A VOLUNTEER’S PERSPECTIVE - MOROCCO

Since the Tijhza volunteer trips began five years ago, they have become an annual event for me. Each time I go I feel closer to the village and its residents.

Despite the fact that, by our standards, the people have so little they display warmth that is so rare in our society and it is both rewarding and uplifting to support them. Initially our labours centred around the village school but, during the last three visits, we have undertaken work in the homes of some of the more needy locals.

To see the conditions in which they live, many with no running water or toilet facilities, is heart-wrenching but it is wonderful to know we are able to make a small difference which is repaid a thousand times with smiles and an endless supply of mint tea!

Some group members have been able to exercise their special skills and so, over the years, we have set up a bee colony to provide revenue for the village, run the community's first ever medical clinic and built a compost toilet.

Currently we are funding construction of a Hamman, which is a communal wash place being a much needed facility and on our last trip, we cleared the site in readiness for construction to commence.

In addition to working in the village, the 'regular volunteers' all travel laden with clothing, toys and medical supplies which are subsequently delivered to the homes of those who need them most.

Whilst the voluntary work is very satisfying, the village also offers great walking and there is always a keenly contested football match against the locals who somehow always contrive to beat us! For anyone thinking about coming on the trip, I would urge you to join us to share the experience of a lifetime.

Peter Florence most recently travelled on our Morocco Volunteer Experience in April 2011

All get involved trips are operated in conjunction with Baraka Community Partnerships, an officially registered charity set up in 2007 by Andy and some Exodus clients. If you would prefer to simply donate then this can be done easily by clicking here. You can rest assured that 100% of donations you make are used directly on projects supported by Exodus and Baraka.