General Impression
Overall Rating: / 10
A Great experience of the country, the project, other volunteers, and the dedicated staff! I wouldn't call it a life changing event, but it surely surpassed my expectations of volunteering in a different country. Leaving in a house with other volunteers, and sharing their experiences helped me understand their background, religion, and their culture. Adding to the knowledge of what I had known. The Volunteering project - working with kids coming for treatment in the hospital gave us a purpose in life. I personally brought back some lessons from the kids and their families, going through this ordeal. And surely a dedicated staff whose sole purpose in life is giving back to the community, and in a way helping the economy of the country. For anyone who asks me "How was your trip?" - I say - Very difficult to put it in words, and it has been an experience that I would like to go do it again.Country
Morocco - a very religious country, and people have a lot of faith and hope, which is infectious in a good way, specially Rabat! With some planning, and input from Ali we had a chance to visit the tourist places in Rabat, Casablanca and Marrakech.
Rabat - absolutely loved it! Very honest, warm and welcoming people. I felt Rabat being a more laid back city compared to the other two. Life moves at its own place, late start - early end of the day, surprisingly a lot of work is accomplished everyday. You can still find time to relax and unwind in the evening and visit the tourist locations.
Casablanca - Spent a day visiting Hasan Mosque (a must see), Morocco mall, La Corniche along with the medina. The city give me an impression of it being very touristy.
Marrakech - Be Careful! They know you are at tourist and will try to haggle money from you. Loved staying at Riad Rodamon, in the heart of Medina. Walking in the Medina felt a little unsafe after dark.
Overall, would love to visit country again, and explore the adventures of other cities.
Rabat - absolutely loved it! Very honest, warm and welcoming people. I felt Rabat being a more laid back city compared to the other two. Life moves at its own place, late start - early end of the day, surprisingly a lot of work is accomplished everyday. You can still find time to relax and unwind in the evening and visit the tourist locations.
Casablanca - Spent a day visiting Hasan Mosque (a must see), Morocco mall, La Corniche along with the medina. The city give me an impression of it being very touristy.
Marrakech - Be Careful! They know you are at tourist and will try to haggle money from you. Loved staying at Riad Rodamon, in the heart of Medina. Walking in the Medina felt a little unsafe after dark.
Overall, would love to visit country again, and explore the adventures of other cities.
Project & Staff
Ali and Leila, I have gained a lot of respect for them. These are two dedicated individuals, actually doing so much good for the community and working very hard for the betterment of the country's economy. They work tirelessly between projects, and made sure all the volunteers spend most of their time helping in some form or the other. Ali had our days planned well, and made sure we also have some time to visit places in Rabat. They also have Amina, who helped with cooking and keeping the common areas and bathrooms clean and tidy. We also had a cooking lesson from her, preparing the food in Tajine. Loved it!
The project - helping kids at the hospital in between treatments was a heartwarming experience. They came at this childcare facility and our task was to take their mind away from their issues, and play with them. I believe, I learned more from the kids and the families; even in the difficult times they had a smile, and hope to never give up in life. At first I thought language would be our biggest hurdle, but we passed that with ease. All the kids needed was love and affection, and yes google translate was some help. The facilities in the hospital are very well maintained and they also had classrooms, computers in the hospital for kids who are admitted. The volunteers can also help with teaching/educating the kids one-on-one. Good project, committed staff, and a experience that touched my heart. Our time is more valuable, and use it to help in anyway we can!
The project - helping kids at the hospital in between treatments was a heartwarming experience. They came at this childcare facility and our task was to take their mind away from their issues, and play with them. I believe, I learned more from the kids and the families; even in the difficult times they had a smile, and hope to never give up in life. At first I thought language would be our biggest hurdle, but we passed that with ease. All the kids needed was love and affection, and yes google translate was some help. The facilities in the hospital are very well maintained and they also had classrooms, computers in the hospital for kids who are admitted. The volunteers can also help with teaching/educating the kids one-on-one. Good project, committed staff, and a experience that touched my heart. Our time is more valuable, and use it to help in anyway we can!
Tips
Not sure if certain rules and regulations are across the organization; or just vary country-2-country and the host family/house.
I don't say this from a negative view point, but for some it maybe overwhelming.
1. Breakfast & diner are served at a fixed time. Be there! No access to Kitchen - no microwave or possibility to reheat the food.
2. With no access to Kitchen - leave the vessels on the table after breakfast & Diner. They will be cleaned by Amina when she comes to prepare the next meal.
3. No walking around in towels after shower, and sweep the water to the drain after shower.
Remember! this is not a hotel, consider it as your own home and be prepared for life style changes for the time you are there.
I don't say this from a negative view point, but for some it maybe overwhelming.
1. Breakfast & diner are served at a fixed time. Be there! No access to Kitchen - no microwave or possibility to reheat the food.
2. With no access to Kitchen - leave the vessels on the table after breakfast & Diner. They will be cleaned by Amina when she comes to prepare the next meal.
3. No walking around in towels after shower, and sweep the water to the drain after shower.
Remember! this is not a hotel, consider it as your own home and be prepared for life style changes for the time you are there.