I will forever remember September 8, 2023, as the day that completely changed the easygoing nature of many Moroccan lives. The devastating 6.8 magnitude earthquake resulted in the loss of life, property and years of hard work.

While a stark reminder of the erratic and destructive force of nature, the earthquake quickly turned people's lives upside down. What was a typical day for many became a nightmare.

My experience of the earthquake was not dissimilar to others. It was my day off work. I had traveled back to visit my family in my hometown located within the Chichaoua region. When the earthquake struck, my initial reaction was not one of shock or panic, rather action.

Putting my feelings aside, I acted to help calm my family and my community. In those dark hours immediately following the earthquake, I dedicated myself to bringing blankets and making coffee, helping to keep people warm during the long, cold night.

We passed the first night outside, terrified as the ground continued to move. As the sun rose, and the first rays of light began to appear, we woke to the destruction around us.

News of the previous night reached us from surrounding villages; tremendous damage, rocks everywhere, houses no longer fit for habitation, and people mourning their loss. My heart raced as I realized that not everyone had been spared by the earthquake.

Nine months on, I am grateful for the action I continue to take helping communities recover from the earthquake. The High Atlas Foundation´s psychosocial support and empowerment program has been instrumental in providing support to those with broken hearts and souls, and in restoring hope to affected communities after the quake.

My experience leading this program as a facilitator has been life-changing. I have witnessed the positive effects of empathy, active listening, and skill-building activities on traumatized women.

During our meditation sessions, my colleagues and I support women to release the pain and negative emotions left behind by the earthquake.

Through leading group sessions and one-on-one interactions, we create a safe space for emotional expression and offer strategies, encouraging healing journeys and equipping women with the tools they need to overcome adversity with perspective and strength.

With the support of our partners and my colleagues, I look forward to continuing to prioritize action, changing the lives of others for the better.