Reports on Earthquake Emergency in Morocco

Project Report | Jun 28, 2024
Final Report on the Emergency Aid Project

By Giacomo Carlini | International Partnerships

Introduction

Following the devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake that struck the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco on the night of September 8th, causing massive destruction and loss of life, Fondazione Soleterre launched an emergency aid project to support the survivors of this unprecedented natural disaster. Our efforts focused on providing immediate relief, medical care, and psychological support to the affected population, particularly children and families who were left without homes and access to essential services.

Project Achievements

Over the past months, Soleterre ONLUS, in collaboration with our local partners and the Pediatric Oncology Department at the Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Mohammed VI in Marrakech, has successfully implemented a wide range of aid measures to address the needs of the earthquake survivors. The key achievements of our project include:

1. Medical Assistance:

Provided essential medical care and lifesaving medicines to thousands of injured individuals.
Facilitated the transport of patients from remote areas to the hospital in Marrakech.

2. Psychological Support:

Expanded our team of psychologists to offer mental health support to children and families affected by the earthquake.
Continued psychological support services for children undergoing cancer treatments at Dar al Amal (House of Hope).

3. Economic Aid:

Distributed financial aid to families who lost their homes and livelihoods.
Supported women and children with both economic and psychological assistance.

Conclusion

Thanks to the overwhelming generosity and support from our donors, partners, and the international community, we have been able to provide critical aid to those impacted by the earthquake. The immediate needs of the survivors have been met, and our structured financial partnerships have enabled us to continue delivering essential services without the need for further emergency fundraising.

As a result, we are pleased to announce the conclusion of the emergency aid project. Fondazione Soleterre will maintain its ongoing programs and support systems within the established framework, ensuring that children undergoing cancer treatment and their families continue to receive the necessary care and psychological support.

Acknowledgments

We extend our deepest gratitude to all our donors, partners, and volunteers who made this project possible. Your contributions have had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals affected by this tragedy.

Together, we have demonstrated the power of solidarity and compassion in the face of adversity.

Thank you for your continued support.

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May 3, 2024
Looking for normality

By Stefano Oltolini | Fundraising Coordinator

our people in front of the House

Dear friends of Soleterre and Morocco,

The severe earthquake that struck the Marrakech-Safi region of Morocco along the Atlas mountain range on the night of September 8th and 9th, 2023, also caused damage to the Dar Al Amal house in Marrakech.

Fortunately, the damages were not severe, but a restructuring and securing of the house (both the exterior structure and interior spaces) were necessary to allow guests to live and engage in activities in complete tranquility.

Today, the house has been perfectly repaired, and life is returning to normal for the young guests, who are already dealing with cancer treatments.

In recent months, several activities have aimed to bring normality and serenity back into the lives of the children. Here are some examples:

In December 2023, thanks to a volunteer French instructor, the children and mothers at the Dar Al Amal house received their first tennis lesson. For many, it was their first experience with the sport!

In January 2024, an Italian cooking session was organized with a Sicilian chef for the families hosted at the Dar Al Amal house. The Sicilian cooking workshop was part of a "CapeToCapo" initiative, an expedition to Africa aboard 4x4 jeeps combining a passion for travel with a passion for cooking. The children at the house prepared and enjoyed a pasta alla norma and Sicilian-style baked eggplant dish with the patients, their mothers, and the Soleterre and Amal teams.

On the occasion of World Cancer Day, February 15, 2024, Amal and Soleterre organized a march of hope from the Dar Al Amal house, which was attended by more than 100 people, including patients, families from the house, Soleterre team members with their families and friends, Amal team members, local journalists, and students from the Faculty of Medicine in Marrakech. Following the march, a lunch with healthy food, awareness workshops, testimonies from parents of patients, gifts for families, and playful moments for both adults and children were organized.

Every day, the staff of Soleterre and AMAL at the house, consisting of the house director, psychologist, educator, driver and night guard, and cleaning staff, strive to ensure free accommodation, psychological and social support, and closeness and attention to families with children affected by cancer.

Now, we need your help to support this project with a recurring monthly donation, crucial to ensuring the continuity of services, which are completely free for users. Please consider activating a monthly donation if you can. The return to a normal life for these children also depends on you.

Thank you

tennis lessons

cooking lessons

cooking demo

march

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Jan 8, 2024
Rebuilding Dar Amal After the Earthquake - Renovations in Marrakech

By Cassie Pontone | Social Media Manager for the US

Kids playing in the Casa Soleterre

It has been 4 months since the horrific 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook the whole of Marrakech, Morocco, leaving families devastated and the city's infrastracture severly damaged.

In the aftermath of the earthquake, our Casa Soleterre was left in a precarious state and in serious need of restoration. Known as Dar Amal, this particular Casa Soleterre is an integral resource to many families currently living in Marrakech in order to seek treatment for their loves ones at the nearby Pediatric Oncology Department at the Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Mohammed VI in Marrakech. Moreover, our team's commitment to offering mental health support makes the space increasingly integral for the local community dealing with the trauma of the recent natural disaster. With the help of Chkoukout—a local construction agency commissioned for the job—restoration of Dar Amal began on October 23, 2023.

The construction plan was divided into three main focuses: the exterior of the building, the framework within, and the roof. Work began as scheduled, first addressing the ground floor and garage space of the building. During this phase of work, the reception area had to be moved so as to continue safe access to the building. Next, the entire structure had to undergo a rigorous screening process. This phase allowed for a complete assessment of the damages sustained by the earthquake. Cracks throughout the building ranged from serious damages needing structural interventions to benign aesthetic issues, easily fixed by a new coat of paint. Finally, the roof was scrutinized to highlight any areas of weakness where there was risk of collapse. During this period of construction, it was decided to also update the building by dedicating a new space for laundry on the roof.

A lot of hard work went into these renovations, and the team is thrilled to see Dar Amal is tip-top shape once again! The inside of the building has been returned to its former status—warm and welcoming once again. Even the laundry area is complete and ready for use. Perhaps most significant, however, is the care that went into the efforts of our local staff. On the outside walls of the building, the staff has added a bit of flair with orange stripes adorning the balconies of the structure. Orange is the color of Soleterre, and while this gesture may be small, it holds great significance.

Soleterre was one of the few local organizations on the ground offering assistance to families in the immediate aftermath of the earthquake. We have been dedicated to staying alongside the children and families at Dar Amal as they confront the unthinkable, from illness to natural disasters. We will remain at their sides in 2024 to continue supporting them and to reinforce our credo that health is social justice.