Post-Earthquake Support Initiative

On September 8, 2023, a devastating earthquake struck Morocco, causing the death of over 3,000 people and injuring thousands more. The Moroccan government initiated a response, but challenges in remote mountainous areas persisted, particularly in the rural communes of Ait Oumdis and Ait Tamlil in the province of Azilal.

In response to these challenges, FHI360 funded the Moroccan-based Association Al Intilaka Pour Le Développement L'Environnement Et La Culture - Afourer (AIDECA) to support the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the affected regions. Initially, the project included the provision of modular classrooms, but it adapted in January 2024 to address the emerging needs of rural communities in collaboration with local authorities.

Objectives

The main objective of the initiative is to alleviate the difficulties faced by local communities by ensuring continuous access to hot water, improved hygiene, and secure educational facilities, thus ensuring the continuity of education and improving the well-being of residents.

Intervention

The intervention prioritized a participatory and inclusive approach, working closely with local partners to identify the essential needs of affected communities. Meetings with community representatives and stakeholders helped determine priorities and assess the real needs of residents, ensuring their involvement in decision-making processes and strengthening their sense of ownership towards relief efforts.

Key interventions included the installation of solar water heaters in establishments such as Dar Talib, Dar Taliba, and Dar Oumouma, and the distribution of hygiene kits to students. These efforts were designed to improve living conditions by providing a reliable and eco-friendly hot water source and ensuring proper hygiene.

In addition to the installation of solar water heaters, the initiative included awareness workshops on personal hygiene for young girls in the communes of Ait Tamlil and Ait Oumdis. These workshops, conducted in collaboration with local facilitators and community representatives, aimed to enhance the knowledge and practices of the participants, fostering a deeper understanding and commitment to health and hygiene.

The project also involved close coordination with local authorities and community representatives to ensure the relevance and effectiveness of the interventions. This collaborative approach helped address the specific needs of the community while responding to the challenges posed by the earthquake.

Through these efforts, the initiative has contributed to mitigating the impact of the earthquake and improving the resilience of the affected communities. By empowering local communities with knowledge and practical skills, the workshops have enhanced their ability to handle the aftermath of the earthquake and better prepare for future disasters.