Morocco/Marrakech: Interactive workshops on environmental education for over 600 earthquake-affected pupils in Al Haouz

On Monday, the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment organized a series of interactive workshops on environmental education at the Mohammed VI Museum for the Civilization of Water in Marrakech, for the benefit of more than 600 students from earthquake-affected areas of Al Haouz who have been transferred to host sites in the city of Marrakech to continue their studies.

Organized over two days under the theme "Marrakech, Sustainable City", this initiative aims to offer psychological support to these students, who have been transferred from Al Haouz to Marrakech to pursue their studies.students transferred from Al Haouz and accommodated and cared for in several host establishments in the city of Marrakech to pursue their studies.

Initiated in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Centre de Médiation des Sciences of the Mohammed V University in Rabat, the project also aims to help the beneficiaries so that they can continue their studies.to help them overcome the psychological crisis caused by this natural disaster, and to engage positively in a safe, educational environment where they can feel at home.ducative environment where they can feel a sense of stability, while integrating elements of education for sustainable development.

Speaking at the event, Ayman Cherkaoui, Director of the Centre International Hassan II de Formation à l'Environnement of the Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Protection de l'Environnement, stressed that this activity is of great importance in that it provides a forum for the exchange of ideas on a variety of subjects relating to the environment, sustainability and innovation.

In the same vein, he highlighted the special interest that the Foundation has always shown in the Ochre City, through its "Safeguarding the Palmeraie" program.Sauvegarde de la Palmeraie de Marrakech" program, in which the Observatoire de la Palmeraie de Marrakech plays a fundamental role.

At the same time, Mr. Cherkaoui reviewed a number of the Foundation's activities and programs, including the implementation, in collaboration with partners, of activities linked to climate change and sustainable tourism.

For his part, the UNDP representative in Morocco, Karam Amzil, pointed out that this activity is in line with the strategic priorities of the UN agency's action plan in Morocco for the periodriod 2023-2027, which aims to support the Kingdom's transition to a model of sustainable development that is integrated, comprehensive and resilient in the face of climate change and international crises.

He went on to say that this transition can only be achieved through sustainable programs and projects that place the education of future generations at the heart of the strategy.

These workshops, he believes, represent an opportunity to emphasize the importance of environmental education and guidance for young people, with a view to promoting school life, building "environmental citizenship", and disseminating "environmental awareness".environmental citizenship", and spread the culture of sustainable development among the beneficiary students, while instilling in them the principles and values of environmental citizenship.

"This initiative is part of the +Marrakech Ville Durable+ project, implemented by the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Develoveloppement durable, in partnership with the UNDP", he recalled, pointing out that this project, through one of its axes, proposes to support a certain number of public schools in Marrakech, as well as the city's local authorities.public schools in Marrakech, in order to enhance their sustainability and provide a healthy environment for learners, through a range of interventions linked in particular to energy efficiency, rational management of energy consumption and the use of renewable energies.energy efficiency, rational management of water resources, sustainable waste management and the development of green spaces within schools.

For his part, Ahmed Karimi, Director of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Academy of Education and Training (AREF), emphasized that this action was in line with the AREF's high level of commitment to the environment.is in line with the high level of concern shown by His Majesty King Mohammed VI for students from earthquake-affected areas.

This initiative is also in line with the objectives set by the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment, in particular those related to raising awareness of all things respectful of the environment, including sustainable cities and educational workshops", he added.The aim of these workshops is to introduce students to innovative approaches, such as robotics, as well as subjects relating to the resolution of environmental problems.

In a statement to MAP, Meryem Khodari, head of environmental education and sustainable development programs at the Mohammed VI Foundation for Environmental Protection, noted that this initiative is part of the dynamic of the country's ecological transition.This initiative is in line with the city of Marrakech's ecological transition, as it aims to provide support for over 600 students from secondary schools in Al Haouz affected by the September 08 earthquake.

Through these activities, the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment and its partners aim to popularize the concepts of education for sustainable development, thus helping to raise young people's awareness of environmental issues, she explained, noting that these activities take place in a setting conducive to positive expression. The aim is to bring comfort to young people and restore a sense of stability, despite the difficult circumstances endured.

Spread over two days, these interactive workshops will enable young participants and their supervisors to discover in detail the "Jeunes Reporters de l'Environnement" (JRE) (JRE) and "Sauvegarde de la Palmeraie de Marrakech" programs run by the Fondation Mohammed VI pour la Protection de l'Environnement, as well as the "Marrakech Ville Durable" program run by the UNDP.

Dedicated workshops will also focus on robotics, using educational games and virtual reality, as well as artistic activities, with the support of experts.

The event also includes entertainment activities and a visit to the Mohammed VI Museum for the Civilization of Water in Marrakech.

Source: www.mapexpress.ma/