My work with the High Atlas Foundation (HAF) is to coordinate with village communities in facilitating the distribution of materials and supplies, specifically in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake on September 8 in the Al Haouz, Taroudant, Ouarzazate, Azilal provinces. One of the most profound experiences has been HAF’s new venture with a psychological support team dedicated to helping men in Tabougemt village, located in the Ouarzazate province.

After the earthquake, our primary goal was to facilitate communication between affected peoples and provide essential support. This time, our focus was on offering psychological aid, an area often overlooked, especially for men who traditionally may not openly express their emotions. We coordinated with the local association in Taboughamt village in Ouarzazate province, which informed us that all the men in the village work in the fields during the day and would only be available at night. Understanding this, we suggested conducting the workshop in the evening, and at around 9pm, the men gathered.

HAF Program Manager Abdellah Laaboudi, who led the workshop, began by explaining its purpose. Many of the men were initially confused about the nature of the workshop and why they were being asked to discuss their feelings. Abdellah introduced HAF’s programs and started with a breathing exercise to set a calm and open atmosphere. With eyes closed and deep breaths taken to the sound of relaxing music, the men began to feel more at ease. After 15 minutes, they opened their eyes and started sharing their experiences from the night of the earthquake. The openness and honesty were striking stories poured out, revealing the depth of their trauma and the resilience they had shown.

The next day of the workshop began similarly after a breathing exercise Abdellah introduced another activity where each man picked his closest friend and expressed what he liked about him. This exercise fostered a sense of appreciation and connection among the participants. Some chose their fathers, creating a touching moment of familial bonding. Mohamed, one of the participants, shared, "I never felt that someone feels me." This statement highlighted the workshop's profound impact, providing a space for these men to be seen and heard in ways they hadn’t experienced before.

This workshop was an eye-opening and invaluable experience for me. I had never imagined it was possible to gather men from a village and have them openly discuss their feelings, especially in the aftermath of such a traumatic event. The success of this initiative underscored the importance of psychological support in disaster recovery and the power of community-driven programs. It was a testament to the potential for healing and resilience within these communities, and it reinforced my belief in the crucial role that emotional and psychological support plays in recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Working with the psychological support team and the men of Taboughamt has been a reminder of why I do this work. It’s about more than just providing physical resources, it's about nurturing the human spirit and helping communities find their strength and solidarity in the face of adversity. Together, with the support of organizations like HAF and the dedication of individuals like Abdellah, we can create spaces where healing and growth are possible, even in the most challenging times.