Day 11 in Morocco!
We began with a site visit to ANDD (Association for National Digital Development)! This being my site visit, I was excited to get the ball rolling today!
The site visit itself was incredible. It was unique, being able to hear directly from the students that ANDD has impacted how they have been able to shift their journeys and navigate themselves. We got to hear from Othmane Ait Chouïa, who was a student in the KHATAWAT program. When she began to describe her experience, I thought it was special that, instead of promoting the program itself or what she learnt, she talked about how the program helped shape her. Othmane grew from a quiet student in the back who never wanted to speak to now confidently speaking in front of a room of foreign students to share her culture. It’s phenomenal and shows how ANDD focuses on building people up, not just companies.
One of the more unique and unexpected parts of the day was a malfunctioning door. I’m no locksmith, and clearly no one else was either, as our Professor Meade was locked in the bathroom. However, 40 minutes later, half of the group inspecting the door, and 4 failed attempts to get her out, a carpenter finally arrived to save the day! What a story to share!
After our first visit, we departed for lunch. The restaurant we went to is honestly my favorite on this whole trip, hands down. With the eloquent traditional decorations and the beautifully curated Moroccan aesthetic, dining there felt more like an experience than just a standard lunch. What topped it off was the most orchestrated salad I have ever seen in my life, and the kebab platter that was the main course. I was in love!
After lunch, we made our way towards another location for the organization. We met with one of the women’s cooperatives that ANDD works with, and it was eye-opening. Hearing these women talk to us about how they used their skills and what ANDD teaches them to build whole businesses from the ground up was inspiring. I got to see the products that they create, and honestly, if I had any more dirhams left on me, I would have invested in some myself.
All of the women we had met this afternoon had something in common: the willingness to learn and keep an open mind. Not to mention, they are all working to create a space for females to succeed, while also opening a door for the next generation of Moroccan women. Their craft, their endeavors, and their drive are simultaneously creating systemic, inclusive opportunities for their community and youth, and that is how ANDD’s work differs from the other organizations we have met with. ANDD builds up the architects, the people who are the foundations for the future. Organizations such as the Technopark and 1337 take that a step further and help to build the companies to grow their community.
I wrapped up my day by taking a scenic walk in the evening with my friend! The views along the shore were beautiful, and we were able to grab some nice photos before we made our way to a pirate ship (!) for some dinner to finish off our day!
Tomorrow brings our last full day in Rabat! Along with a cooking class and a farewell party with our host families. I can’t believe how quickly these last couple of weeks have flown by, but I am excited to soak up the rest of my time in Morocco and crush our final projects!