Workcamp in Larache

The aim of this project is to contribute to the improvement of the center: cleaning, painting and gardening.

We have chosen this center for the needs it has. The structure itself its fine, but it doesn't have a good look from outside, as it seems to be old and not taken care off. This is a community based host center whose fundings to improve its appearence are not enough to pay for the staff that would make it nicer for the residents, the cost of the paintings, materials to build up greens spaces and employees would be unaffordable, but we can no doubt make it with the help of volunteers. Having only to buy the materials, we would save half of the costs and the budget allocated for its reconstruction would be enough. The result, with well motivates volunteers, would still be a good quality one.

Apart from being in charge of keeping the center in good conditions, cleaning it, building green spaces and painting the walls, in a creative way when possible, those young people can participate also in various activities. The volunteers have the possibility to get in contact with the local people, take part in the Moroccan habitudes and way of life. 

The general organization and responsibility of the workcamp lies in a camp leader who may as well prepare an animation program for the participants, including the proposition of spare-time activities in the surrounding area, although the volunteers can also take initiative on this and propose other activities.

This workcamp is also for national volunteers so the ones coming from abroad will appreciate their everyday  life habits and culture through practical and social involvement. They will get in touch with national volunteers and social workers in the center so that they can get involved in the community, not only inside the center but also outside, when they finish their work.
Larache is an important harbour town in the region of Tanger – Tetuan – Al Hoceima, in the North of Morocco.  Larache has a Mediterranean climate with heavier rainfall. The summers are moderately hot and sunny - ideal for the city’s beaches - and the winters are wet and cool.

Larache has excellent road connections to other urban centres, being right next to the coastal motorway. Asilah is 33 km north,Tangier 80 km north, Kenitra 110 km south and Rabat 150 km south.

Larache has two centres, the old quarters, and the Spanish town, both lying next to each other. It has many examples of interesting architecture, although much is badly maintained, and it is a little visited tourist destination. Across the river, Larache boasts one of Morocco's finest beaches.
Larache lies close to the ruins of Lixus, a town first established as a Phoenician trading post, but which now mainly hosts ruins of the Roman era. Further information about the country will be attached in the National Profile form.

The volunteers 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.

-Painting the center, both just as a basic maintenance and also in a creative way. The camp leaders will make a program to paint frescoes but the volunteers can also propose ideas.

- Cleaning the center as a part of its maintenance while the children are on holidays.

- “Green activities”. The volunteers will help creating green spaces, planting trees or shrubbery for example.

- Cooking in teams with other volunteers, both national and international.

- Some extra activities will be organized by the association like animation with children.

The volunteers will work five days per week, four hours per day in the morning or the afternoon and get two free days, it can be the weekend or other days, this will depend on the work plan.

The volunteers will live in the youth center. We have an agreement with the Ministry of Youth and Sport and we are allowed to use the Rooms for the volunteers to stay there. We will set up the place with mats and blankets although it is highly recommended for the volunteers to bring their sleeping bags just in case.

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.

Also, as they will be living in the center, there will be no normal shower but a hose that they can use to clean themselves. However, Larache in summer it's very warm, so the water comes out warm anyway.

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.

Youth centre laarach

From RABAT Airport

You can easily catch a taxi to Rabat Bus Station QAMRA or the special bus  CTM  . It will take you less than 20min and it  costs between 15 to 20 euros . For those who come by <RYANAIR> there is a bus shuttle right in front of the airport exit , it leaves one hour after every flight arrival  ,  it drops you off near the train station  ,  everyone can get the ride on the bus  .  it costs 2 euros ; please don’t forget to change the money in the airport so as you can pay the taxi or the bus ; once you arrive in LARACHE bus Station Call the responcible . Pay attention if u gonna take a normal bus from the QAMRA  bought you re ticket inside the station. The website of CTM Special bus http://www.ctm.ma/

From CASABLANCA Airport

You can easily catch a train to Casablanca Port Station ; once u are there take a small taxi to Casablanca bus station ( Ouled zian ) ; you can also take the special Bus CTM , once you arrive to Larache bus Station please contact the campleader.

FROM Tanger Airport

You can  easily take a taxi from the airport to tanger bus station ; or the special Bus CTM ; once you arrive in Larache bus please contact the responsible of the camp

-you do not need to book train tickets in advance

-It is better to  change  some money to MAD in the airport for the expenses of transportation. The info sheet will be send 3 weeks before the project starts

-If you need more information you can contact : csm_morocco@yahoo.fr