Abused Women Program
OPEN NOW!
Morocco has reopened to international arrivals. See the 'Additional Info.' section for procedures in place during the pandemic.
The mission of this program is to support the women of Morocco who have suffered greatly in society. This program will highlight to volunteers the plight of women’s rights in Morocco. Living in a male-dominated society, many women in Morocco are illiterate and lack the opportunities to develop this (and other) fundamental skills. The project aims to educate girls and young women who are otherwise deprived of education and training. Volunteers teach women and girls English and provide skill-oriented training by assisting in workshops. Ultimately this helps to improve the women’s standard of living, their self-confidence, and encourages them to be independent and generate an income. This is a hugely rewarding program, and input from volunteers can be clearly seen translated into real life-changing skills for the women this project supports.
Goals of this Project:
- Provide essential care and support to vulnerable women
- Improve the future prospects of disadvantaged women through education and skills
- Improve the self-confidence of women and the ability for them to take charge of their lives
- Enable inter-cultural exchange which benefits both locals and international volunteers alike.
How You Can Help
Volunteers on this program play an essential role in empowering vulnerable women and helping them and their families to achieve a better life. Volunteers will see first-hand the huge difference they can make to vulnerable women’s lives by teaching them skills such as reading, how to speak English, and basic life skills. Another major benefit is teaching income generating skills to women so they can participate in economic activities, earn their own money and gain independence, something most women in western society take for granted. Having sufficient knowledge of either Arabic or French to effectively communicate will be an advantage for the volunteer, and will be extremely beneficial for the girls and young women on the program. This program gives volunteers the opportunity to have true impact on women in real need. Volunteers will gain much from this experience, and will give the women a sense of hope for a brighter future.
Volunteers will contribute in a number of ways on this program and can expect to undertake the following tasks:
- Support women and increase their confidence levels
- Teach women life enhancing skills and educate them
- Teach women income generating skills
Requirements
Love Volunteers welcomes all those 18 years and over who wish to help us provide support to some of Morocco's most marginalized and vulnerable women. While this challenging project does not require participants to have a background in the fields of social work, counselling and/or Women’s studies, as there are many ways you can assist, volunteers with suitable education, qualifications or experience are highly sought after. Regardless, a volunteer’s individual role can often be tailored to suit their particular skills and interests. All applicants must of course display a genuine willingness to help, show drive and initiative, and bring a positive 'can-do' attitude. If this sounds like you, we want you on the team!
Additionally, volunteers applying to join this program will be required to supply to following documentation:
- Emergency contact
- Police check
Project Location
Rabat is a modern city with wide boulevards, gardens and light, white buildings, for the most part a far cry from the hectic warrens of the other Imperial cities of Marrakech and Fez, but no less steeped in history with its origins going back to the 7th century. The King of Morocco lives here in his palace amid trees and flowers..Ohh! Being an administrative capital, the city is somewhat conservative and serious, but there is some local color to be found in the old part of the city, the Medina, and the Kasbah, where there is a more relaxed atmosphere. Recreational opportunities abound too and a few lovely beaches at hand.
With the city center of Rabat being very compact, all the points of interest are in walking distance. Local Bus services can be very useful and they are marked very clearly. Petit and Grands taxis can be found at the airport, the train station and at Boulevard Hassan.
Rabat Ville’s main train station is right in the middle of the Ville Nouvelle, just a few minutes’ walk to most of the hotels, so it is best to arrive in Rabat by train. There is even a bureau de change and a car rental office on the station platform. The main bus terminal is situated in Place Zerktouni - three kilometers west of the center by the road intersection for Casablanca and Beni Mellal Grand taxis from Casablanca and Fez will drop you off at the main bus station. Rabat’s airport is seven kilometers km north of Rabat and although grand taxis are the only public transport operating from here, it isn’t difficult to catch one. Rabat is a seriously cool place to volunteer!
Start Dates & Duration
This project is available year-round and programs start every FRIDAY. Volunteers can choose to participate for periods ranging from 4 weeks to 12 weeks. Longer stays can be arranged directly with the local team, but will be subject to availability and individual visa conditions.
Spaces on this project are limited and therefore subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.
For current available start dates please check the calendar on the right.
Arrival & Orientation
Upon arrival into Rabat-Sale airport volunteers will be collected by a representative of the local project team and transported to the volunteer house accommodation where they will join a full orientation session where a representative from the local team will fill you in on local and regional customs, traveling, rules and recommendations, and of course, what to expect from your volunteering experience in Morocco. This is a great opportunity to get to know your hosts, meet your fellow volunteers, and ask any last questions you may have.
- Program Arrival Day: FRIDAY
- Program Departure Day: FRIDAY
- Arrival/Departure Airport: Rabat-Sale International Airport, Sale, Morocco (CODE: RBA)
While it is best to fly directly into Rabat, many volunteers choose to arrive at Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca. An airport pickup is not included from this location, but a train runs directly from the airport every half hour and takes 1h 50 minutes to Rabat Ville Train Station, our local team will collect you from here. Train tickets from Casablanca to Rabat cost about US$10.
Accommodation & Meals
Volunteers on this program are accommodated within a large and spacious volunteer guest house, located in a safe and convenient suburb of Rabat within walking distance to all the main attractions of this fascinating city. Volunteers are provided with a comfortable shared bedroom separated by gender and a shared bathroom including showers with hot water. Thanks to the variety and popularity of this program, they will have the opportunity to meet and socialize with other like-minded people from around the world. Linen is provided and Wifi is available onsite, though service may not be as reliable as most are accustomed to at home. As with most parts of Africa, laundry facilities are basic and most volunteers simply use the services of a local laundromat.
While the accommodation is basic by western standards, this is part of the challenge and experience of volunteering in a developing country. With a little patience, and a flexible attitude, you will quickly get used to your new surroundings. The volunteer house is well managed and is a perfect home away from home. A wonderful base for your stay in Morocco!
Volunteers are provided 2-3 meals per day at the volunteer house and depending on where they are working, lunch may need to be bought at a small cafe during the day. The meals provided are mostly vegetarian, local dishes. Conveniently, there is also a fridge and basic cooking facilities if volunteers would occasionally like to prepare their own meals. Easy!
Fees
That’s just USD 40 per day* for:
*In addition to the program fees listed above a Registration Fee is payable to secure your place. The registration fee is USD 299 for those volunteering with Love Volunteers for the first time or USD 149 for any subsequent volunteer placements. The registration fee includes: lifetime LV Alumni Membership, fundraising support & advice, dedicated pre-departure support, certificate of completion (on request), and exclusive access to the LV Trip Planner.
Some things are not included in the program fees listed above, such as flights, visas, vaccinations, travel insurance, additional foods and snacks, spending money, local transport, in-country trips and excursions, return airport transfer (unless mentioned above).
Please note that prices are subject to change without notice. Please ensure you have read the Love Volunteers Terms and Conditions & Refund Policy.
Additional Info
COVID-19 requirements:
All international arriving flight passengers will need to adhere to the following:
- A negative PCR Covid-19 test result, taken no more than 72 hours prior to their departure. This is required to be shown on arrival into Morocco.
- Face masks are to be worn at all times.