Earthquake Rebuilding with Communities in Morocco

After three months have passed since the devastating earthquake that occurred in the region of Al-Houz and other affected areas on September 8, 2023, with a reported toll of 5,500 injured and 2,900 fatalities, including 86 individuals from Douar Amkdoul in the municipality of Talat N’ayacoub in the Al-Houz province, among them 21 children.

Each person affected by this tragedy has lost more than one family member, whether from their immediate or extended family.

From a distance, it may seem as if life is back to normal and everything is fine. However, each step forward reveals shocking scenes that make it apparent that the earth has split open and swallowed everything in its path.

During our interactions with the community members, we have come to realize the vital importance of providing psychosocial empowerment. This support is offered through workshops organized by the High Atlas Foundation in partnership with Project HOPE.

The aim is to help women and children affected by the earthquake regain a sense of normalcy despite the deep cracks left by this disaster—a task that cannot be fully restored within just four days of a workshop.

The psychological condition of children in this region is extremely challenging, and they are in desperate need of special support and follow-up due to the traumatic experiences they have endured at such a young age.

During my conversations with them, I was struck by their maturity as they described the severity of what they witnessed, especially Amina, who lost Two of her brothers.

She would even imitate her brother's cries from under the rubble to some extent. Life moves on unaware of what she has been through, as well as her separation from her best friend Zakia, who is nine years old. Every time she tells me about Zakia's actions or words, it seems as if she is trying to hold onto a memory that she fears will fade away.

The workshops serve as an opportunity for individuals to receive much-needed emotional guidance and assistance. They create awareness about psychological well-being and the importance of addressing mental health issues in the aftermath of such a traumatic event.

It is a platform for individuals to share their experiences, express their emotions, and learn coping strategies.

The workshops also emphasize the role of community support and resilience. By coming together, sharing stories, and supporting one another, affected individuals can begin to rebuild their lives and find strength in unity.

It is crucial to acknowledge that the healing process takes time and ongoing support. While the workshops provide initial guidance, long-term efforts are needed to address the lasting effects of the earthquake on individuals' mental well-being.

As we continue our work with the community, we remain committed to providing sustained support and assistance as they navigate through this challenging period. Together with our partners, we strive to restore hope, rebuild lives, and contribute to sustainable development in the region affected by this earthquake.

Thank you everyone again for your collaboration to help bring relief and opportunity with communities severely hurt by the September 8 earthquake.

There is a direct link between psychosocial empowerment (or our “Imagine” methodology) and the rebuilding of water infrastructure. In order to reach the point of visualizing a productive future ahead, the psychosocial sessions, as you know, help people express and develop tools to manage the trauma associated with the pain of loss.

The sessions in their initial phases over the four days focus heavily on the emotional component of healing and strengthening social relationships, which is essential to this process.

What follows is the consideration of new opportunities or ones that have been long-held with a new determination to achieve the self-described goals of the participants. We know that water for both drinking and irrigation has been and remains the very top priority of these communities and are critical projects for sustainable rebuilding and for different forms of resilience.

By working with women, these water projects will be of direct benefit, supporting their agricultural objectives as well as maximizing the range of benefits associated with clean drinking water and delivery systems.

The women will be fully integrated into the management of the water systems for both clean drinking and irrigation water, which in turn strengthens their associations and cooperatives due to the training and the capacities needed for the system’s management as well as collectively managing the new revenue that is generated by the agricultural activities supported by the new irrigation infrastructure.

It is important to note that we have known since 2016, when we began Imagine’s facilitation, that there are trauma healing benefits (prior to September 8, usually in the context of domestic conflict). For us, the approach is vitally essential because it is the centerpiece of our strategy for achieving sustainable development.

HAF ultimately seeks projects determined and managed by local communities, and this empowerment methodology which is about personal and collective exploration and confidence building, leads to the outcome of development identified and managed locally.

We sincerely hope to continue working together for the benefit of Moroccan communities.