Since January 15, 2024, I have had the honor of joining the Association d'Appui à l'Unité de Protection de l'Enfance (AAUPE) in Morocco as a volunteer advisor in resource development and organizational management within the framework of the Volunteer Cooperation Program (PCV) of the International Bureau for Children's Rights (IBCR), funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC).

My return to Morocco, which I left in 2001 to settle in Canada, was marked by a warm welcome from my colleagues and the dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly for the realization of children's rights and protection.  

An Enriching Experience 

Upon my arrival, I had the opportunity to contribute to a significant environmental project titled DERBINKI ("mon quartier propre",in English, “ my clean neighborhood”), aimed at children in Derb Ghallef, Casablanca. This project has received strong support from local authorities, the community, and partner organizations, underscoring the importance of collective engagement for children’s well-being.  

Abdesselam (left) brainstorming to move the project forward.

Key Challenges Identified During My Mission: 

1.  Capacity building : one of the main challenges is the need to strengthen the teams' skills in organizational management, including the overhaul of the association's structures. 
2.  Resource mobilization : AAUPE may face challenges in terms of funding and resources. The search for sustainable partnerships and adequate funding is essential to ensure the sustainability of child protection programs and initiatives.  
3. Community involvement : Organizational support will also serve to better mobilize families and local players to contribute to the association's mandate. 

Since my arrival, I have carried out a number of actions. Firstly, I carried out an in-depth analysis of the association's organizational capacity needs to carry out my mandate, which enabled me to identify gaps in the structure and opportunities for improvement.  Next, I worked with the partner to better develop their project proposals, aligned with identified needs, by defining clear objectives, success indicators and projected budgets. I also helped to respond to calls for proposals for projects linked to children's rights. I also worked to optimize the use of the association's human and material resources. Finally, I organized training sessions for staff and volunteers on key topics such as resource management, project management and digital communication.

Concrete Results 

One of the best results we've achieved is a project on the environmental rights of children and vulnerable families, financed by an international donor. The improved management of the DERBINKI “mon quartier propre”, in English, my “clean neighborhood”, project is contributing to a new image for the association in its local and national environment. AAUPE continues to position itself as a benchmark for the social, economic and environmental rights of Casablanca's children.  

Another innovation I am proud of is overseeing the design and implementation of the association’s website (www.aaupe.org.ma), which will be improved over time. 

Ongoing Challenges 

Despite significant progress, challenges remain. AAUPE must continue to adapt to the community’s changing needs and seek sustainable funding to maintain and expand its programs. Ensuring the sustainability of achieved results will be crucial for long-term impact. In conclusion, the results achieved with AAUPE testify to the need to pursue efforts to strengthen local capacities, mobilize resources and impact the community, in order to achieve a greater impact from the association's work. 

This initiative is a source of personal pride, given the work accomplished by the entire project team and, above all, the community involvement and commitment of the residents who will ensure the continuity of the work.  I would like to encourage all Canadians, especially the Moroccan diaspora in Canada, to get involved in such volunteer cooperation projects.   

My experience of volunteering in Morocco, which the Bureau and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) have enabled me to have, is not only an opportunity to contribute to positive change, but also a means of enriching my own life. I'm convinced that every gesture counts, and that our commitment can truly help make children's rights a reality. 

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Volunteer cooperation program funded by Global Affairs Canada.