Workcamp in Marrakesh

The aim of this project is to contribute to the improvement of a residence of students with less opportunities.

We have chosen this school 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 the school 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 school 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 school 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. 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 school, 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 school 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 school. We have an agreement with the Ministry of Education and we are allowed to use the classrooms 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, Marrakesh in summer can reach the 45 degrees, 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.

School iben roumi elmasira 1 haraf B Marrakech

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. The 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