Argan Nursery and Forest in Essaouira, Morocco

My two-day visit to Sidi Rahal as a volunteer with the High Atlas Foundation was a meaningful and enriching experience that allowed me to connect with both young children and women from the local community. Through the IMAGINE workshop, I had the opportunity to witness the importance of empowering women, encouraging self-confidence, and creating a supportive environment where they can express themselves and reflect on their personal goals and aspirations.

The IMAGINE workshop aims to encourage and equip women to engage in emotionally healthy discussions that strengthen their confidence and self-agency while helping them identify their personal goals and priorities. Beyond the activities themselves, the workshop provided an opportunity to understand the different perspectives, challenges, and aspirations of the participating women.

Day One: Connecting with Children and Discovering Women's Perspectives

On the first day, another volunteer and I organized several simple and enjoyable activities for children aged two to three. We spent time making paper airplanes, singing songs, and engaging the children in playful activities adapted to their age. Although working with such young children required patience, attention, and flexibility, it was a truly interesting and emotional experience. With the help of their teacher, we were able to manage the children, keep them engaged, and create a joyful atmosphere where they could participate and enjoy themselves.

Seeing their reactions, smiles, and excitement reminded me that even the simplest activities can create meaningful moments. This experience also helped me appreciate the importance of early childhood interaction, creativity, and a safe environment where children can learn and have fun.

Alongside these activities, we had the opportunity to attend and observe the IMAGINE workshop. Listening to the women's discussions allowed me to better understand their different perspectives, personal experiences, and concerns about their futures. It was particularly interesting to see how each woman approached the idea of personal development and how their individual circumstances influenced their decisions and aspirations.

This first day helped me understand that empowerment is not simply about encouraging women to take action; it is also about listening to them, understanding their realities, and giving them the space and confidence to consider new possibilities.

Day Two: Celebrating Women's Achievements and Looking Toward the Future

The second day continued in a similar way, with the same activities for the young children. Once again, spending time with them was a rewarding experience, and working together with their teacher helped us create a welcoming and enjoyable environment.

However, the second day was especially meaningful because it marked the final day of the IMAGINE workshop. At the end of the sessions, certificates were awarded to the participating women. I had personally prepared these certificates, which made the moment particularly special for me. Seeing the women receive them with pride and happiness filled me with joy and gave me a sense of accomplishment. It was rewarding to know that my contribution, although small, had played a part in recognizing their participation and efforts throughout the workshop.

The experience also allowed me to reflect more deeply on the challenges women face when considering new economic opportunities. One of the workshop's main objectives was to encourage the women to work toward establishing a cooperative. However, I observed that some of them were hesitant or afraid to commit to this idea, partly because of their immediate financial needs. For women who depend on earning money to meet their daily expenses, investing time and energy in building a cooperative can feel uncertain when the benefits may not be immediate.

This helped me realize that embracing change requires more than motivation. It also requires security, trust, patience, and a realistic understanding of people's everyday circumstances. The women's hesitation did not mean they lacked ambition or resilience; rather, it highlighted the difficult balance between meeting immediate needs and working toward long-term goals.

I came away from this experience with a deeper appreciation of the importance of listening without judgment and supporting women at their own pace. Sustainable empowerment must take into account not only women's dreams and potential but also the challenges they face in turning those dreams into reality.

A Positive Step Toward a Stronger Future

My visit to Sidi Rahal was a reminder that meaningful change often begins with small steps: a conversation, a shared activity, a moment of recognition, or the courage to consider a different future. Whether through the children's laughter or the women's pride in receiving their certificates, these two days showed me how valuable it is to create spaces where people feel supported, respected, and encouraged.

I left Sidi Rahal feeling grateful for the opportunity to contribute, learn, and connect with the community. This experience strengthened my belief that empowerment is not about making decisions for others, but about helping them recognize their own abilities and giving them the support they need to make their choices with confidence. Sometimes, the seeds of lasting change are planted long before we can see the results, and with patience, encouragement, and collective effort, those seeds can grow into a stronger and more hopeful future for women and their communities.