On the morning of Monday, January 19th, as the world commemorated the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his timeless values of justice and equality, we were in the heart of Marrakech, writing a new chapter of environmental and humanitarian dedication. This day marked the 13th Anniversary of "Tree Planting Day," organized by the High Atlas Foundation (HAF). It was not merely a scheduled activity but a living embodiment of the philosophy of the Rising Roots program, funded by the Big Heart Foundation (TBHF), which seeks to bridge the gap between youth, the land, and the community.

Inside the Foundation: A Hive of Green Ambition

Our journey began at the HAF headquarters, an environment buzzing with the energy ambitious projects. The scene was profound: Dr. Yossef Ben-Meir, President of HAF, was engaged in a global digital bridge. Through a live broadcast, he connected with partners and volunteers from across the Kingdom, from the towering Atlas Mountains to the plains of El Haouz and Sousse.

Dr. Ben-Meir spoke passionately about HAF’s nine major nurseries, which serve as "green fortresses" guarding Morocco’s biodiversity. In a milestone that inspires pride, he revealed that for the 2024/2025 season, HAF has contributed to planting over two million trees. These were not just statistics; they represented a spectrum of life: resilient carob, promising walnut and almond, vibrant pomegranate and cherry, and the iconic argan and olive trees that define the Moroccan identity. Furthermore, HAF’s ambition knows no bounds, with plans already underway to establish nurseries in the Sahara provinces, challenging the sands to create oases of hope.

Bab Aghmat: Where the Soil Meets the Innocence of Childhood

As the clock struck noon, we headed to Dar Tifl Children's Home in Bab Aghmat. In this historic corner of Marrakech, we met children who represent the true fruits of our future.

Our presence there was about partnership, not just charity. Alongside the children of the center, we worked as one team to clear and prepare the planting site—an act that felt like clearing the soul before the soil. We then moved to their "Pedagogical Farm," an educational sanctuary transformed into a peaceful battlefield against desertification.

The sight of small hands touching the saplings was deeply moving. Together, we planted carob, a symbol of patience and date palms, representing stature and dignity. The scent of damp earth mixed with the sweat of labor and the children’s laughter created a symphony of hope I had never experienced before.

A Divine Exchange: We Planted Trees, They Planted Hope

The most profound element of this experience was the "invisible exchange" that took place. As participants of the Rising Roots program, we arrived carrying saplings and tools, but we left carrying something far more precious.

We planted trees in their farm that will grow, bear fruit, and offer shade for years to come. 

Yet, those children with their resilience despite their circumstances and their unwavering smiles planted seeds of hope and gratitude deep within us. Those moments taught us that the hand that plants can never be the hand that destroys. The future is built when we place the right seed in the right place, a mission the High Atlas Foundation has championed for thirteen years.

As we left Bab Aghmat with the sun setting, we left behind small saplings that will one day tell the story of January 19th, a day when the roots of the earth embraced the dreams of children to create a greener, brighter Morocco.