A recent volunteer service-learning trip to Morocco organized by Years of Culture, the Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, and Silatech aimed to foster entrepreneurship among local Moroccan youth beneficiaries from Silatech’s enterprise development projects in Morocco. The trip included students from the University of Doha for Science and Technology (UDST) and alumni from Qatar Foundation, providing an immersive cross-cultural learning experience to all participants. The participants engaged in workshops and discussions that supported innovation and practical problem-solving, enriching their international service-learning experience. On the final day of the trip, Chairperson of Reach Out to Asia, Qatar Museums and Years of Culture, H E Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani visited the participating youth, reviewed their entrepreneurial projects, and encouraged them to continue with determination.
The volunteer trip was also attended by Ambassador of Qatar to Morocco H E Sheikh Abdullah bin Thamer Al Thani and several local officials from the city of Marrakesh. The trip focused on sustainable and creative industries, allowing students and youth beneficiaries to gain a deeper understanding of each other’s cultural backgrounds and entrepreneurial experiences. The participants were encouraged to contribute to their countries’ economic growth through their projects. Furthermore, the judging panel announced and honoured the winning projects, providing participants with a platform to share their journeys, including the challenges they faced and how they overcame obstacles and difficulties.
George Tavola from EAA Foundation emphasized the partnership with the Moroccan side, represented by Al Amana Foundation, which aims to facilitate youth access to the world of employment. The partnership focuses on experiential learning, knowledge and expertise exchange, and building cultural connections. Fahad Abdullah Malik, Head of External Relations and Engagement at Silatech, highlighted the significance of the trip as part of the Qatar-Morocco 2024 Year of Culture. The trip involved 24 youth volunteers who were integrated with 14 young men and women from Morocco, engaging in three days of training to address issues facing youth in the Moroccan labour market and develop innovative solutions.
One of the volunteers, Mayar Mukhtar from UDST, shared her experience participating in Marrakesh with her counterparts in Morocco. She emphasized the exchange of knowledge and ideas for entrepreneurship during the trip. Another participant, Marwan Hajiri, a graduate of Hamad Bin Khalifa University, discussed his team’s project that aims to bring together local artisans in North Africa and startup owners through an online platform. The project provides electronic access for artisans and job seekers in the design and marketing fields. Startup owners in the Arab world can collaborate with artisans through this platform, showcasing the potential for economic growth and innovation in the region.
Overall, the volunteer service-learning trip to Morocco provided a valuable opportunity for youth from Qatar and Morocco to collaborate and exchange ideas on entrepreneurship. The trip not only fostered cultural understanding but also encouraged participants to work towards developing innovative solutions to socio-economic challenges. The partnership between Years of Culture, EAA Foundation, Silatech, and local Moroccan organizations exemplifies the importance of international cooperation in empowering young people and promoting sustainable development. Through such initiatives, young entrepreneurs are inspired to create positive change in their communities and contribute to the economic growth of their countries.
