The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) in Morocco experienced two wonderful visits this month by the Executive and Graduate students from the Darden School at the University of Virginia. 

The intersection between rural communities’ expressed priorities for development and the business sector is clear, direct, and vitally sustainable. Fruit tree agriculture, women’s artisanal cooperatives, and water infrastructure, all integrated with the incorporation of cultural heritage, are not only incredibly economically viable but also environmentally resilient, enhancing of food security, substantially advancing the empowerment of women and girls, including their education, and significantly advancing public health with the provision of clean water.

These are the community initiatives that the Darden students visit and that hopefully leave them with the impression that sustainability is, of course, reliant on economic and financial factors, but certainly too must impress in its design and generate  benefits in all other essential areas of life. 

Morocco’s model for development is in full appreciation of community decision making and their management of the development that they sincerely seek. Its harnessing of women-driven enterprises and local community planning and action make scaling to national sustainability completely possible, and we hope you join the High Atlas Foundation in this transformational mission.

The High Atlas Foundation’s relationship with the University of Virginia, and importantly for years with the International Studies Office, is so thankfully multifaceted. It has translated into ongoing benefits with farming families. Thank you to UVA for not just believing but committing to Morocco’s visionary journey of social solidarity leading to shared and sustainable projects.