As we mark two years since the launch of our participatory planning initiative in Morocco's Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region, we are proud to showcase our partners’ remarkable transformation in local governance and community engagement. Made possible through the U.S.-Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI), this project has exceeded expectations in fostering meaningful dialogue and sustainable development.

The initiative’s impact is evident in both its 41 community forums, which have created vital platforms for dialogue between citizens and local officials, and its 6 community-based initiatives that address critical local needs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to our local partners, local decision makers and MEPI for making this project a success. With your support, we exceeded our targets for civic engagement through these activities, and opened new lines of communication and partnership between the government, civil society, and citizens.

Read on to learn more about these transformative initiatives and how they are shaping the future of participatory governance in the region of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, as well as the path ahead for continued growth and development in the region.

Morocco map - Dakhla

This year with MEPI, HAF supported:
6 community initiatives, engaging 1,300 participants,

advancing education, healthcare, women’s empowerment, civic engagement, nomadic communities’ rights, and environmental resilience in the region of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.

Mobilizing Communities for Impact

Citizenship Tent for Capacity Building in Bir Gandus Commune

The Qudwa Association for Education and Culture launched the "Citizenship Tent for Capacity Building" initiative in the Bir Gandus Commune. This initiative aims to strengthen civic participation and community ties.

73 students from Bir Gandus Primary School (38 girls and 35 boys) participated in workshops on civic responsibilities, critical thinking, cooperation, and children’s rights. These activities empowered them to express their ideas and actively engage in their school and community.

Parents, guardians, and local leaders also joined in the initiative, fostering collaboration in education. Students gained hands-on experience with local governance through visits to governmental and political offices, helping them better understand and articulate their aspirations.

This initiative is shaping a more engaged and informed generation, promoting a stronger, united community in Bir Gandus.

Youth Academy for Enhancing Citizenship and Participatory Governance

The Youth Academy for Enhancing Citizenship and Participatory Governance, implemented by the Mawashi Rimal Association, is empowering youth and women in Dakhla through fostering civic engagement and economic and sustainable development.

Youth Academy for Enhancing Citizenship and Participatory Governance

The program engaged 30 students from the Institut Spécialisé de Technologie Appliquée Dakhla (OFPPT) and 55 women from local National Mutual Aid centers, including the Tiress and Bader centers. Through workshops and interactive training, participants gained insights into civic rights and responsibilities, business creation, and navigating government funding opportunities.

A highlight of the initiative was an advocacy campaign encouraging local decision-makers to expand financial and institutional support for young entrepreneurs. Participants drafted a letter advocating for better access to funding and resources. Feedback from the program underscored the importance of further training in financial management and accessing grants, revealing the growing demand for specialized educational programs.

Gara Fok Gara Alliance for Advocating for Nomadic Issues

The Gara Fok Gara Alliance unites 5 agricultural cooperatives with 25 members, including 17 women. This initiative addresses key challenges faced by nomadic communities, particularly water scarcity and climate change. The Gara Fok Gara Initiative is amplifying the voices of nomadic families and working toward practical solutions to enhance their living conditions in the face of environmental challenges.
Gara Fok Gara Alliance for Advocating for Nomadic Issues

The Alliance organized four participatory workshops with 32 nomadic families in the rural communes of Bir Gandus and Bir Anzarane. These sessions provided a platform for families to discuss their struggles with prolonged drought, drying wells, and limited water access while brainstorming potential solutions.  

To advance these efforts, the Alliance met with local decision-makers in Bir Gandus to present the workshop outcomes. Together, they developed an advocacy letter outlining the nomadic families' concerns and proposed strategies to tackle water scarcity and improve resilience against climate change.

Tidarget Tsamoh Alliance for the Empowerment of Rural Women

The Tidarget Tsamoh Alliance, composed of 5 couscous cooperatives, engaging in total 25 women in Bir Gandus Commune, is empowering rural women in the Dakhla region. This initiative focuses on promoting women’s rights and expanding their role in decision-making processes.

The alliance addressed barriers to women's economic participation by providing trainings, education, and awareness campaigns. These efforts have enabled women to actively participate in local opportunities.
Tidarget Tsamoh Alliance for the Empowerment of Rural Women

Field visits for knowledge-sharing and collaboration have strengthened the women’s motivation and skills. Their participation in the 2024 International Exhibition of Local Products in Guelmim highlighted their achievements and increased their visibility, amplifying their collective voice and influence within the community.

Sanad for Joint Healthcare in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab

The Sanad for Joint Healthcare initiative, led by the Sanad Association for Development, Communication, and Social Action, improves healthcare access for vulnerable groups in Dakhla. This initiative uses community-driven efforts to improve healthcare services, raise awareness, and ensure that underserved populations have a voice in shaping health policies.
Sanad for Joint Healthcare in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab

Through health caravans, the initiative served 50 individuals, including 40 who received medical tests for diabetes and hypertension. Special focus was given to the elderly and people with disabilities in the Bir Gandus community.

 

Online Citizenship Tent

The Online Citizenship Tent initiative has established itself as a leading digital platform for civic engagement in Dakhla, significantly surpassing its targets with over 1,500 viewers and 481 live interactions. Through 9 collaborative actions, including participatory governance workshops and regional development discussions, the platform has effectively connected diverse stakeholders from the Bir Gandus commune, civil society organizations, and government officials.

 

The choice of Facebook as the primary platform has enhanced accessibility while ensuring sustainability, eliminating the need for complex technical infrastructure. This approach has made civic engagement more accessible to community members, particularly benefiting those in remote areas who might otherwise face barriers to participation in traditional forums.
The Path Ahead in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab:
A Community-Driven Initiative

With over 1,300 individuals participating in this project, we look forward to next steps as these communities reach their goals. The way forward for the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region involves continuing to build on the foundation of this transformative project, with a focus on sustaining and scaling its positive impact.

The region, known for its arid climate and limited infrastructure, is home to resilient nomadic populations who depend on livestock and fishing for their livelihoods. In response to these challenges, a transformative project is underway to improve living conditions and promote sustainable development.

This initiative, rooted in community engagement, focuses on organizing local groups, rehabilitating ecosystems, and empowering women. Key activities include the creation of nurseries for fruit and forest trees, the development of water points, and the establishment of value-added units for local products like acacia, artisanal crafts, and livestock. Additionally, the project fosters environmental awareness and introduces ecotourism opportunities to preserve and celebrate the region's natural heritage.

With a budget of 28 million dirhams, this ambitious effort is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating lasting positive change. HAF remains in the Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region as a supporter, an ally, and a partner for future initiatives.