Morocco Earthquake: Open Kitchen & Kids Education

Tarik Oumazzane is organizing this fundraiser.

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Ahlen!

My name is Tarik, a Moroccan living in the UK. I am an Assistant Professor in Middle East and North African studies at the University of Nottingham. Like many, I am shocked to learn about the earthquake in the Atlas Mountains, an area and its people that I hold dear to my heart.

I am raising money to aid those affected by the devastating earthquake that struck remote regions of the Atlas, killing over 3000 people, injuring over 5000 more, and destroying several communities and houses.

I have two goals in mind, one for the immediate future and the other for the short term. Both to be done via local nonprofits involving the affected people themselves:

(a) provide an open kitchen that serves hot meals every day. The open kitchen is a welcoming, community-centred place where individuals and families are greeted with respect and compassion.

(b) assist school kids (girls and boys) back into education, which has been impacted by the earthquake. Children need education so much to restore their life.

Thank you for your support,

Tarik

Feedback 1

I want to take this opportunity to thank you sincerely for your contribution to support the communities who have been affected by the earthquake in Morocco's Atlas Mountains. As you are aware, I began this fundraising effort to set up an Open Kitchen that provides hot meals every day and to help schoolchildren (girls and boys) get back into the classroom.

Your contribution has allowed me to get one step closer to my objective.

I recently got back from a week-long trip to the region of Morocco devastated by the earthquake. I spent that week living with the communities in order to better understand their needs and the challenges they confront. In this regard, I can only say that, despite my love of camping, it was not enjoyable to sleep in a tent among the campgrounds: the chilly nights, the noise, and the still aftershaking.

I have, however, worked with locals that are eager and willing to provide for themselves. Together, we have started a classroom for kids, installed solar panels, delivered medicine, given first aid, and set up open kitchens. Maintaining these projects is currently my biggest challenge.

Below are some images from my journey that I'd like to share with you. Warning: Some images depict total devastation.

I appreciate your ongoing assistance.

Tarik

Most houses and services were destroyed.

The Tinmal Madrassa /Mosque (Tinmal means school in Amazigh language) is a 12th-century sight located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. Alongside the Giralda in Seville and the Kutubiyya in Marrakesh,It is considered an important example of Almohad architecture. Sadly, as I noticed myself, the sight suffered significant damage in the earthquake.

These ovens are part of the Open Kitchen. They are used to make bread for the whole community of the village.

These solar panels are used to generate electricity.

Village women are taking matters in their hands. Instead of acting individually, they decided to act as a group. They are in charge of the Open Kitchen.