By Sophie Rondeau, Network Coordinator
Autumn is magnificent in Quebec. The trees on Mount Royal look like they are alive under all the fiery shades of red and orange and the harvest season gives us a chance to take full advantage of what the fertile earth has to offer: beets, pumpkins, leeks, carrots. However, I must admit that this year, I have experienced October in a whole new light: in the heat of the sun and the fresh sea breeze with the scent of tajines and mint tea.
Last October I had the opportunity to spend a week in Morocco in Rabat. The goal of this trip was to meet and work with the Delegation members from the University of Mohamed-V Souissi, as well as to create links with other key actors in the Moroccan youth movement. I was there to take the pulse of Moroccan social movements, immerse myself in their reality, listen to their needs and attempt to develop programming that is coherent, useful and relevant for the Delegation and the Network. I have returned to Quebec, full of ideas and energy… along with some Moroccan ceramics, straight from Salé, as well as some scrumptious pastries from the Majestic Patisserie (thanks Amine and Hanane). However, it’s not the material things that matter most…
Accompanied by France-Isabelle Langlois, the Assistant Program Director from Rights & Democracy, we met with the members of the Delegation, as well as members of the Souissi University teaching staff; we worked with them on their activities, their vision…What a wonderful group! As you will see, they have carried out some great projects. We also had the opportunity to meet with young people from Amnesty International, Oxfam-Québec, the Forum des Alternatives Maroc and the Association des jeunes avocats de Khémisset (the Association of Young Lawyers from Khemisset), such inspiring groups who generously shared their time and information with us.
We also had the opportunity to attend a training session on citizen involvement, co-led by my colleague, Lara Arjan in Kenitra, held just outside Rabat. This training session brought together young people from both urban and rural areas of Morocco. In the short period of time I spent with this group, I was incredibly inspired by them. They are so dynamic, motivated and highly capable, confirming once again my commitment to promoting human rights.
Upon my return, I delighted in the spectacle of geese flying in the sky over the Eastern Townships, and noticed the trees on Mount Royal were a little bare. I miss the heat, not just from the sun, but also the warmth showered on me by all the Moroccan people I came across.
I would like to extend thanks to Amine, Amina, Yassine, Anass, Hanane, Hatim, and to all of the other people I met during my stay. I would also like to thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart for your warm display of Moroccan hospitality.
Hope we see each other again soon – insha’Allah
