcomes contributions for our photo of the day series. Our contact details can be found via link at the top right of this page.

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