Inaugurated in the presence of local and international partners,local authorities,as well as residents,all carried by the same spirit of solidarity,this village,designed to offer a safe refuge conducive to the growth of orphaned children in the region of Amizmiz represents a major initiative as part of the Al Haouz post-earthquake reconstruction operation.
Douar Shems’y, managed by the Moroccan Association for Aid to Children in Precarious Situations (AMESIP), is an ecological village which welcomes 144 children. Designed to meet their most urgent needs, this village offers children an educational, cultural and social framework, with the aim of helping them rebuild their lives and envisage a promising future.
Spanning two hectares, this project embodies the alliance of nature and solidarity, with the ambition of becoming a sustainable model serving young people. Douar Shems’y is equipped with all the necessary services to meet the needs of residents.
The village includes wings dedicated to catering, accomodation and leisure, as well as playgrounds, classrooms, a library, a dispensary, a listening center, in addition to areas reserved for members families of orphans or their guardians to spend the night.
The village also provides extensive psychosocial support, including individual therapies and group workshops, to help children and their families overcome trauma.
This diversity of infrastructure demonstrates the desire to create a complete living habitat adapted to the specific needs of children, while promoting social and family inclusion.
Douar Shems goes beyond its primary vocation as a refuge for orphaned children. It aims to become a model of resilience and innovation for the entire region.
Its environmentally friendly architecture,the use of renewable energies thanks to a photovoltaic plant,and the establishment of an educational vegetable garden are all examples of this eco-responsible commitment.
The village is also a place to live open to its environment, especially since it also participates in the revitalization of the local economy by creating jobs and strengthening community ties.
“By building Douar Shems’y, we have laid the first stone of a better future for these children who are not only victims, but also the builders of their own destiny,” underlined in a statement to the press, Ms. Touraya Bouabid, president of AMESIP, noting that the village represents a refuge, but also a springboard towards a life of dignity and full of opportunities.
And to note that Douar Shems’y, “reflects our commitment to offering orphans an environment which allows them to rebuild themselves with dignity and serenity”.
“We believe in the potential of these children and in the strength of the community to overcome challenges,” she added,indicating that AMESIP is actively participating in the rehabilitation of children affected by the earthquake,by offering them adapted psychological support.
In this context, she noted that the sustainability of this hopeful project relies on close collaboration between public, private actors and civil society.
The “Douar Shems’y” village also offers innovative educational programs,cultural and sporting activities,and also initiatives aimed at reducing the digital divide,including the “shems’y Coding” program,which introduces children to coding and new technologies.
what roles does the Moroccan Association for Aid to Children in precarious Situations (AMESIP) play in supporting orphaned children beyond Douar Shems’y?
Interview with Ms. Touraya Bouabid, President of the Moroccan Association for Aid to Children in Precarious Situations (AMESIP)
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Ms. Bouabid. Can you tell us about Douar Shems’y and its meaning for orphaned children in the Amizmiz region?
Ms. Bouabid: Thank you for having me. Douar Shems’y is a pioneering ecological village designed specifically for orphaned children in the Amizmiz area as part of the post-earthquake reconstruction efforts. This village not onyl provides a safe refuge for 144 children but also focuses on their overall growth, encompassing educational, cultural, and social frameworks that enable them to rebuild their lives. It symbolizes our commitment to a future where every child can envision a promising life.
editor: ThatS an inspiring initiative. Can you elaborate on the facilities and support systems available at douar Shems’y?
Ms.bouabid: Absolutely. Douar Shems’y spans two hectares and includes multiple wings dedicated to essential needs such as accomodation, dining, and leisure activities. We have classrooms,a library,playgrounds,and even a dispensary for health care.Importantly, we also provide extensive psychosocial support, including therapies and workshops, to help children and their families cope with trauma and promote social inclusion.
Editor: It sounds like a comprehensive environment for the children. How does Douar Shems’y integrate sustainability and community involvement?
Ms. Bouabid: Our project embodies an eco-responsible commitment through its environmentally friendly architecture and renewable energy sources, such as our photovoltaic plant. We have also established an educational vegetable garden to promote sustainability. Moreover, Douar Shems’y is not just a refuge; it plays a vital role in revitalizing the local economy by creating jobs and strengthening community ties, fostering a spirit of solidarity.
Editor: Community ties are important. How does AMESIP ensure the long-term sustainability of douar Shems’y?
Ms. bouabid: Sustainability relies heavily on collaboration among public, private actors, and civil society. By strengthening these partnerships, we can ensure the ongoing success of our initiatives. our focus on community involvement allows us to tailor our support and resources to meet the specific needs of the children and their families.
Editor: Can you share some of the educational and recreational programs offered at douar Shems’y?
Ms. Bouabid: Certainly! We have implemented innovative educational programs, cultural and sporting activities, and initiatives aimed at bridging the digital divide. One key program is “shems’y Coding,” which introduces children to coding and new technologies, equipping them with vital skills for the future.
Editor: That’s a tremendous effort to prepare the children for the modern world. What message would you like to convey to those interested in supporting initiatives like Douar Shems’y?
Ms. Bouabid: I invite everyone to recognize that these children are not just victims of circumstance; they are resilient individuals who have the potential to shape their futures. By investing in initiatives like Douar Shems’y and collaborating with organizations like AMESIP, we can definitely help provide these children with the dignity, opportunities, and support they need to thrive. Together, we can be the builders of a better future for them.
Editor: Thank you, Ms. Bouabid, for sharing your insights on this vital initiative. We appreciate your dedication to improving the lives of orphaned children in Morocco.
Ms. Bouabid: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure to discuss Douar Shems’y and the incredible potential of these children.