Summer is upon us and our work slows down. It’s the time when we at Amalna Maroc reflect on our many successes of the past 12 months, big and small. We always keep in mind our mission: working with women cooperatives to provide education, resources, and support that increase empowerment and economic opportunity. With the relationships we have built along the way and our strong partnership with Arkhbil Association, an amazing local Moroccan NGO, we are meeting our mission.
What We’ve Achieved!!!
Tourism: In order to increase income potential for weavers and share the knowledge of how traditional rugs are woven, we set up a paid tourism experience where tourists can engage in helping to make a rug while learning the history of this tradition and Moroccan culture. You can find us on Tripadvisor (check out the pop-up on our home page). We are also advertising through a hotel in Fes and we are working with another tour company.
Education: Our work to engage women in their aspirations led to two impactful education opportunities. The Ain Lueh Weaving Cooperative completed a 6-month long course in baking and literacy provided by our partner Moroccan NGO, Arkhbil Association. With these new skills, they are hoping to start a baking coop alongside their weaving coop as a way to attract more women and diversify their income. With help from nearby Peace Corps volunteers, English classes are being provided to members of Souk Lhad Village, home to a successful weaving cooperative.
Expanding Markets: We are expanding economic opportunity for weaving cooperatives through a new on-line Custom Order Rug webpage on the Amalna Maroc website. Check us out! You can find our rug inventory and customize the size and color to meet your needs.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: Up-cycling is when you recycle some material and make it something new and better. In Morocco, old clothes are up-cycled into rugs. Through a cross-cultural weaving project with Fair Fabrics, a Fair Trade Org based in Rotterdam NL, we helped a weaving cooperative in the village of Ait Hamza take flags used for “King’s Day” in the Netherlands to make rugs that will be displayed in Rotterdam and the Dutch embassy in Morocco.
Oral History: We connected Nora Charrou, our local project manager, to a University of Michigan project that is collecting the oral histories of the Amazigh people of this region. Her knowledge of the local dialect allowed her to gather several oral histories from long-time community members. It was amazing to sit in and watch her conduct these interviews and learn the valuable history of the region.
Thank you!
All that we have activated is only possible because of the support we have back in the States! Your continuous support is why we’ve been able to accomplish these achievements.
Looking Forward!
Going into the second half of 2024 and 2025 we want to narrow our focus on growing Experiential Tourism, Custom Rug Orders, and a growing focus on up-cycle weaving projects! Come to Morocco and see our work first hand or order a one-of-a-kind handmade rug from our village weavers!
The work of Amalna Maroc depends on donations! All donations are tax deductible.
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