The resources at Lycée Aourir were limited. Classrooms consisted of little more than desks, chairs and a blackboard. Technology is non-existent in many Moroccan public schools. My host teacher Brahim purchased a projector on his last trip to the US. As you can see in the picture, he uses a bed sheet to project the images on. Despite these hardships, the students persevere and work hard. Most understand the connection between getting an education and being a success at life. It was inspiring to witness and work with these students.
One of the most amazing things about the Moroccan people was their incredible generosity and kindness. The students were no exception. The students of Lycée Aourir were gracious enough to bring us breakfast. It consisted of homemade bread, amlou (a spread of argan oil and almonds), olive oil, and honey. It was really delicious and a really nice gesture and very typical of Moroccan people. I found time and again that the people of this wonderful country were quick to share and give what they have, even if what they had was very little.
The resources at Lycée Aourir were limited. Classrooms consisted of little more than desks, chairs and a blackboard. Technology is non-existent in many Moroccan public schools. My host teacher Brahim purchased a projector on his last trip to the US. As you can see in the picture, he uses a bed sheet to project the images on. Despite these hardships, the students persevere and work hard. Most understand the connection between getting an education and being a success at life. It was inspiring to witness and work with these students.
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On Sunday my host teacher arranged a field trip with one of his classes from Groupe Scholaire Le Defi, a private school he teaches at in Agadir. We set out early Sunday morning for a place called Paradise Valley, an area known for dozens of swimming holes that fill in a canyon that stretches for miles. In the afternoon we went to Taghazout, an internationally renowned surf spot. Despite the cold water temperatures and disagreeable wind it was fun to get in the water. It is not unusual for teachers to teach at multiple schools. My host teacher Brahim teaches at the aforementioned private school and at a high school in nearby Aourir. Unfortunately the quality of education differs greatly. The private school students were much more fluent in English and are at a higher level in other subjects as well. Private school often only costs $80 a month but for many families it is too great a cost to bear. What really amazes me is the language capability of all Moroccans. Most speak at least 3 languages and many can converse in 5 or more. Students: what languages do you think are common in Morocco? As we have discussed in class, praying 5 times a day is one of the pillars of Islam. Friday is the most important day for prayer. At midday across the Islamic world, Muslims hear the adhan as a signal to go to their mosque. The adhan is called out by a muezzin, who bellows for all to hear from his perch on a minaret. Hearing the call to prayer is an amazing and transporting experience. The first time I heard it was as I was walking through the medina in Rabat. The beautiful melody could be heard faintly in the distant and then blared loudly from loudspeakers attached to the ancient walls of the city. I witnessed believers unfurl their prayer rugs and drop to their knees to praise Allah. The best part of Friday prayers is what comes after. My host teacher Brahim invited me to his home to share couscous with his sons. This is way better than the stuff you get from a box. His wife Rasheeda spent several hours preparing and cooking the dish for us. It was bneen, which means delicious in Moroccan Arabic. Students: identify any words that are unfamiliar to you. There should be several. During my stay in Rabat, we had the pleasure of visiting several schools. The schools were mainly private or international baccalaureate, a rigorous program that is recognized the world over. As such the students mainly came from middle to upper class backgrounds. At Moulay Youseff High School we observed many classrooms, met with administrators and toured the dormitories. Many students come far from Rabat to go to this prestigious school. During the tour, a group of students pulled me aside to talk. They were curious about my impressions of Morocco and their school. One student in particular wanted me to understand that his school was very different from others in the city. He said that my visit should not be like "when diplomats visit North Korea. They put on a show". He wanted me to see the real Morocco, to see schools and neighborhoods that reflect how most people in the country live. Students: how would you advise a person visiting New York for the first time? Where would one go to see the "real" New York? The hotel in Rabat had less then ideal wifi. It took me an hour to upload a photo. Brutal. Yesterday I took an 8 hour bus ride south to the city of Agadir. Updates will come shortly. This morning I woke up early to run along the banks of the Bou Regreg river. I watched fisherman prepping their small blue rowboats as dawn broke over the Port of Salé. This port was frequently used by the famed Barbary pirates, a fearsome group who raided ships and coastal towns in the Mediteranean sea and North Atlantic during the time of the Ottoman Empire. Students: can you find any connection that the Barbary pirates have with the early history of the United States? Can you also find what is unique about our countries relationship with Morocco? After 3 flights and too many carb-laden airplane meals, I arrived in Rabat. As exhausted and jet-lagged as I was, I resisted the urge to pass out for the day and went for a stroll to the oldest part of the city, the Kasbah of the Udayas. The fortress was built over 1000 years ago. Inside are narrow and winding alleyways painted blue and white, courtyard gardens with orange trees and innumerable stray cats. Students: what is the purpose of a Kasbah? |