Opening Doors to a Brighter Future: Education For All in the High Atlas Mountains
In the majestic, often challenging landscapes of Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, a silent revolution is underway, driven by the belief that every girl deserves an education. This is the heart of the Education For All (EFA) Association, a charity dedicated to breaking down barriers and illuminating pathways for young women in remote villages. For girls living far from schools, nestled amongst the rugged peaks and valleys, the journey to knowledge is often fraught with obstacles. EFA steps in, offering a safe haven and a springboard to a brighter future, embodying the true spirit of education for all.
Founder & Affiliation: EFA was co-founded in 2007 by Mike McHugo OBE, a founding member of our association (BBAM).
Mission: EFA builds and runs free boarding houses near secondary schools in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains.
Impact: This enables girls from remote, rural families to continue their education, breaking the cycle of illiteracy and early marriage.
Growth: EFA started with one house for 37 girls in 2007. By 2017, they had expanded to five houses, increasing capacity to 187 students. They now house 240 girls despite the 2023 earthquake.
BBAM Support: Our association (BBAM) supports EFA by providing annual funding.
The Mountain’s Call: Overcoming Unique Challenges
Imagine a world where the nearest school is a perilous, hours-long trek across treacherous terrain. This is the reality for many girls aged 12-18 in the High Atlas. The geographical distance, compounded by harsh weather conditions – be it the biting cold of winter snow or the scorching heat of summer – makes daily attendance an almost impossible feat. Beyond the physical journey, socio-cultural expectations often place significant domestic burdens on young girls, asking them to prioritize household chores, farming, or childcare over their academic aspirations. “Why, sometimes I’ve believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast,” said the Queen in Alice in Wonderland, a sentiment that might resonate with these girls facing a daily gauntlet just to get to school. For these families, the financial strain of school fees, uniforms, and supplies further cements the barriers, leaving education an unattainable dream for many.
EFA’s mission is to dismantle these barriers, one girl at a time. The selection process for their residential homes carefully considers a girl’s age (middle or high school), her family’s distance from school, and their socio-economic status. While a written test in math and French/Darija is part of the process, it’s the least weighted criterion, ensuring that potential isn’t overlooked due to prior lack of opportunity.
A Safe Haven: More Than Just a Roof
EFA’s “houses” are much more than mere accommodation; they are vibrant, nurturing homes designed to foster growth and security. Prior to the devastating earthquake in September 2023, EFA proudly housed 250 girls annually. The earthquake destroyed five of their six houses and damaged the last, a profound setback. Yet, with unwavering determination, EFA quickly adapted, renting new accommodations and rebuilding. Today, they operate six houses, currently at capacity, providing a home for 203 girls – a testament to their resilience and commitment to helping the community even in the face of immense adversity.
Safety and well-being are paramount. Every EFA house operates under stringent child protection policies, with all staff being female and no males permitted to stay or even enter the houses. Girls’ attendance and punctuality are meticulously monitored, both at school and within the houses, with close collaboration with local schools to ensure girls aren’t skipping classes. Schedules are prominently posted, guiding the housemothers, who lovingly function as surrogate mothers. They’re there for everything from a comforting word to providing extra academic assistance, ensuring each girl feels supported and cared for. Furthermore, EFA provides crucial health insurance for all residents, addressing a significant concern for families.
Beyond the Classroom: Empowering Future Leaders
EFA understands that true women and girls empowerment extends beyond basic schooling. Their comprehensive support system is designed to broaden horizons and equip these young women with essential life skills.
Skills for the Modern World
In an increasingly digital age, computer and IT training is not a luxury but a necessity. EFA provides these vital skills, ensuring their girls are not left behind. This practical education opens doors to a wider range of future opportunities, preparing them for higher studies and potential careers that might have once seemed impossible from their remote villages.
A Window to the World
One of EFA’s most unique and impactful programs involves an international network of volunteers. Women from around the globe dedicate one to three months to live in the houses, sharing their knowledge and experiences. Many lead English classes, a highly sought-after skill, while others offer computer or art classes. Critically, these volunteers provide an invaluable “insight into what the world is beyond Morocco,” offering new perspectives, fostering cultural exchange, and broadening the girls’ understanding of global possibilities.
Comprehensive Educational Support
EFA ensures that no girl’s education is hindered by lack of resources. They provide all necessary school supplies – course books, pens, notebooks, and more. Beyond the curriculum, a rich library of books in French, English, and Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is available, fostering a love for reading and nurturing intellectual curiosity. This access to diverse literature helps expand their interests and abilities, encouraging a well-rounded education.
Furthermore, EFA organizes talks with outside speakers, including inspiring past alumni, who share their experiences of life after the ‘Baccalauréat’ – discussing higher studies, university life, and career paths. This mentorship provides crucial guidance and motivation, demonstrating the tangible benefits of their hard work. Specialized tutoring, particularly during intense exam periods, ensures the girls have every possible advantage to succeed academically.
Building Bridges: Community and Collaboration
EFA’s success is deeply intertwined with its strong relationships with local communities and authorities. Agreements are signed with both parents and girls, solidifying a mutual commitment to education. Close collaboration with local authorities, including the Qaid (provincial representative of the state) and elected officials, ensures that EFA’s work is integrated and supported within the broader community framework. This collaborative approach is fundamental to helping the community thrive as a whole, understanding that empowering girls benefits everyone.
The Future of Impact: Measuring Success
Funding for EFA is primarily driven by donations, representing 99% of their budget. While they have established relationships with some institutional donors, they are actively working to expand their in-country donations and through a UK-based charity, ensuring the long-term sustainability of their vital mission.
EFA is currently enhancing its Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) strategy. Historically, success was largely measured by the ‘Baccalauréat’ pass rate – a significant achievement in itself. They have also established an alumni association, allowing them to track the incredible journeys of girls who have gone on to higher studies, including masters and even a PhD. This ongoing development of new metrics will allow EFA to more effectively measure the efficiency and efficacy of their efforts, proving the profound impact of education for all and women and girls empowerment in the High Atlas Mountains.
Summary: EFA empowers High Atlas girls with safe housing, holistic education, and global exposure, transforming lives.