Life In Taroudannt

Have been asked to share some of my experiences and impressions of life in Taroudannt so far. I have been here a little over a month which has comprised a 2 week training period followed by the first two weeks of work. Overall, I am very content here and feel comfortable in my family situation and the town itself. The support network provided by Groupe Moroc Horizon (GMH) and Moroccan Childrens Trust (MCT) is extensive and ever available and have made every effort to ensure that I have settled in to life here.

I initially came as a tourist for a trip and decided to do a little research regarding worthwhile programs available to foreigners. I enjoyed Morocco after completing a standard 2 week tourist loop from casa to meknes, the sahara and finally essaoira where I was accepted and finalised my placement here. It is a great way to get so much more from Morocco than a 2 week tourist flyby and an opportunity to put something back in.

The work is rewarding but I have personally found it initially quite challenging although you soon adjust to the demands placed on you. I can recommend the experience to those looking for a mixture of cultural exchange, volunteer work and community interaction.

I've spent the past half an hour or so leafing through the posts of previous volunteers - it's really interesting to read about their experiences in years gone by. One thing above all stands out in it's consistent appearence in all of the posts: the friendliness of the people out here, and their drive for social improvement.

Five weeks have gone by since I first arrived in Morocco. The induction course flew past, and since then David and I have got down to working in the Lalla Amina Orphanage and the Al Wifaq Pre-School. We alternate our time at each institution, so I spend mornings at the Orphanage and afternoons at the Pre-School, and he does the opposite. I think the balance of this is just about right - I find caring for the babies in the Orphanage rewarding yet extremely tiring.

I think that one of the best reasons to come out to Taroudannt with MCT is the pastoral system. Being lodged with a Moroccan family allows a unique opportunity to learn about Moroccan culture and society. So far I've felt completely at ease in the hands of the members of GMH.

Six weeks to go!