On 15 April 2025, the High Atlas Foundation, accompanied by 45 students from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, visited the Ashbarou women's cooperative.
Our day began with a tour led by Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir (HAF President) alongside Abderrahim Beddah, a dedicated tree nursery caretaker and guardian of the 700-year-old Jewish cemetery. He introduced us to the cultivation processes of olive, pomegranate, and fig plants, explained the journey from seedlings to maturity, highlighting sustainable practices such as using biodegradable sacks that can be planted directly into the soil, and the careful mixing of sand and hard soil without fertilizers to protect young roots
Following this, we visited a historic Jewish cemetery. The site stands as a testament to Morocco's rich interfaith heritage and the ongoing efforts to preserve such sacred spaces
The heart of our visit was the time spent with the women of the cooperative, where we met Fatima and Samira. Together with the other women. They shared their experiences of working together to produce carpets from local wool and natural dyes and biodegradable sacks. This project not only supports sustainable agriculture but also empowers them economically and socially.
Their decision-making process is rooted in consensus, reflecting a deep sense of community and mutual respect. According to Samirah, “We do not vote because we do not want to leave anyone behind.” The trust they have with one another is alive. The women recounted their resilience in the face of adversity, particularly after the 2023 earthquake, during which they lived in tents for 18 months before rebuilding their cooperative space. Their hospitality was overwhelming; they welcomed us with a homemade meal and shared stories of their journey.
The visit concluded with the Dutch students presenting gifts, symbolizing a meaningful exchange of cultures and solidarity. This experience shows the profound impact of community-driven initiatives and the importance of preserving cultural heritage while fostering sustainable development.