Thus, at the prefectural support center for youth entrepreneurship in Mohammedia (INDH-Foundation for research, development and innovation in science and engineering), several cooperatives from the prefecture exhibited their various products in the presence of the various partners premises of the INDH.
On the stalls, local food and cosmetic products are displayed, as well as traditional clothing, handmade by the artisans of the cooperatives whose projects were made possible thanks to the support and guidance of the INDH.
In a statement to MAP, the head of the social action division in the prefecture of Mohammedia, Khadija Jilal, stressed that the prefectural committee for human development in the prefecture of Mohammedia celebrates the international day of cooperatives through, in particular, this exhibition which highlights the products of partner agricultural and industrial cooperatives, emphasizing that this celebration also aims to bring together the various local actors of the INDH.
At the prefecture level, around 126 projects have seen the light of day as part of program III “Improvement of Income and Economic Inclusion of young people” included in the 3rd phase of the INDH 2019 to 2023, she said, noting that 22 cooperatives were created in this wake thanks to the mobilization of more than 2 million dirhams.
In total, 47 cooperatives have benefited from support from the INDH, for a budget of 5 million dirhams, since the launch of the Initiative by His Majesty King Mohammed VI in 2005 and until 2023, continued Ms. Jilal, noting that this support aims to improve the income of beneficiaries, particularly women in precarious situations, and the economic inclusion of young people.
For his part, the regional delegate of the Office for the Development of Cooperation, Bouchaib Lhounaini, recalled that the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) celebrates, every first Saturday in July, the International Day of Cooperatives, specifying that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN celebration and the 102nd commemoration of the ICA.
This day was placed under the sign “Cooperatives build a better future for all”, he added, noting that the prefecture of Mohammedia joins these global celebrations which aim to honor these key players in the fight against poverty and precariousness.
For her part, the provincial director of crafts and the social and solidarity economy, Khadija Bourich, welcomed the tireless efforts of the INDH to support cooperatives, in this case rural, noting that the prefecture of Mohammedia is full of these income-generating activities which are part of government policy on the economic empowerment of women.
In addition to job creation, these cooperatives market their products locally, nationally and internationally, she said, noting that several of them have also benefited from a number of government programs.
Furthermore, the beneficiaries welcomed the organization of this day and the permanent support of the INDH, ensuring that the Initiative allowed them to take a step forward in the development of their activities and the improvement of their social situation.
This meeting was, moreover, an opportunity to return to the social and environmental role of cooperatives, in particular the promotion of the economic autonomy of local communities, the creation of sustainable jobs and the valorization of resources.