Morocco is a cup of mint tea, poured from above and shared between friends. Morocco is the sound of the call to prayer five times a day and the smell of sizzling food, well-spiced and cooking in a tagine. Morocco is a medina, hundreds of swirling narrow streets, filled with anything that any person might ever need or want to buy.
Moroccans take pride in meeting travelers, sharing their culture and learning about others. The diversity of landscape in Morocco is incredible from the sands of the Sahara desert, to the coastline of fishermen, to the towering Atlas Mountains, where you can find yourself making an impact while learning and living among traditional Amazigh cultures.
Why Volunteer in Morocco
If you would like to do something special consider applying to volunteer in Morocco helping local good causes.
In Morocco, the average years of schooling for a child is far below other countries in the region and even further below the global expected standards for children ages 5-16. In Morocco, only 20% of girls have a secondary education compared with 30% of boys.
While a number of social issues contribute to these outcomes, the infrastructure and materials in schools in Azrou, like Fatima Al Fihriya Elementary School, are severely lacking. Students are in need of eyeglasses, and hand washing facilities are unusable. In the winter months, children often lack appropriate clothing for the cold weather in a school room heated by a wood burning stove.
While financial constraints limit the ability of the schools to provide optimal education conditions, volunteers work through child health and child education projects to improve both the educational activities and infrastructure of these struggling classrooms.
Fact Sheet
• Population Below Poverty Line: 4 Million
• Human Development Index Ranking: 126 / 188 countries
• Average Schooling for Girls: 4.4 years
• Maternal Mortality Rate: 120 / 100,000
Where You Can Help
Most projects are run in the larger cities like:
• Essaouira
• Marrakech
• Fez
Best Volunteering Programs in Morocco
Education
Education is one of the most pressing social issues in Morocco, with an illiteracy rate of 40% in people over the age of 15. Particularly in rural, mountainous areas like Azrou, children are often taken out of school at a young age to help support their families in farming and herding activities. At the preschool level there is little to no government support and teachers receive no formal training. In these rural schools, with poor infrastructure and a low number of teachers, volunteers are essential in providing engaging and varied early childhood activities to support the individual academic potential of each student while increasing critical capacity building skills to ensure students don’t fall behind.
Health
Healthcare in Morocco is not equal due to the high costs of services. Only one third of the population is insured and many wait until they are in desperate need to seek out services. You can support the public health needs of students, including WASH, vision, and dental projects for children and families. With sanitation facilities in many schools in disrepair, and with the cost of glasses out of reach for many families, your group public health project in Morocco will have long-term impacts on the health, safety, and educational outcomes of young students.
Help Women
Women in Morocco have enjoyed increasing freedoms since independence from France in 1956. However, with female education and literacy rates still significantly lower than males, particularly in rural areas, the traditional gender roles continues to limit opportunities for women. Learn about the role of women in Islam and in Morocco through engaging and intensive discussions and personal interactions. Help make a difference to womens lives.
Farming in the Atlas Mountains
Agricultural life, including farming and herding, remains a primary economic activity for the Berber people in the Atlas Mountains. Immerse yourself in the daily life of farmers by volunteering on a family farm to learn about crop production and family roles in Azrou.
Cultural Activities and Free Time
Arabic Language Lessons
If you’re new to Arabic, no worries. You’ll have an opportunity to participate in regular language lessons. Take advantage of these lessons in Moroccan Arabic, also known as Darija, to learn some of the basics of the language, as well as the history behind it.
Learn from Amazigh Artisans
Artisan activities, from weaving Amazigh rugs to creating handicrafts from cedar wood, are reflected throughout the community. Visit with local artisans to learn about their traditions, and try your hand at creating your own unique piece of Morocco.
Spa Day at a Hammam
A visit to the hammam is not your typical day at the spa. Trade in your usual mani/pedi for a Moroccan steam, scrub, and shower, and you won’t be sorry. These traditional bathhouses are not just a great place to unearth that youthful glow, — you’ll be shocked when you see what a little elbow grease and exfoliation can do — they also serve as a very interesting window into Moroccan culture and will likely debunk any preconceptions that you may harbor about the role of women in Morocco.
See The Chefchaouen Falls
Hike the waterfalls and enjoy the beautiful blue-washed walls of Chefchaouen. This small city winds its way up the mountains of the Rif range and is rich with Berber culture and famous for its stunning blue-washed architecture; a definite must-see. Snap some photos as you weave your way through the azure architecture and around the local waterfall. Take a hike around the Rif mountains and end your day back in the medina – city center – with a warm cup of mint tea.
Visit Spain
If you’re looking to pack some extra international experiences into your time abroad, you’ve got great options. Volunteering in Morocco makes Spain and Gibraltar, not to mention Egypt, super accessible. So be sure to save some pages in your passport!
FAQ
Language
Projects advertised internationally are run in English. Basic Arabic is recommended but not essential. Classes can be booked on arrival.
Accommodation
Cozy up in a traditional Moroccan homestay. You’ll engage in cultural activities in the large living area, learn to make your favorite Moroccan dishes in a beautiful kitchen, and relax in bedrooms and additional living areas on the top two floors. When it’s time to unwind after a day of volunteer service, check out the beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains from our rooftop deck, or warm up during cooler months in the in-house hamam. In most towns and cities you’ll find shops, cafes, and banks to meet all of your needs, and to truly become part of the community.
Food
And then there’s the food in Morocco. As we prepare for meals, the Home-Base will be filled with the delicious scents of cinnamon, allspice, ginger, and cumin reflecting the rich cultural heritage of Moroccan cuisine. From flavorful pancake msmm to hearty meats prepared in a tagine to Moroccan tea, volunteers consistently rave about the tastes and smells of Moroccan cuisine.