Scolar support in Marrakech

The aim of this project is to contribute to the education of children with less opportunity. Some of them don't have the chance to learn languages, sometimes because the classrooms are too crowded to deliver a good services, sometimes because the teachers in public schools cannot teach languages properly, as the education level was low, specially english. Also, is the students want private lessons in summer to reinforce their competences, they would have to pay a high price that the parents cannot afford in most of the cases. Volunteers coming from abroad are the best option to deliver a free service for these children and at the same time for them to get a good international experience. 

The aim of this project is to contribute to the education of children with less opportunity. Some of them don't have the chance to learn languages, sometimes because the classrooms are too crowded to deliver a good services, sometimes because the teachers in public schools cannot teach languages properly, as the education level was low, specially english. Also, is the students want private lessons in summer to reinforce their competences, they would have to pay a high price that the parents cannot afford in most of the cases. Volunteers coming from abroad are the best option to deliver a free service for these children and at the same time for them to get a good international experience.

This workcamp consists at the reinforcement of languages capacities of children and young with few opportunities. In this operation we will try to gather both Moroccan and International volunteers to profit the occasion to make emphasis in the intercultural exchange.

The volunteers will work five days each week and get two free days, it can be the weekend or other days, this will depend on the work plan. They will teach one or two of the languages (English – French). All the volunteers will work for hours each day in the morning. Some extra activities will be organized by the association like animation with children.

The children that the volunteers will teach come from families with low economic resources so the volunteers will appreciate their everyday  life habits and culture through practical and social involvement and feel like they are  making a real change, since they will give them some skills that will help them at a personal and academic level. They will get in touch with national volunteers so that they can get involved in the community, not only inside the center but also outside, when they finish their work.
Marrakech is the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh – Asfi. The red walls of the city,  and various buildings constructed in red sandstone during this period, have given the city the nickname of the "Red City" or "Ochre City". A hot semi – arid climate predominates at Marrakesh. Average temperatures range from 12°C  in the winter to 32–45°C in the summer.

The Jemma el – Fnaa is one of the best-known squares in Africa and is the centre of city activity and trade. Snake charmers, acrobats, magicians, mystics, musicians, monkey trainers, herb sellers, story-tellers, dentists, pickpockets, and entertainers in medieval garb still populate the square.

Festivals, both national and Islamic, are celebrated in Marrakesh and throughout the country, and some of them are observed as national holidays. Cultural festivals of note held in Marrakesh include the National Folklore Festival, the Marrakech Festival of Popular Arts, and the Berber Festival.

The International Film Festival of Marrakesh aspires to be the North African version of Cannes and showcases over 100 films from around the world annually.

The best way to explore the streets and alleyways is to dive and get lost. There are a few signs dotted around which will point you back to the Dejeema el Fna, and locals will be happy to help you out if you ask – though if they offer to walk with you they may ask for money. This isn’t a problem as you can politely decline, but often they do a good job of showing you something you’d ordinarily miss, so it doesn’t hurt to give them 10 or 20 dirham.

Remember when buying things that to bargain is a part of the Moroccan culture. It can be a lot of fun and a really good way to talk to local people and learn more about their way of life. By the end of the week.

If the volunteer has some pedagogical skills, that will give some extra quality to the project, although they are not required to have any previous experience. We are looking for enthusiastic, positive and respectful people, who are willing to work close with people from other nationalities to learn new skills and develop new relationships in ways that they choose and at a pace they feel comfortable with. Patience and reliability are basic skills to work with children.

School iben roumi elmasira 1 haraf B Marrakech

Marrakech train station. Marrakesh airport has a lot of flight connections from all over the world. Otherwise, you can fly from any other city and take a train there. You can check the train timetables on the ONCF website: http://www.oncf.ma/

There are two main options for the transfer into the city, a bus or a taxi. There is a special airport bus that takes passengers into town aThe bus is numbered 19 and departs from just outside the arrival hall.

As for the taxis, they are a good option but you would have to deal the price beforehand. The normal price is 100 Dirhams.

Someone from CSM will pick you up in the city, you should contact the central office before the departure from your country so that they arrange with Marrakesh section your arrival time and meeting point. The info sheet will be send 3 weeks before the project starts

Volunteers will be accommodated in a host family. We need to highlight a couple of things that might be a bit difficult for the volunteers, given the past experiences with them. In Morocco, is rare to find the toilets that they are used to have in Europe. In this country, the toilet is normally a typical turkish bath.

International volunteers can also ask the national ones to take them to hammam, the public baths. Its a nice experience that they will enjoy, while relaxing and enjoying the hot water and the steam, good for the skin.