Morocco Earthquake Response Fund

The earthquake in Morocco has had a profound impact on the affected High Atlas communities and four months on, we acknowledge this next phase of recovery is a long road ahead.

Our effective response in the Al Haouz Province, one of the hardest hit areas, has been underpinned by the close ties we have built up with local people in the region over 18 years.  

Thanks to your support, we have been able to make a tangible difference. We have mobilised our networks and continue to bring together community leaders, local NGOs, logistical and technical expertise to support recovery and rehabilitation efforts in line with Moroccan Government frameworks.

We have invested into projects that rebuild, support and safeguard education, restore meaningful artisanal, training and learning spaces and promote and protect cultural tourism. 

Here’s how we have been supporting the recovery effort so far:   

Shelter – After identifying the most vulnerable families, our team continue to distribute food, equipment and donated relief supplies to those most in need. Our priority for the Winter months is the provision of adequate shelter to a dozen villages in the Asni valley. We anticipate another large consignment to arrive into the relief hub in January containing tents, sleeping bags and winter clothing. More than 1,000 families have now been reached from Imi Oughlad to Azzaden.

Education – We have committed substantial funding to assist with the rebuilding and equipping of the primary and secondary schools in Asni, working closely with local government. Our teams are regularly visiting secondary school students who have been relocated to Tahanaout, bringing in supplies to support their studies. For younger pupils attending the temporary school facility in Asni, EBF has arranged for the installation of CCTV.

Major works are now well underway to structurally repair and refit our main study centre which was badly damaged by the earthquake. More than 80 secondary school students will benefit from the space once it re-opens.

Tifaouine crèche has undergone full repairs and we recently opened up one of the classrooms for a group of pre-school children. We are excited to be installing a brand new activity playground in front of the building.  

Artisanal crafts - We are focused on restoring two artisanal training programmes and we have provided cash assistance to women who are currently unable to earn an income.

Setting up a temporary area for sewing machines and looms, a small group of artisans from Tamgounssi Weaving Centre are able to work on future orders.   

We recognise the duty we have to both the community and to our donors in our shared commitment to help Berber Amazigh communities rise again. Our team will work tirelessly in 2024 to make an impact where it is needed most.

Thank you once again - we cannot express enough gratitude for your generous and swift support.

Gratefully,

The Eve Branson Foundation

Links:

• EBF Morocco Earthquake Phase 2 Report