Latest news from Hannan School

The trip to Morocco is unforgettable and represents a lot for all of us and me in particular. I had the chance to meet amazing people, the hospitality and the generosity that have been constantly offered to us made this experience unique and very rich.

Helping others was such strong happiness and personal satisfaction, the more I gave and the happier I was.

I have been very moved by all the people from this village at El Borj, all those people who have in common poverty, those people who need help, support, understanding, those people who need us. I wish I could have given much more, I wish I could have did a lot more.

Womens of the Village

I have been moved by the courage of the womens of the village, the two afternoons that we spent with them were very specials. Each of those womens had their personal story, their problems, and their pain. Each of those womens talked to us in a free and comfortable way and understood that we were full of good intentions and that the only thing that we wanted was helping them.

Some of them got married very young (13 years old) and became mother while they were, themselves, still kids.

Others shared with us the problems they had with their husbands in a daily basis, the frustration they were living with, the feeling not to be understood, the way their husband underestimate them and their role as housewife that is totally devaluing. Self-esteem, a very important feeling and that is broken because of the treatment they receive from their husband.

The fact is: The role of the woman at home is hugely important, the woman is not just here to cook and clean for her husband, the woman has the responsibility to educate her children and made them to be independent and respectful people. Education includes Islamic religion. it is also the role of the parents to teach Islam to their children and to make sure they always remain on the right track. If they are neglecting, they will be considered as responsible in front of god. Parents should always guide their children and this requires a lot of time and energy, women succeeding on that can be very proud of themselves because it is one of the most important thing.

We noticed that 23 women out of 25 were illiterate, which is a huge amount. I think it should be really great if courses can be offered to them or if they could learn a job (sewing, pottery etc)

We asked them if they would be interested learning a job and all of them said they would definitely.

Some of them confessed that if there was no money issue, they would have divorced from their husband. They say they have no choice than staying and standing the situation, because if they leave, they would not be able to take care of their children because of the money issue. The reason that keeps some couples together is financial issue. One problem that was repeated was the distance between the women’s house and the school.

Most of them had to walk each day a very long distance, holding their kid on their back. I’m really glad that the money collected via Virgin Money giving is going to serve to buy a small bus for the kids. It’s going to be a huge change and improvement for all the people of the village and it will ensure that all the kids will be able to go to school each day in correct conditions.

For the rest of the problems, even if we could not find an immediate solution, the fact that we were here, with them, and that they could fully open their heart and find relief was, I think, something they really needed.

Childrens of the Village

There is nothing more beautiful in life than a kid’s smile and the best melody is a kid’s laugh because it’s all from the heart.

Our first day at “El Borj” School, when I met the kids for the first time, I read on their eyes all the sadness they were going through, we always say that eyes talk a lot and indeed, the sadness and the despair could easily be read.

Imaine with some of the children

I have been moved by one kid in particular and every time I close my eyes, I see his face and feel him. This kid was standing and looking down ... I tried to talk to him, to make him laugh, entertain him but there was nothing I could do … He kept looking down and barely looked at me … His eyes talked a lot and said everything that needed to be said to justify his sadness.

The puppet show that has been prepared and played to all the kids was a magical moment because the sadness gave up its place to leave it to happiness and yes …seeing them smiling, happy, laughing, jumping from their seats and totally absorbed in the show was the best feeling ever and for my huge pleasure the kid I talked about earlier was also laughing and looked also very happy …

Don’t we say that while there is life, there is hope? I really wish and pray for a better life for all the people living in this village.

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Proposals/Perspectives

• If I can propose to check the prices for a small bus in France, which I believe would be cheaper than buying it in Morocco. It could be a good opportunity to send a good amount of school things for all the people of the village.
• It would be fantastic to give the chance of the women of the village to learn a work/activity. No one knows what could happen tomorrow, those women will never be fully independent but they must be able to depend on themselves at a minimum stage in case of sudden change in their life.
• Illiteracy seems to concern almost all the women of the village. Another thing that would be very useful is giving them the opportunity to learn how to write and read.

Personal thoughts

Hannah & Hmad, Your association and all the things that it has brought and changed on people’s life is amazing and I’m very honoured for having the chance to be part of the project and to live this experience. It was my first one but now I know, for sure, that it won’t be the last one and it is only the beginning of many future projects.

This experience has changed my life and the way I used to see and consider things. Today, I feel I want to keep giving and helping others during all my life and if I could do it as my permanent job, I would do it without hesitating.

Thank you for organizing everything. They say “Home is where the heart is” and since El Borj Chapter, my heart is there, close to all the people of the village, including the family who offered us kindness and hospitality.

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Moroccan hospitality

On the way to the airport a friend gave my sister advice ‘do not be surprised, expect the unexpected, anything goes in Morocco.’ We laughed.

Emma with some of the Moroccan children

Moroccan hospitality never ceases to amaze me. After having set off from home at 11am, got stuck in London traffic, unpacked and re packed suitcases at the airport due to their crazy baggage allowances, flown to Morocco, piled donkeys with hundreds of kilos of baggage to transport up a bumpy (to say the least) ‘road’, we arrived at the house we were to stay at for the week. Samira and her family were extremely welcoming and helped us into the house. They were kind from the start and I (as I’m sure the others did) felt totally at home. Within less than an hour food was served and it was delicious. Every dish we ate with Samira was lovely.

On the first day we woke up, had breakfast and soon realised that moving a big group around would take time. It took us about 2 hours to leave the house! We walked down to the schools and the village to have a look around and see where we would be for the week. The government school allowed us in and let us speak to the children; however I am not sure how happy they were that we were there. Then we went to Hannan’s Pre School, which was totally different.

As soon as we walked in we were greeted by Saida. She was smiling, as she always seems to be, and asked us in. The children were in the middle of lessons but stopped and stood for us to disturb them, this was a little uncomfortable whilst also very sweet. We, all 9 of us, walked around the Pre-school and tried to talk and communicate with the children as best we could. I think from this first meeting all of us fell in love with the children and started to plan who could fit which child into their suitcase.

The next day we went down to the Pre-school in a smaller group and observed the teachers. They had great enthusiasm and this was evident in their manor with the children. They were gentle and calm with them and seemed to be working to do their best for these children, who they could themselves probably relate to. Saida told me several stories about children who travelled hours either by foot or donkey to get to and from the Pre-school. This made me appreciate the luxuries I have in my own life and also realise the deep impact of education on these young children.

We observed the teachers for the first session and helped where we could, although my knowledge of the Arabic alphabet is almost zero I was still able to encourage the children and Karim was extremely good at translating the explanations been given by Saida to the children (and to me).

Once the children had a short break, some had a snack with them, they went back for their second session of the day. This time it was my turn to be observed and I was hoping Saida would endorse what I was doing, especially as I asked to rearrange the classroom furniture! We played some simple maths games that got the children moving around and excited. Not all of the children understood the games straight away as they were so different to their normal learning habits; however with encouragement form Saida and Karim, who was translating the rules and questions, they all had some part. I think demonstrating these games would not have been as effective if Saida had not taken part. With her comfort and role the children were more confident to ‘have a go’. It is obvious they all look to her for support and consistency in their lives and she does this naturally and effortlessly.

After the children had left Amy and I had time to speak with both Saida and Fatima. But before we could start we had of course to eat! We enjoyed sitting and eating raief and drinking mint tea, sharing our stories of our own education and what we had all done in our careers. This was a great chance to get to know both Saida and Fatima.

We sat down to discuss the activities and resources for Maths which we had made back home and we were encouraged by the eagerness of both of them to listen and discuss with us their teaching methods in contrast our teaching methods. Karim translated for us and was invaluable for this meeting. They seemed to like our ideas, although simple, as they could implement them easily and thought the children would benefit. Both teachers wrote down the suggestions for activities and for using resources effectively.

Tuesday night we were all about ready for bed when Samira told Somaya to stop using the hair dryer because the lights were flickering and there wouldn’t be enough electricity for the band. Band? ‘Do not be surprised, expect the unexpected, anything goes in Morocco.’ We were having a party to help celebrate the immanent birth of Samira’s baby. We were quickly changed into Moroccan Libsa and we slapped on some make up. We dance and we even treated to beat boxing Morrocan style. The party was great fun and we all enjoyed it, however the thought of the walking we would be doing in less than 5 hours started to loom over us and was in the back of our minds.

After about 3-4 hours sleep we were up and preparing for our hike.

Wednesday was the hike which a few were expecting to be hard and others said it would be done in two hours! How wrong they were. Eight and a half hours after leaving and walking through the amazing scenery, which was so desolate, echoes of our voices (and bad singing) could be heard for what seemed like miles around, we reached the source. It was a great feeling of relief and tiredness mixed with ‘I CAN’T BELIEVE WE HAVE DONE IT’, as for the last 15k I felt like if I stopped I would cry and not move even another cm.

Reaching home on Wednesday night all everyone wanted to do was have a hot shower and sleep. Smaine however had other plans. He decided we would make the puppets for the puppet show the following day (at 2am). Begrudgingly some of the more easily persuaded of us sat down and did as we were told! It was worth it though as they were brilliant. However, I still need consoling when I think about how the lovely basket I made for Red Riding Hood was cast away – obviously not up to the standards expected!

On Thursday we repeated the process with the teachers for English/Literacy resources and ideas. This was a little more difficult with the difference in alphabet, yet we stressed that activities and games could be developed and adapted to suit. Again the discussion here was invaluable and I think we were all excited about teaching and were reminded of the reasons we all became teachers in the first place. This is the part I love, the teaching and it can be easily lost at home due to all of the bureaucracy and paperwork!

It was great to go in on Thursday and see some of the ideas we discussed already being used; for example using the clock to introduce the children to the concept of time.

The puppet show on Thursday was amazing. In the morning the children had chance to help create parts of the scenery and then Smaine lovingly put it together with help from Nicloa, Bronwen and Farah.  It was so effective and the simple resources he had collected over only a few days were all used to create the final backdrops. The children were encouraged to come back in the afternoon when their mothers came to the women’s workshop that afternoon.

Puppet Show

The classroom was filled with slightly anxious children (I’m sure they had no idea what to expect). Smaine spoke in French whilst Karim and Mina operated the puppets and were amazing with creating the voices of the different characters. The children loved their party bags with sweets, given to them at the end of the show.

It was a sad moment saying bye to Saida and Fatima however it somehow felt like it was not the end. Perhaps as the week had been so short and flown by so quickly or perhaps because I feel I will go back some day. Either way I know all of us enjoyed each others company and have learnt new things about ourselves and about our teaching.

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Reflections on Morocco

A lazy afternoon

It is so quiet here. I sit on the terrace of the house we are renting. A beautifully clear blue sky stretches above me and disappears behind rolling hills and mountains. White wispy clouds drift by lazily and the occasional breeze blows across my face telling me I am still alive. It is so quiet here I feel like I have arrived at some ethereal threshold. There is a timeless quality to things here – even the light doesn’t seem to change but remains so consistent that I feel time itself has stopped. I breathe in and take in the landscape: beautifully green lush grass covers the earth as it rises before me in layers like a painting. There are houses tucked away on the hills and mountains, so discreet that Karim, our translator, has to point them out to me. I squint; casting my eyes in the direction of his finger as he eagerly presses me to see. It all looks the same, green grass, green trees, little clusters of green hedges. But as he gestures and as I begin to concentrate harder, a house so high up I am amazed anyone can live there suddenly comes into view.

Everything here seems to grow out of the land – even these houses. Karim tells me later that these people rely almost solely on donkeys and horses to ferry their weekly goods to and from the shops on the ground where we, the less courageous reside. And there is something so wonderful about that; both their courage and the image of donkeys delivering goods. For these people, presumably, living isn’t simply hemmed in by an overpowering notion of convenience, something that seems to govern our lives in the West and in urban centres across the world. Their lives have some other organising principle and I am a little jealous, though I know also that like lost innocence I could never experience their lives as they do, for my car, the microwave, and my impatience to have everything at my finger tips or at the click of a button has contaminated me such that I am unable to return to any kind of prelapsarian ideal. But that ideal I project on to this place I have arrived at. The donkey carrying goods to people’s homes is a metaphor for the way in which modernity and tradition coexist. Time does not follow a simple linear route with every forward leap being progress simply because it comes after something else: that is the fallacy of us urban educated laymen. Time is like the mountains and hills in front of me. Rough, jagged, with dips and rises, this is the truth and the concrete jungles in which we live provide us only brick and mortar for our imagination.

Spread the news: ‘the foreigners are here!’

Jolt. The minivan had come to a stop. Some of us, half awake half asleep looked up and realised we were here although ‘here’ was a little misleading – indeed this entire trip was to be characterised by the simple truth: ‘when you think it is over: it is not over’. I looked out of the window and must confess kept staring in some odd conviction that I would see something. It didn’t happen. No street lights meant it was dark and the dark seemed to stretch so far that there was a distinct sense of being engulfed by the darkness. I half jokingly commented that I had seen this scene in horror movies: the new arrivals’ vehicle breaks down unexpectedly. They all have to dismount and venture into the wilderness. Invariably someone thinks it is vital to record this misfortune and although the filming begins in high spirits, the recordings grow in their edgy uneasiness until – BAM! Full on frenzy: lots of running, unsteady shots, speaking into camera snot and tears running! For comic relief though our Moroccan guides brought a donkey to carry our suitcases up to the house where the van was unable to get to. A mixture of disbelief, fear, uncontrollable laughter and the urgent need to use the toilet formed a heady brew of utter exhilaration: what a way to begin our trip. The grassy expanse through which we marched, single file taking each step in the dark carefully, was littered with stray dogs who barked with such ferocity and so loud at times that one balked at their seemingly close proximity. Mobile cameras formed our little torches and mocking their little lights were the stars that studded the sky like the drape of a sari I once saw in Pakistan: little silver studs sparkling on satin as black as ebony. The continual barking of the dogs however made admiring the sky a reckless luxury so we kept pace and continued walking for what seemed forever. Reward though was soon granted when we reached the house where we would be staying; a handsome and functional residence up on a hill. The relief that filled the living room when we all collapsed on the couches there was palpable. I wondered whether the ordeal of getting through rabid dogs and the threat of falling awkwardly in some ditch upon some precariously positioned boulder was a ploy to make the arrival at the house of your host even more gratifying. But there was little time for thinking, for food was promptly served and this too would be a theme of our trip. Eating!  

         

Sameera

Sameera’s smile is what I remember. There is a wonderful picture that Farah captured of Sameera throwing her head back in laughter; a moment that caught the generosity of this woman upon whom we all descended. Sameera, I later found out, was in her ninth month of pregnancy and that the day after our departure was her due date. Many of us commented on who, in the part of the world from where we came, would welcome and then treat so generously guests when they were so far into their pregnancy. That alone endeared her to us. But it was more than that even. There was such gentleness in her eyes so that even though many of us could not speak in Arabic with her, we managed to communicate through that human bond that pulls two people together when both have a deep respect for one another. Sameera and her family were people who gave Morocco a type of knowability. We often say that we have visited a country when really we have only ever visited a city or town in that country. In our discourse with one another we metonymise singular visits to singular places as constituting visiting a country. Well people are also part of countries, and Morocco has been served well by Sameera and her family.

The day of the trek

I am not looking forward to the trek. My idea of outdoor activity consists of sitting comfortably in my garden sipping a velvety cup of coffee from my espresso maker. That picture contrasts so dramatically with the picture I have of myself panting violently for breath, sweating something awful and collapsing 20mins into the climb! Such are my feelings the morning we set out on this wretched idea of Somaya’s. I am though pleasantly surprised. The morning is fresh and feels so moist that I wonder whether the dew of fajr has only a moment ago risen up into the atmosphere. I can smell the earth and grassiness that surrounds us as we step off our mini bus, some of us stretching, others looking for a monkey whom we saw only a few metres away as we pulled up to our parking spot; all of us though smiling. As we begin walking I am mesmerised by the scene that lies before us. Mountains rise up ahead and on either side of the path upon which we walk lie green fields. A large pond on one side attracts a herd of horses that come galloping gently down a slope in the distance towards the water. Breathtaking is the scene which feels less like life and more like a painting. There is a scene in a film I saw once where a painting suddenly comes to life before the eyes of a boy who stands observing it in an old lady’s house – the old lady, it later transpires, happened to be a good witch. Oddly enough, it is not the boy with whom I identify, but the painting. I feel I am the observed and presently in a painting that has become animated by the touch of some magical being. The walking continues though and for a long time I do not feel tired, for I have the company of wonderful friends and such a landscape that seems not to tire from presenting one amazing tableau after another. We meander our way through the fields and mountains, some of us oblivious to time while others, clearly more level headed than me, stress the importance of keeping apace, for I have fallen behind with a friend with whom talking comes so naturally that I’d swear I had known her all my life instead of the three days we have now spent together. Like naughty children she and I take our time. But we walk in clusters all of us and as the morning gives way to afternoon I weave in and out of the various clusters of people joining conversations here and there. I have never felt so truly free. I ponder at this sense of freedom and come to realise it is not freedom to do whatever I please – a positive freedom we prize in the West: the thundering Liberty of Western dictum. Instead, this is the freedom to do nothing. I have never felt more inchoate and incipient. I am reduced to some elementary selfhood, shedding with every step my responsibilities of work and study; my sense of life as the endless pursuit of ambitions and goals. The singularity of walking in this most wonderful of settings is enough in itself. Am I still that person who works in London; commutes on the Underground? Who indeed is that person? I suddenly have this peculiar sensation of dissolving into my surroundings and cannot be entirely sure whether this sense of delirious delusion is not some side affect of feeling tired. It is after all 8 hours since we started and even Somaya – the diehard motivator – is looking a little like something out of Thriller! I don’t say that out loud of course; there’s that look in her eye that makes me cautious and the fall from where we are now would most certainly be fatal. We arrive finally at the end point where Muhammed and Mansur have very kindly booked us a table at a restaurant – or so we think. It turns out to be a space on the edge of one of the sources of the river that we saw gushing below us on our walk. The water pours out violently from the mountain and streams past us. We sit only a few yards from it, close enough to surrender our tired feet into its cool embrace. It is of course lovely, but when we reached the end point and asked where the restaurant was and Muhammed nonchalantly pointed upwards, it did feel like an insult after considerable injury to imagine we had to do yet more climbing to get to this restaurant. I remember thinking as I dragged my injured self up those unforgiving stairs that this restaurant better be bloody good! And it was, but the nap I had there was even better. I’d like to think I slept with a smile for I had completed the trek; no violent panting, a little sweat and no moments of collapsing, only an awkward suntan: sunglasses (don’t even ask!)     

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Hmads Marathon

Hmad will be running in the Leicester Marathon on Sunday 10th October Please sponsor him On line.

Hmad would really appreciate some encouragement in being sponsored once again. He really works very hard in training and it takes up a lot of his precious time but as he says. It is the thought of the kids in the village having a better future that keeps him focused.

JAY’S MAD MORROCAN ADVENTURE

 I got a lift from home to Dover in a car full of 3 of my best friends, we had a really good time, most of it was like the bohemian rhapsody bit from Wayne's World. Spent the whole time listening to music and making jokes. It still hadn't quite sunk in yet what I was doing. I remember pulling up outside the port in Dover and feeling my heart sink, it was then that I realised quite the magnitude of what I was about to do.

I was stood at the entrance to the port trying to hitch a ride onto the boat, it costs the same per car regardless of how many passengers are inside, so it should have been easy. While I'd been unloading my pack and guitar from the car I'd seen a girl hitching, and she got picked up within minutes – how hard could it be? There was the first bit of misplaced optimism, I ended up stood there for hours waiting, while 5 or 6 women managed to hitch their way onto the boat in front of me, so I gave up and decided to buy a ticket for the boat, I couldn't bear to see another one sail off without me.

I got to Calais in the dark, it was windy and cold, and I felt truly lonely for the first time ever, it took me a long time to find anywhere to sleep, eventually I followed some Afghani potential immigrants over the back wall of one of the campsites. I met some really nice people on the campsite, and that cheered me up to no end.

It took me three days after Calais to get to Toulouse where I spent two nights with Bouchra, a friend of Hannah and Hmad's, I explored the city, experienced the nightlife and got to practise my French a little before Morocco.

I hitched out from Toulouse to Spain, and I spent my first night on the beach at Port Bou, I'd met some other guitarists, Miguel from Poland and Mauro from Argentina, we started playing music in the town, and drew a bit of a crowd, we ended up making  a big bonfire on the beach and having a party, we called it the united nations rave because of the number of different nationalities there.

The next night I ended up in Tortosa really late, maybe 2 in the morning, I've not worn a watch or carried a mobile on this trip so I don't quite know what time it was, but I wandered round for a while looking for somewhere suitable to sleep, I don't mind sleeping anywhere out in the countryside, but in the city its quite different, I managed to find a quiet warehouse district, and I set out my roll mat and sleeping bag for the night. As I was going to sleep I heard rustling around me, but I wasn't all that bothered by it, and went to sleep after a tiring day hitching. I woke up the next morning with a huge great snake at the bottom of my sleeping bag, I remember making a really strange noise, and then freezing up with fear, it was about 4 or 5 feet long and a couple of inches around, brownish with a black stripe down its back, it looked at me and then started moving, I stood up really quick, dropped my sleeping bag to my feet, kicked the snake away and then grabbed my things and left rather sharpish.

The next night I ended up in Benidorm, now Benidorm is a horrible city, it's full of tower block hotels, and the kind of holiday makers who'll go to a foreign country, and expect to be in a little Britain in the sun, and act all obnoxious towards everyone, I ended up getting mugged by a bunch of scousers where I was sleeping near the bus station. Probably my own fault for being cheeky to drunks though I suppose, I wasn't too badly hurt, I had a fat lip and a few bruises, and I was €40 lighter.

I got to Gibraltar a couple of days later, I had a few really good long lifts, I got the boat to Tangier Med, a new port in morocco that's still being built, there's a boat that takes you to Tangier city, it takes a couple of hours. I remember pulling out of the port, and not being able to see all that much, the road is cut into the hill so you can't see anything for a long while except roadwork's, but at one point you come around a corner and you see a hill covered in tiny white buildings all nestled together, and I suppose that was my first real look at Morocco, and it made me smile, reminded me of the town in Aladdin.

I got off the bus in Tangiers, and I was swarmed by people wanting to help with my bags, children begging for food and money, dodgy blokes trying to sell me hash, cripples showing me their scars and stumps. I was tricked by one of the men into thinking that he worked for the bus company, he asked where I wanted to go, and when I said Meknes he told me there were no more busses until the morning, so I bought a ticket to fez – which I later found out went through Meknes anyway. I was so desperate to leave Tangiers, it has a really horrible vibe to the place.

I got talking to one of the guys I was sat next to on the bus, Khalid, he invited me to stay at his families house for the night in fez, seeing as I had nowhere else to go, my plan had been to find a cheap guesthouse or spend the night in an internet cafe. This was my first look at the real morocco, the warmth and generosity of the people. I had breakfast and lunch with the family the next day, and then caught a bus to Khenifra. It was a very long bus ride, I remember a man with a big long beard in a jelaba playing Muslim prayers quite loudly from his mobile, and it just reminded me of the chavs back home playing hip-hop.

Mohammed(the school caretaker) met me from the bus in the station, and took me back to the village in a taxi, he took me into the school and gave me a brilliant dinner of chicken and chips with a gravy and olives. I met the other members of the association, Mostapha, and 'other' Mohammed, and a friend of theirs from the village called Mostapha 'also' who spoke a good bit of English. By this point I'd realised how difficult it would be to keep up with all the Mohammed's and Mustapha's in Morocco.

The next day I went shopping in Khenifra for Moroccan essentials, sandals for example, and then Mohammed showed me the river and we swam for a while. The river ended up being one of my favourite places in El Borj, there are rapids you can jump in and get washed down like in a water park, there are a refreshment in the hot sun. I met the children on the Monday, they were so small, and so well behaved. They were in the middle of learning a pantomime for their end of term presentation that was a couple of days away. They learned a dance, a song, and the pantomime about a child that didn't want to go to school. After they had eaten their lunch they started playing a game of chase between themselves, and I decided to join in, I had all the children climbing all over me at one point, it was such good fun, they played a game of keepaway with one of my sandals too.

The children were amazed by my hair, its rare for them to see a man with long hair, and even rarer for them to see a blond. So many of them wanted to touch my hair and play with it, needless to say it needed a good wash that afternoon after so many sticky hands! I got on really well with the two teachers, Zahara and Saida, they were both trying to learn a bit of English, I left them some of my books when I left to help. I was invited to dinner with a few of the villagers over my time there, and I noticed that they only had one family picture if they had any at all.  I came up with the idea of taking a picture of all the children, and when I get home I'll print out the pictures to send to morocco for the families, kind of like the school pictures that we get back home, but as a gift from me to say thank you for the hospitality of the village.

Also I had the chance to play a Moroccan Autar, an instrument similar to a guitar, but with only three strings and made from skin, and I had a jam session with my acoustic guitar and with Mohammed (another Mohammed!!!) Such a great mix of music, I was surprised by how well he played my guitar when he had a go, it sounded amazing for his first time at using a 6 stringed guitar.

I was invited to the end of school ceremony, where I got to see the full performance from the children, and I met most of the village there too, as well as some scary looking government officials, and I had to give a small speech at the spur of the moment, quite nerve-wracking in front of so many people, but it all went well, Mostapha Also translated for me.

I stayed at the school for a month, I decorated the inside, replastering some of the walls, and painting all the inside to make it look nice. I had a wonderful time there. After the village I headed to Essaouira for 3 weeks, and then came back to Europe, I spent 5 weeks in Spain, 2 weeks in Granada, and 3 weeks in a hippy commune near Orgiva, and now I'm in Frankfurt, Germany. I'm heading back in the homeward direction this week I think.

I'd like to thank everyone who has sponsored me for this adventure, I've raised around £450 so far, but its not to late to donate if you feel inclined, I've seen first hand now how little the people have, yet they are still so generous, and so happy. I'd also like to thank Hannah and Hmad for the opportunity to go on this huge adventure on behalf of the charity.

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DONATIONS/FUND RAISING

Jay Evans has managed to raise over £500 for the charity during his hitchhike to El Borj. We are extremely grateful to Jay for his great idea for fundraising and his hard work while in El Borj.

Audley Travel have also continued with fundraising making and selling homemade soup and also the charity climb up Jbel (mount) Toubkal has raised  nearly £500. In response to our appeal for a Fridge we have been given £71 specifically for the fridge and we have recently had a one off donation for £200 to use as we wish so some of this has gone towards the purchase of a fridge and the teachers asked if we could purchase a CD player and some children's songs and story CD’s for the pre-school and so we have enough money to buy this also.

Hmad will be running in the Leicester Marathon on October 10th and he would really appreciate some encouragement in being sponsored once again. He really works very hard in training and it takes up a lot of his precious time but as he says. It is the thought of the kids in the village having a better future that keeps him focused.

One little girl who sponsors has raised £15 by selling cakes. Thank you (you know who you are) Your efforts are really appreciated.

It does not matter how small - everyone's efforts are really appreciated . Christmas is coming and many people choose to purchase online. Please remember if you do purchase online to register with easyfundraising. This is easy to do and costs you nothing. Hannan charity benefits £100’s each year so it is well worth it - see details below www.easyfundraising.org.uk.

Register and choose “Hannan” and purchase online from over 500 retailers who will give a percentage to Hannan School. A great way for us to raise funds at no cost to you.

What does it mean to a child in El Borj to be sponsored. Here are some extracts from letters from some of the children to their sponsors

“From my heart many thanks for helping me to go to school. I am so pleased with your help and it makes me happy to work more and more to achieve good results” “With your help I have achieved good marks” “Thank you for your support, without your help I wouldn’t continue my study” “many thanks for sponsoring me through my study. I promise you that I will do what I can to achieve my dream” “I have been encouraged by your help that’s why I am continuing my study and I have achieved good marks”

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The Pre-School is Open!!  

The great news is that the pre-school is finally open. We had the formal opening day on 23rd December 2009 when all the VIP guests, including the Mayor, MP’s and other counsel officials from the province attended. The day before Hmad and I and all the trustees were busy making the final preparations including setting out the tables and chairs and toys. Buying and putting up the Kings picture and the flag. Buying toilet rolls and soap, buckets etc. A cooker with gas bottle,  kettle, Teapot, glasses cleaning utensils, ribbon (we even managed to find some red and green ribbon the Moroccan flag colours for cutting) and finally lots of celebrations cakes and fizzy drinks. It took us all day and we were all pretty exhausted.

The Mayor and the other VIP officials.

The next day Hmad took me to the school and I took some pre-opening video while Hmad went to pick up some of the VIP guests. The rain eased to a slow pitter patter. The mums and children started to gather and then the guests begun to arrive including the teachers. 

Eventually the Mayor arrived and  after cutting the ribbons we gathered in the middle room for the speeches from the Chairman, the Mayor and some others. They all viewed the school and we had tea and soft drinks and cakes. The Parents with children then were able to go and sample the toys and they had a great time although it seemed a bit too much for some of the little ones.

I was taking the video and was expecting the Mayor to cut the ribbon but at the last minute  they asked me to cut one of the ribbons so I asked the MP to cut it with me and then the Mayor cut the second ribbon, so that no-one felt left out. It was a very special and exciting day .

The Pre-School opened  on the 4th January 2010 for the children. On the first day 10 children came and then this increased to around 14 each day. We now have 19 children coming regularly. The first week has been a settling in for both teachers and children before providing the older children with the government pre-school programme to introduce them to reading, writing and maths. The children have been split into two classes depending on age. All the children have been given the slate and chalk and stationary in a bag (We only had two responses this year for the Christmas pack appeal but decided we needed to give all the children regardless so have spent the extra money to provide for all the children) They have also been given the government  books which are compulsory and which we have to pay for.

The teachers told us on the third day when the children were due to go home they cried because they did not want to leave!

2 very happy teachers

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Jay is hitch-hiking from Wales to Morocco for Hannan charity

I am going to be leaving my house in Beulah, West Wales and I'll be hitch-hiking to El Borj, in the Atlas Mountains region of Morocco.

WHY???

I am doing this to raise money for Hannan School. Hannan School is a registered UK Charity No: 1101017. Hannan School provides an education to children in Morocco who's families otherwise wouldn't be able to afford to send them. This gives them the chance to improve their own lives, rather than handouts. It will give them a chance of a better job for the future, and a better wage for their family. My target is to raise £1000 for these people.

WHEN???

I'll be leaving on 10th of May 2010, I reckon that it will take me around a week or so to get there, although from what I've read on t'internet it has been done in as little as 36 hours, or as long as 3 weeks.

HOW???

I'll be hitch-hiking all the way. I'll get a lift through the channel tunnel to France, and find a private boat to take me from Gibraltar to Morocco. I'll take a tent with me, and set up where I can on the way.

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP???

I'm looking for sponsorship for the journey, You can donate via PayPal,just send it to cactusjoystick@gmail.com using the form on this page. Just paste in -- cactusjoystick@gmail.com -- in the 'To' field on that PayPal page.

Every penny or pound will help and every penny will go to the charity. If you donate a fiver I'll send you a postcard from morocco, and if you donate a tenner I'll make sure to get you a little gift from morocco too. If you can't afford to donate you can help in other ways too.

Please, please invite all of your friends to join this group. Also if any of you can offer lifts or somewhere to stay on any part of the journey I'd seriously appreciate it.

THE ROUTE

I've done a very basic plan of the route, although I'll probably deviate from it slightly, depending on where lifts are going to and things like that. UK - Home - - Start UK - Dover France - Calais France - Amiens France - Rouen France - Le Mans France - Bordeux

Jay is on his way

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It has been a year of frustration with trying to get the Pre-school started. Everything seemed to go smoothly at the beginning but when we were in Morocco in May/June we were not allowed to do anything whatsoever in connection with the charity due to local and national elections. We were then given the news that the government in Morocco were giving us a grant for equipment for the pre-school. At the time of writing we are still waiting for this money to be given and we have two very frustrated teachers and lots of children who just long to begin attending pre-school. We have now been given a date of 12 December. However we have been given several dates before this and it keeps being delayed. The chairman of the trustees keeps up pressure but we just have to be patient as there is little we can do in the face of the bureaucracy.

We ourselves will be returning to Morocco in December so hopefully we will have some better news on our return.

We just need to keep going and not give up.

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Christmas 2009 Appeal

Thank you to everyone who responded to our Christmas appeal last year. We are pleased to announce that we will be continuing the appeal for chickens which are very popular in the village Chickens cost £10.

We also want to continue the School packs as we always need new supplies: This year we want to provide a pack of a slate and chalk which every child requires for school plus pens, pencils notebook in a bag.  Packs of paints and paper plus a small painting apron to protect clothes: Packs are as follows: Pack 1 Paints, paper and apron  £10 Pack 2 School starter pack of Slate, chalk, pens pencils notebook in a small bag £10 If you would like to purchase any of these please send cheques payable to “Hannan” and state which gift and the name(s) of the recipient and we can send a card to them with details of their gift.

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TOM

My brother Tom who many of you may have read came with us to Morocco in May/June this year died unexpectedly at home in Scotland on 18th October. It was a great shock to all the family. One thing I will hold on to is the memories we had while on his first trip to Morocco. We had some fantastic experiences. He could not stop talking about it and people were even coming up to Hmad and I at the funeral to tell us how he was constantly telling them stories about his trip there. He said to me that Morocco had “got under his skin” He was planning how he could go back and help. He made a huge impact with family and friends in Morocco also. A big man with a big heart my brother.

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Pre-School News

The pre-school is still not open which is a source of frustration for everyone due to the government’s delays which we can do nothing about. Our teachers are frustrated and longing to get started. They have visited our friends at Village of Hope and spent time training there twice now which has been of enormous benefit to them and has kept them focused while waiting for the last hurdle before we can open. All the work has been carried out and I have to say the trustees and helpers in the village have worked very hard to get the house up to an acceptable standard for the children. The roof has all been cleared and the floor repaired. All we are waiting for now is the final go ahead. We have been told a new date of December 12th so although we won’t hold our breath as we have had disappointment and delay before we feel we are getting nearer the day when we finally open. Please pray that we will be able to see this open while we are there in December.

We hope that when we return from our next trip in December we will have some good news and some photographs and video to show you. Meanwhile here are photographs of our two teachers so that you can pray for them and that we will finally be able to begin the pre-school

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Still need sponsors for children

We still have children who need sponsorship to be able to attend school or pre-school. Please consider regular sponsorship of £10.00 per month and tell your friends about this opportunity to change the lives of children in El Borj Morocco. Contact us by telephone, email or write to us at the address on the left.

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Hannan School Morocco - Bringing Education and Hope to Berber people Christmas Appeal 2008

We are still running the Christmas appeal for Chickens and Goats from last year as this really helps some of the poorest families with food and extra income. It is still £10 for 10 Chickens and £30 for Goats. In Addition this year with the start of the Pre-school we have provided a way for you to help with purchase of the stationary and equipment and give someone a gift for Christmas that will change their life forever:

Pack 1 : Crayons paints and paper £10

Pack 2 : Story books & songs £10

Pack 3 : Jigsaws and other puzzles £15

If you would like to purchase any of these please send cheques payable to 'Hannan' and state which gift and the name(s) of the recipient and we can send a card to them with details of their gift.

Give a gift that is unique and help someone less fortunate than yourself and your family this Christmas.

Check out our BT Tradespace site You can read my blogs and donate and buy Moroccan shoes.

Thank you Hmad & Hannah

"The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love"

Dublin Marathon completed in 3 hours 6 minutes

Hmad completed the Dublin Marathon in 3 hours 6 minutes despite having a calf muscle injury at 15 miles. He continued but at a slower pace. (He was hoping to complete it in under 3 hours) He was placed 357th out of a total of 11,700 runners and 70th place in his category (Male over 40) It was an amazing day. The weather was perfect for a Marathon. Cool, sunny, with little wind. Unlike Edinburgh where Hmad had already run two Marathons the spectators could not get so close to the runners near the start and finish but I (Hannah) managed to find a spot near the finish line to see him come in.

It is not too late to sponsor Hmad and give even a small amount to Hannan Charity - Every little bit helps and always goes further in Morocco. To give please either donate here or click the donate button which will take you to a secure payment page. Thank you for your support from Hmad and the Children of El Borj.

RABBITS OR CHICKENS?

Soon after we arrived in El Borj we met with the Trustees and one of the items we discussed was the purchase of Rabbits. One of the Trustees then said he did not think that Rabbits were such a good idea. We decided to ask the ladies and they all said that Rabbits were good and that we should buy Rabbits. We took a vote and only one person didn't think rabbits should be bought so we thought that was the end of it.

Well not in Morocco! A few days later we were all together again and the subject was raised by one of the ladies who had originally asked for the Rabbits. To cut a very very long story much shorter the money raised will now be buying more Chickens. 

Also the best news is that the Chickens we bought last year are all producing DOUBLE YOLKS ! The Double yolk eggs are the talk of the village.

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There's now a new and easy way for you to help us raise funds for Hannan School - simply by shopping online!

Easyfundraising is a shopping directory that features some of your favourite online stores, including Amazon, NEXT, Debenhams, John Lewis, Toys'R'Us, HMV and over 500 others. All you have to do is use the links on the easyfundraising site whenever you shop online and, at no extra cost to you, we'll receive a free donation of up to 15% from every purchase you make. It really is that simple!

It's completely FREE to register and use and you still shop with each retailer in exactly the same way. Many retailers even offer additional discounts and money saving e-Vouchers when you shop using easyfundraising.

If you shop online anyway then why not raise valuable extra funds for us by using this fantastic scheme. All you need to do is visit http://www.easyfundraising.org.uk/ and when you register, select Hannan as the organisation you wish to support. purchase online from over 500 retailers who will give a percentage to Hannan School. A great way for us to raise funds at no cost to you.

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Update on Mostafa

Mostafa is a lovely normal little boy. The only legacy of his problems is a tiny raised bump on one side of his nose. He has a beautiful smile and is just like any other boy of his age. We have some video of him speaking into the camera and it is such a joy to see him enjoying life like any other child. His mum has no husband to provide for her and her two children and works hard trying to do little jobs for people to get some money to buy food-Her living accommodation (if you can call it that) is very basic four jagged walls no windows, 1 light bulb, a small rug, a curtain dividing the room for sleeping and living/eating-Now she has been told she has to leave this place and it will be a real struggle to find somewhere else as she did not have to pay much rent for it.

Last year we gave her a knitting machine and she is doing amazing work on it. She is knitting clothes for the children and also selling some of the clothes she is making which is giving her some income and she also cleans a pre-school which gives her a little bit more income. She works hard but always remains so cheerful and always has a smile and some mint tea for us when we visit.

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School Computer

The school Computer we bought last year is being put to good use. The children are all getting a chance to work on it and are creating documents and text and it is really helping them to prepare for their future in the Secondary school  and into the future. The teachers said that the children are all arriving at school early to have a turn on the computer as it is extra curriculum. They said they have never known the children to be so keen to get to school!

Fund Raising

Coffee Fund Raiser

We held a coffee afternoon at Gloria Jeans Coffee shop just 1 week before we went to Morocco and had a stall provided by P & M Collections. They have the most beautiful scarves, jewellery, bags and other accessories. Thanks to all who were able to come along and supported both Gloria Jeans and the Charity—We did not have many people coming "off the street" probably because the venue was held upstairs and you have to walk through the shop to the rear and then there is a bit of a walk along corridors and upstairs to get to the room which maybe put some people off visiting. However we did make £21.00 and had a very generous donation of rings and earrings to give as gifts to women in Morocco from the ladies from P & M Collections. We will be holding another Coffee morning/afternoon/evening in the future. I want to say a very big thank you to Pauline and Mary of P & M Collections for their input , time and contribution to Hannan Charity.

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LEILA

This is leila who although not living near the village of el borj (we saw her plight on moroccan tv)—she had a hole in her heart and was very blue around her lips and on her fingers and toes as she was not receiving enough oxygen. Money was raised for her to have her life saving operation. We visited leila and her family while we were in morocco and we are pleased to tell you she has had her operation and is doing very well. Thank you to those who responded to the email we sent out.

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Help for the Poorest families

There are many poor people in the village but if there is at least a husband or other male in the family to provide for the women and children then they are not so vulnerable as a woman who has no male to provide. One such family live in a poor stone "house" just before you come into the village. Saadia’s husband died and then her husband’s father used to provide for them by making and selling donkey and mule saddles. Then he died and Saadia was reduced to gleaning the grain from the fields left at harvest time and by handouts by the other villagers. Someone heard and seen Saadia and her two children's plight and decided to help. We bought two goats and also bought wheat, lentils, sugar, oil, shampoo, soap and other basic essentials which has helped the family enormously. We visited some members of the husband who died, side of the family a two hour very slow drive into the mountains and they had heard of what had been done to help and they said they and Saadia were unable to express the appreciation  they felt for the help they had been given.

PLEASE CONSIDER GIVING A DONATION TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF THE PROPERTY TO HAVE A PRE-SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE—WE CAN DO SO MUCH MORE IF WE HAVE OUR OWN BUILDING

Building the School

The vision of our own purpose built school in the village has not diminished even though we have purchased the property to start the Pre-school and community centre. We are still working towards this vision but now we can begin sooner to do the things in the village we have always wanted to do but could not because the money for building was not coming in. WE believe once we have begun to do these things in a small way then the next step will be the main school.

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An Invitation to visit Morocco

We are still open to any one interested in visiting Khenifra and El Borj. Although it is not a main tourist area there are decent hotels in Khenifra and the village of El Borj is only 15 minutes drive from the town.  It is the most beautiful place and the hospitality you will receive you will talk about for years to come.

We hope that in the near future some of you will visit and see the work for themselves and meet some of the people we speak about.

If you live in the south of England there are cheap flights from Luton/Gatwick to Marrakesh.

Whether you decide to take the plunge and make a trip or not we would like to thank you for your on going support for the people of ElBorj.

Thank you Hannah & Hmad NB our new email address is: hmadhannah@sky.com

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STOP PRESS .......................

WE HAVE BOUGHT A PROPERTY IN THE VILLAGE TO TURN INTO A PRE SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE. SEE BELOW FOR FURTHER DETAILS

"Compassion, Care and supporting life through Education, healthcare & small business"

HOUSE PURCHASE FOR PRE-SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY CENTRE

We have bought a house in the village to use as a Pre-school and community centre.

It is not the house we originally wanted to buy but this house is bigger and in a better location being further away from the main road. It is a well built and beautifully tiled house with 2 big rooms a smaller room a kitchen and utility room a cupboard under the stairs for storage. A place, without a door (YET) for a toilet and a flat roof which we can use as a further play area or to build another second floor on to it for whatever use we want whether it be extra classrooms or accommodation for a teacher or anyone who wishes to visit the village and the project. We are really excited about this. We need to get water piped to the house but this can be done quite cheaply The house is costing 120,000drh which is £8,300 approx at exchange rates at the moment but if the exchange rate improves to what it was a few months ago then it could knock another £1,000 from the price. At the moment we are about £800 short.

Once we have the gift aid from the government for this year due around September we will have the extra money we need (or if the exchange rate improves meantime) We will also need £300 for the piping of water to the house.  We believe this house is right for the project and we see a tremendous amount of potential in having this property. We will have greater freedom to influence these children for good as education in Morocco is mentioned in a recent report as being the fourth worst in the Arab World. Even Gaza and Palestine have much better education than Morocco. WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Even though we will have the money for the purchase when gift aid is included we would love to be able to use the gift aid money to buy furniture books and play items for the preschool and Community centre so we would ask you to please consider giving even a small amount towards the purchase of the house.

WELL WATER

Many of you know the story of how last year the well we dug was the only well in the village where people could find water during the drought. Now this year we have discovered that another well is being dug on another piece of land and this well is parallel with ours and they still cannot find water even though they have dug to 20mtrs our well is 14 metres and we have loads of water. God is blessing us.

Latifa who is a very nice helpful lady, has been handling our registration and plans for the school.

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Older news below

Christmas Appeal 2007

This last Christmas instead of appealing for Chickens we decided to appeal for Rabbits as many of the women in the village were asking for Rabbits as they are easy to breed are cheap to look after and are a good source of meat and for selling. To be honest we were not at all sure how this appeal would go down with everyone as Rabbits are, to many of us in the UK, thought of as pets and although Rabbit used to be on the menu in the UK many years ago it has fallen out of favour—I was not surprised therefore that we did not have much response at the time we sent out the newsletter but we did get more responses as it neared Christmas and 7 families will now be able to receive rabbits. We have also provided goats for another very poor widow.

Thank you to everyone who has given of themselves whether in prayer or finances or encouragement We appreciate every one of you for your selfless giving and for making a difference in these peoples lives.

Are you stuck for a Gift Idea?

If you don’t fancy the idea of Rabbits as an alternative Gift! Why not consider a pair of authentic Moroccan Slippers? We have various colours and designs to choose from - most are a size 5 or 6. and are priced at £8.00 including P&P (UK). Please contact us and we will send you a pair on approval with an invoice for payment should you wish to keep them. If you wish to return them unused and in perfect condition then this will by necessity be at your own expense. See the examples here below.

Wheelchair

The boy who we were trying to obtain the wheelchair for was unable to receive it due to other circumstances but we did receive a wheelchair which we sent to Morocco to a young girl who only has one leg. Although she had some make shift crutches she was finding it very difficult to get around as they were causing chaffing and pain on her arms so the wheelchair is a gift from God to her. Her family were amazed that someone in Britain who they have never met would think of their little girl.

Letter from Malcolm

Arriving home from a short holiday in Devon we were touched to find a letter from one of the boys that we sponsored in Morocco…..in it he made the point that,  to quote his words, ‘the school you want to build hasn’t built yet’!

So far the land has been purchased and the well has been dug…. To build a wall around the site will cost around £15000 …..That is before we even think of the building the school!

There is a problem created in sponsoring the children in as much as the government school can only provide limited education for the huge numbers of pupils.Children attend by a shift system-2 hour sessions-and the learning is by rote.Very inadequate!When EL BORG School is available quantity and quality of education will be superior

This may appear daunting…….Hannah and Hmad were given the vision from the Lord and I am certain it will be fulfilled……..It reminds me of the story of the man marooned on an island with the Lord sending various ways of rescue and the man refusing to be rescued because he was waiting for the Lord to rescue him!

To see this come to fruition involves us doing our ‘bit’ to assist…….I know many of you are giving generously to the charity and I will say Praise the Lord for that, but the school will not get built without sufficient funding

At the recent trustee’s meeting it became apparent that we needed a separate bank account for the ‘Building fund’ and a separate account for a ‘General account’ .Under the old system the overall account is being depleted due to medical and social needs of the local people,  this has seen a reduction in the overall balance of roughly 20% in the last 6 months

Where is this leading I hear you say? The charity needs the funds or sponsors to carry out this vision…….As a trustee I would ask that you would pray and ask the Lord if there is any way that you could help bring about this vision and this includes myself

Just a couple of points……if you are donating to the Building fund please make this clear at the time…. likewise for General funding please make that clear Lastly, if you have made a promise to give to the fund and have not got round to it…..now is the time to fulfill that commitment, the children really need that school!

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Children

We are pleased to be able to tell you we now have 56 children being sponsored. This is so wonderful for us. 4 of the children who have been sponsored since the beginning of our project have reached the age of 13 and have been given a Bursary to attend the school in Khenifra. This means they have an even better chance in life even though it is difficult for them as they have to live in a hostel during the week.

This is exactly what launched Hmad into his University education. Who knows what the future of these children will be.

Update on Mostafa

Mostafa is really doing very well and his face is healing nicely as you can see by the latest photographs—He is also growing up fast. Mustafa's mother works hard to keep food on the table for Mostafa and his older sister. She was working cleaning homes or cleaning clothes or working in a café washing dishes just to get some money to feed the children but now she has the knitting machine she is making around £60 a month (not a huge amount but a little more than she was earning before)—she has placed Mostafa in a day nursery so that she can work without him getting in the way of the machine and possible injury. We spoke to her and Mostafa on the phone just a week ago and Mostafa is chatting away to us and seems to remember us.

His sister has asked us to bring her a pen which changes to different colours when we visit.

Here is a picture of Mustafa.

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NEW TRUSTEES

We now have our New Trustees - They are Clifford Ugochukwu who has a real passion for Education who worked in his native Nigeria in Education for over 30 years. He is retired now but still involved in children's work in our Church and he and his wife attend our Life Group. Malcolm Hall who is a very dear and long standing friend. I have known him and his wife Margaret from when I first became a Christian in Rugby over 25 years ago. Stuart Cowan my son who will bring his youth and a fresh and different perspective to the Charity. We have also changed the Trustees in Morocco. We have 4 women and 5 men and are really starting to get things moving over there with registration though two of the women are Saharawen (from the Sahara) and will have to travel there to get there birth certificates in order to register.

A day at a Hospital

A few months before we visited Morocco some friends had told us of a Doctor who would be visiting Khenifra to assess people with limb problems like Club foot, missing limbs and fractures etc with a view to giving those they feel could be helped with free operations. We were asked to provide names which we did (164). It was only when we arrived we discovered that the Doctor would be visiting on the 6 April and so we went along to see what was taking place along with Miriam our Niece who had provided the names to the Charities who were organising the event. (The Peace Corps and a Charity for the deaf.) We ended up staying the whole day from 9:00 am till nearly 9:00pm and Hmad and Miriam registered over 400 people who came along to be assessed. I honestly cannot begin to describe the scenes as people were arriving on crutches some home made, in wheelchairs and prams. Some had very deformed limbs or limbs missing, some paralysed or like little Halima had Hydrocephalus. One old lady was brought in on a rug held by friends and family at each corner. She had fallen and broken her hip. One lady from the peace Corps was there who lives in Khenifra who had helped organise the event and then another lady who I thought was also from the peace Corps arrived. It turned out to be the American Ambassadors wife. I introduced her to little Halima and she took this little girl to her heart and took Photographs with her own camera and also ordered the “photographer” to take photographs of her. The Doctor who saw Halima has sent her to Rabat for a Scan so we hope they will be able to do something to alleviate this child's suffering. She is such a happy child with a beautiful smile. The Ambassadors' wife also gave out packets of rice and lentils to the people. The lady from the Peace Corps remarked at how Hmad treated the people, How calm he was in the chaos. Of course Hmad speaks their language the other officials don’t speak Berber so they get angry with one another because they have difficulty communicating. Hmad and I also ended up using our car to transport people to their homes because there was a transport strike and no buses or taxis were running. We took the old lady who had broken her hip and was on the rug home and she was in such pain she was being sick in the car.

It was an amazing day and for me personally it was an answer to prayer. You may remember that last year I came back with such a burden for the sick and disabled that I asked if any of you knew any medical people who would be willing to go out and I had been praying for a Doctor and medical people to visit Khenifra. I had no idea that this would take place when we were in Morocco and that I would witness this personally. God is so good he arranged for me to be there.

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MORE CHICKENS AND GOATS

Here are some of the Chickens we bought last year—Another 60 families received Chickens this year. We also gave a goat and kid to one family.

COMPUTER FOR THE SCHOOL

We were able to purchase a fantastic top spec Dell Computer for the School thanks to generous donations. The man we bought the computer from started to tell us about some good schools educational software he had. I said “for the price we are paying and the upgrades we have ordered I think you should throw in the software for free.” He agreed so the school has a range of software covering Language, Maths, Geography, History etc.

The Director of the school was absolutely thrilled and we have a paper from him to say that the computer is for the Children and the furtherance of their education. We have told the Director he is also welcome to use it and he in turn has told the Trustees that if they need to prepare any documents then they are welcome to use it. Below you will see the engineer setting up the new computer.

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Sewing and Knitting Machines

We have been told that the ladies who were given the Sewing and knitting machines are now making quite successful little businesses earning money to feed themselves and their families and giving them some dignity and self respect . This is making such a difference it is hard to describe. We will bring more news when we return from Morocco.

Here are the two ladies—Sadly we did not get photographs of the machines as they arrived from Beni Milal the morning we left .

Morocco

Please Pray: While we are preparing for our trip to Morocco and while we are in Morocco. Please Pray: That our preparations will go well and that everything will run smoothly. Pray for our travel and that we will be safe while driving in Morocco. Pray we will remain healthy and have full strength to do all we plan. Pray for our family and friends in Morocco that they will be blessed by our visit. Pray for the country for rain in season—good crops—freedom and openness– employment and for the children and families in El Borj

Hannah & Hmad

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URGENT APPEAL

Can you Sponsor one or more of these children?

4 children have who were being sponsored by the same family have not been able to sponsor for some months now and will be unable to continue because of changed circumstances. We are still continuing to pay for these children but we cannot keep on doing this and we will have to stop financing them through school if we cannot find others who will take over.

PRE-SCHOOL

We are still hoping to purchase the House in El Borj that is available (Purchase price £5,300) We would like to use this house which has 3 rooms a kitchen and a “toilet” (the only house with a toilet in El Borj!) There is also some land surrounding the house which can be used for an outdoor play area. This house would be used as a pre-school for children who are not old enough to start school. This would give them a good start in life and a good introduction to school life. In addition it could be used to accommodate visitors. We could also use this as an interim community centre for the villagers. We could begin holding the Adult literacy classes, craft classes and first aid classes as well as a host of other things the possibilities are endless. Please consider buying  into this project. £5,000 is not a huge amount of money if 100 people gave £50.00 we would have enough to purchase this building.

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MEDICAL NEEDS

Every time we go to Morocco we meet children and adults with varying medical needs. For some it may be that we can provide simple eye drops for Conjunctivitis, or it may be ointment for someone with eczema. There are some who are handicapped or have blindness, hydrocephalus (water on the brain). Cataracts or other ailments. Many of the children have parasites and are malnourished and have Anaemia. We would love to do more for the medical needs of these people who cannot afford the Doctors bills Many of the Doctors will send you to several “specialists” for analysis for which they will charge a lot of money only to find they don’t know what is wrong with you. We are not medically trained and would love to find some people who would consider coming to the area to do medical clinics. If you know of anyone who might be willing to consider this then please let them know of this request by showing them this newsletter. 

PLEASE CONSIDER

• Sponsors (especially for the 4 children who are no longer being sponsored)
• Wheelchair for 14 year old boy (cost £100)
• Finances to build school
• Finance to purchase house in El Borj
• Chickens £10 for 10
• Goat with Kid £30.00
• Sewing Machine £270
• PRAY
• GIVE
• VISIT MOROCCO

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Hannan -  "Compassion, Care and Supporting Life through Education, Healthcare & Small Business"

IMPORTANT!
El Borj Visiting Policy