International Volunteers
// destinations - Morroco
FACT FILE
- Population: 31.6 million
- Capital: Rabat
- Major languages: Arabic (official), Berber, French, Spanish
- Major religions: Islam
- Monetary unit: Dirham
PARTNER ORGANISATIONS:
- CJM - Chantiers Jeunesse Maroc http://cjm.free.ma/
Founded in 1961, CJM has been involved in important national projects such as the building of canteens in rural primary schools and various illiteracy campaigns. Much of its work is through International Workcamps, developing exchanges between young Moroccans and youth from different cultural backgrounds to strengthen friendship, peace and global solidarity.
- CSM - Chantiers Sociaux Marocains
Non-political, non-religious NGO open to anyone no matter what culture, ideology, or religion. Their aims are to promote participation in voluntary service and to encourage international and intercultural youth exchange, and promote participation of women in the social, economic and cultural development of the country.
- JEC - Jeunesse et Co-operation des Chantiers Internationaux
JEC organises many social projects each year in co-operation with local communities and the Ministry of Youth which are focused on local development and intercultural learning.
TYPES OF PROGRAMMES
- North South>
- On projects in Morocco, the intercultural exchange element is considered much more important than the practical work. Project tasks can be liable to change at the last minute, usually by the town council or municipality running the project. Volunteers should be prepared for this and should be ready to be flexible. Working hours are usually about 5 hours in the morning, and the rest of the time is free for cultural activities.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
- Visa: not required.
- Arrival info: date of arrival is the start date scheduled for the project. CSM also run optional pre-camps days for volunteers participating in their projects. These take place for three days prior to the project and include an introduction to CSM and to their workcamps, to other participants and to Moroccan culture. There will be a number of cultural visits during the three days. The fee is 50 euros which covers food, accommodation and the visits.
- Other: volunteers must have at least a basic understanding of French.