Volunteering in Fes
Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Fes. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.
Fes, the cultural and spiritual heart of Morocco, offers expatriates a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local community through volunteering. With its rich history, vibrant medinas, and diverse population, Fes is a city where expats can find numerous ways to contribute their time and skills. Volunteering not only allows expats to give back to their host community but also serves as an excellent avenue to meet like-minded individuals, both locals and fellow expatriates. Whether it's teaching English, working with children, or helping to preserve the city's ancient heritage, there's a wide range of volunteer opportunities that can enrich the expat experience in Fes.
Amideast
Amideast is a leading American non-profit organization engaged in international education, training, and development activities in the Middle East and North Africa. In Fes, Amideast often seeks volunteers to assist with their educational programs, including English language teaching and cultural exchange activities. Volunteers can help by tutoring students, leading conversational English classes, or participating in community outreach programs. The time commitment can vary, but volunteers are generally asked to contribute a few hours each week.
Website: amideast.org
Location(s): Fes
Time Commitment: Varies, typically a few hours per week
Project Soar
Project Soar empowers Moroccan girls by providing after-school programs that focus on art, sports, health, and leadership development. Volunteers can get involved by leading workshops, mentoring, or assisting with event planning and fundraising. The organization looks for individuals who can commit to at least one afternoon per week, with the possibility of more extensive involvement depending on the volunteer's availability and skills.
Website: projectsoarmorocco.org
Location(s): Fes and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Minimum of one afternoon per week
High Atlas Foundation
The High Atlas Foundation works on sustainable development projects throughout Morocco, including Fes. Volunteers can participate in a variety of activities, such as tree planting, working on agricultural projects, or assisting with women's cooperatives. The organization welcomes volunteers for both short-term and long-term commitments, with some projects requiring a minimum stay of one week.
Website: highatlasfoundation.org
Location(s): Fes and rural areas in Morocco
Time Commitment: 1 week minimum for certain projects
Education for All Morocco
Education for All Morocco focuses on providing education opportunities for girls from rural Moroccan communities. Volunteers in Fes can support the organization by helping with fundraising, awareness campaigns, or directly assisting in the boarding houses where the girls stay. A commitment of at least a few hours per week is typically expected, with some roles requiring more time.
Website: efamorocco.org
Location(s): Fes and rural areas in Morocco
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Atlas Cultural Foundation
The Atlas Cultural Foundation collaborates with rural Moroccan communities to improve health, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. Volunteers can help with community health programs, educational workshops, or heritage preservation projects. The organization offers both short-term and long-term volunteer opportunities, with some projects requiring a commitment of several days to a few weeks.
Website: atlasculturalfoundation.org
Location(s): Fes and the Atlas Mountains region
Time Commitment: Several days to a few weeks
Artisan Project
The Artisan Project in Fes aims to preserve and promote the traditional crafts of the region. Volunteers with a passion for art and culture can assist in workshops, help with marketing and sales, or contribute to the documentation and preservation of ancient techniques. The time commitment can be flexible, with some volunteers working a few hours per week and others taking on more intensive projects.
Website: artisanprojectinc.org
Location(s): Fes, Morocco
Time Commitment: Flexible, depending on the project
Friends of Morocco
Friends of Morocco is an organization that supports Peace Corps volunteers and projects in Morocco. Expats in Fes can volunteer by assisting with community development projects, educational programs, or environmental initiatives. The organization encourages volunteers to engage in activities that match their interests and skills, with varying levels of time commitment.
Website: friendsofmorocco.org
Location(s): Throughout Morocco, including Fes
Time Commitment: Varies based on project needs
Centre de Formation et d'Intégration
The Centre de Formation et d'Intégration (CFI) in Fes provides vocational training and integration services for disadvantaged youth. Volunteers can help by teaching English, IT skills, or other vocational subjects, as well as by providing mentorship and support. A regular commitment, such as a few hours each week, is usually required to maintain continuity for the students.
Website: cfimaroc.org
Location(s): Fes, Morocco
Time Commitment: Regular weekly hours
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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