Keep the Center Open

Each year we travel to Morocco with our families or students, we notice that the need for resources for those with disabilities is unmistakable. This is a segment of society that is treated as if it were invisible. The nature of our work as College Professors brought us even closer to the plight of the disabled. We organized several service learning trips where the focus is squarely on serving this marginalized population. Within the city of Kenitra, Morocco there is an amazing organization called Essalam Association for Solidarity and Development of the Handicapped that we sponsor. This center currently cares for 40 children, while only receiving funding for about 7-10 children. Despite the incredible discrepancy of the funding they receive and the number of children they care for, they work around the clock to be able to provide for all of the children that come through their doors. They will not turn any child away. Due to almost all of these children coming from either low or no income families, most of their clients are unable to pay for the services they receive. What makes this organization stand out is that these kids are giving a chance at schooling. Kids with disability in Morocco are also deprived from attending public schools

The association meager public funding couldn’t sustain it. It took on too much, its resources got stretched too thin and it was going to fold. By the grace of Allah, Glocal Impacts in the person of Mohamed Brahimi and Said Nafai stepped in and managed to keep the organization afloat. We also solicited the help of our students, friends, and families and were able to pump new life into this organization. The people who run the organization do this work as a labor of love. The educators rarely get remunerated

Glocal Impacts has also taken on a second project in the city of Azrou in the Middle Atlas region. Glocal Impacts is the prime sponsor of -Wlidatna Association- who is vested with helping children with severe brain injury and other debilitating illnesses. This organization provides care for over 44 affected children, many of whom come from families with very low income.
Unfortunately, despite the diligent effort of the founder, Khadija Alaoui and the other therapists, the center had to close. This was the one place these affected children could come for care, and now their one glimmer of hope has died out.

Glocal Impacts stepped up to the plate and procured a rental space that is currently housing the organization. This three story rental building rekindled hope again and the center was reopened. These kids are no longer feeling forsaken as they now have a place to go to. However, paying rent is not all it takes for the place to remain open. Caring for 44 kids with special needs is a major financial undertaking and one that needs your help. A video documenting a witness account of the need can be viewed HERE
Please help alleviate some of the pain with your contribution.