As the one-year anniversary of the September 8th earthquake nears, the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) alongside community partners will come together to honor the painful losses, the healing, and the collective rebuilding with one and all here in Morocco, and around the world.

The earthquake hit at night in the provinces of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, Azilal, Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and Taroudant, resulting in devastation in rural areas where pre-existing vulnerability, rooted in poverty, was experienced by the majority of people. We continue to support recovery, empowerment, and building anew - drinking and irrigation water systems, agricultural terraces, and shelters - to realize the futures that the impacted communities seek.

Today, true to our method of participatory empowerment, HAF helps communities envision, design, implement, and monitor plans to build back better. The HAF relief and rebuilding program is in close partnership with local authorities and communities and through the support of donors and partners.

HAF was committed to the earthquake-impacted regions before the disaster, and our ongoing efforts transitioned from immediate relief to psychosocial healing and empowerment and sustainable development driven by local communities. Our recovery program addresses the root causes of personal, economic, social, and environmental vulnerability, and hope and the return of joy can be incredibly palpable.

HAF and its local partners want to thank and recognize its donors around the world for reminding us that no matter how far apart we are, that we are a united global community. Nearly one year ago, you came to the aid of Moroccan people. We recognize with gratitude the individuals who funded hot meals, the companies and foundations that rebuilt homes and canals, and the universities who offset the cost of their travel by offsetting emissions from trees planted with earthquake-impacted communities.

As we honor the resilience of communities of Morocco throughout September, we invite you to join us in remembrance of those we have lost, the challenges faced, and the strength shown over the past year. Through stories and heartfelt testimonies, we hope to inspire new and deepened partnerships that assist communities to soar with visioning and creating their projects and future.