We are volunteering with High Atlas Foundation in Marrakesh, for the purpose of living an unforgettable experience and discovering HAF’s activities.Our first project site visit was to Tadmamt. HAF’s tree nursery represents a partnership with the Department of Waters and Forests, and it was first funded in 2012 by the United Nations Development Program.

This nursery includes one hectare of land for planting three kinds of organic fruit seeds which are irrigated by a large water basin. There are cherry (60 000 seeds), almond (85,800 seeds), and walnuts (45,000 seeds).

Upon arriving at the site, we met Mr. Youssef, who takes care of the land now that his father, who is the responsible in the nursery, is ill. In our journey, we went visit Mr. Omar, Youssef‘s father, at his home. His family is so humble and generous. They welcomed us with a smile.

Mr. Omar, is a sixty-year-old man. In addition, he is a hard-working person who supports his large family from the salary he receives from HAF. Mr. Omar lives 12 kilometers from the nursery. This doesn’t prevent him from coming every morning to the nursery, except for now that he is not feeling well. It is more than a job for him, it is a story of love.

Moreover, HAF’a approach consists to improve livelihoods of rural households, increasing incomes and socioeconomic status of marginalized villages. HAF’s goal is to overcome the poverty cycle by pushing past traditional practices of subsistence agriculture with the help of the nurseries and other agricultural activities, such as cooperative and certifying organic.

HAF‘s purpose is noble. This amazing organization is supporting and helping people to achieve their dreams. This experience taught us how hard life is for other people, and how the Foundation is trying hard to make people’s life easier and give them chances to make their lives better.

We are thankful to the High Atlas Foundation for giving us such a wonderful opportunity to be here as volunteers.