fom spring 2002 - friends of morocco · staff and program development specialist for adult literacy...

Friends of Morocco

Spring 2002

Friends of Morocco 2002 in Prospect By Tim Resch, FOM President 2002 will build on the exciting work started in 2001. The abbreviated 40th anniversary of Peace Corps will be celebrated in full June 20-23, 2002 in Washington, DC. The successful Moroccan-American Friendship tour of last November will be repeated as a Celebration tour for 40 years of Peace Corps service in Morocco October 5-15, 2002 hitting the coastal cities from Casablanca to Agadir and then over to Taroudant and Ouarzazate up to Marrakesh and out through Casa. Number two of the country of service web sites is not good enough so we will work to deepen and make more attractive our web site (volunteers solicited). With your contributions to this Newsletter, we can make this great Newsletter even better. But some details: With over 1200 people already registered and 1800 expected, the National Peace Corps Association 40+1 Conference looks to be quite interesting. The theme for the 2002 Conference is "The Peace Corps Family: Bringing the World Together". The parallel and linked Friends of Morocco I t j imaa wi l l prov ide opportunities for those registered for the Conference to profit from both gatherings but the Itjimaa will also have some independent activities. Details are on the FOM web site. If you are in the Washington, DC area, invite a friend to visit. We encourage people to consider Wednesday and Thursday for group and year of service reunions. Thursday evening is an NPCA welcome reception in the Great Hall at the Library of

Congress. On Friday there is a bazaar and career fair, opening ceremonies with Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, awards, panels and workshops. On Friday evening, we are working with the Embassy of Morocco for a reception at the residence of H.E. Abdallah El-Maaroufi, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to the United States. On Saturday, the Conference continues with a volunteer day in the morning as well as a “Multi-cultural Education event”. FOM

hopes to sponsor a workshop on teaching about Islam and the Arab world and offer henna painting. On Saturday afternoon, we will have a Morocco update with at least reports from FOM, the Embassy of Morocco, and Peace Corps/Morocco and the DC premiere of the Friendship tour video by Dan Cahill. Saturday evening will be the Fundraising Reception and Dinner with Bill Moyers as the emcee. Join the Morocco table(s) and, God willing, dine with the Ambassador. An alternative gathering will be at the Casablanca Restaurant in Alexandria, VA. On Sunday is the March across the Arlington Memorial Bridge to the closing ceremony in Arlington National Cemetery. FOM will march together under the

http://home.att.net/~morocco

Moroccan flag. NPCA is planning a picnic and games but FOM will meet for lunch at the Taste of Morocco Restaurant in Arlington, VA owned by FOM member, Abdel Moumen. The Celebration tour for 40 years of Peace Corps service in Morocco is planned for October 5-15, 2002, just before the start of Ramadan and including the Columbus Day Monday holiday. It will cost about $1200 from New York on Royal Air Maroc to Casa, (maybe Rabat) to El Jadida, Safi, Essouira, Agadir, Taroudant, Tazenakht, Ouarzazate (maybe Zagora), Marrakesh and out through Casablanca. First 25 persons for rented coach, guide, two meals per day, 4 and 5 star hotels. Air only at a reduced price will also be available with fixed October 5 departure and optional return dates. Like the Moroccan-American Friendship tour, the touristic will be combined with visits with serving volunteers, meetings with Peace Corps and Embassy staff, reunion with Moroccans connected with Peace Corps and the U.S., such as the Moroccan Chapter of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. Like the Friendship tour where we visited a women’s shelter; the Al Akhawayn University, the American-style university in Ifrane; P a r l i a m e n t ; R i a d s u n d e r transformation; and the American Language Center of Marrakech, we plan to visit former volunteer sites, see USAID development activities a n d t o u r t h e h o r t i c u l t u r e transformation in Agadir and Taroudant.

(Continued on page 11)

2001 Moroccan-American Friendship Tour members at the Menara Gardens in Marrakesh

Editor’s note: I sincerely apologize for any errors in the last installment of Ash Khabarna. Most of these entries are typed and not cut and pasted, so it was just simple human error. I also rely on the information sent to us by the National Peace Corps Association. Please check with them and make sure your contact information is accurate. If you don’t want your personal information to appear in Ash Khabarna, please indicate this request on your membership renewal.

Amy Pitt —Ait-Ourir/Rabat 64-66 writes: “I worked in community mental health and PC training before going to graduate school which led me to a satisfyng career as a psychotherapist, and to marriage and raising three sones. I am no longer married; my sons are grown and bringing the joy of grandchildren into my life. I continue to enjoy my work as a psychotherapist as I am fortunate to be able to practice outside the constraints of managed care. I live happily in Rochester, NY appreciating all the seasons here. I travel often and among other exciting places I have been back to Morocco six times since PC service. It’s time to go back again.” Contact Amy at <[email protected]>.

Stephen Feinberg—Oujda 68-70 is director, National Outreach Education Division at the US Holocaust Memorial Museum. Contact Stephen at <[email protected]>. Gary Loff—Ben Slimane 73-75 is a a farm loan specialist with the Farm Service Agency of the USDA. Gary lives in W. St. Paul, MN and can be contact ed at <[email protected]>. Lori Kurtz-Larkin—Rich 84-86 is a freelance editor and at-home parent in Scottsdale, AZ. Contact Lori at <[email protected]>. Julie Ann Andreshak 97-99 lives in

Minneapolis, MN. Jonathan Bringewatt 99-01 lives in Denver, CO. Steven Ehrlich 69-71 is an architect and lives in Santa Monica, CA. Contact Steven at <[email protected]>. Elizabeth Fairey 92-94 a biological technician at the National Marine Fisheries Service. Elizabeth lives in Charleston, SC. Contact her at <[email protected]>. Michelle Nessralla 86-89 lives in Brockton, MA. Erin Olson 99-01 lives in San Diego, CA a n d c a n b e c o n t a c t e d a t <[email protected]>. Dan Reiber lives in Mayfield Village, OH a n d c a n b e c o n t a c t e d a t <[email protected]>. Ted Way 98-00 lives in Oakland, CA. Lara Manucy Williams lives in Kent, England and can be contacted at [email protected]>. Frank Golino—Tangier 64-66 is a consultant with the U.S. Department of State. Frank lives in Darnestown, MD and can be reached @[email protected]>. Michael Smith—Casablanca/Washington, DC 63-66 has been working at IBM for 35 years. He’s hoping to retire soon and return to Peace Corps in a high staff position and then become a country director. Angela Easley Rosenberg—Rabat 84-87 writes: “ Went back to school several times for degrees in public health-maternal and child health. I continue to practice pediatric physical therapy as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina. I’m remarried, live in the country, have two grown stepchildren and several dogs and we have a lot of

fun!” Contact Angela at <[email protected]>. Terry Lajtha—Beni Mellal 77-79 is a freelance documentary film editor and lives in Irvington, NY. Contact Terry at <[email protected]>. Polly Byers—Safi 82-84 works in humanitarian policy at USAID in Washington, DC. Bernadine Kelleher Mullen—Taroudant 85-87 is a domestic engineer in Sacramento, CA. Contact Bernadine at <[email protected]>. David and Mary McCaa—Settat 99-01 are retired and living in Harleysville, PA. Contact the McCaas at <[email protected]>. Kurt Shafer—Erfoud 62-64 is retired and living in Chatsworth, IL. Penny Schulte—Rabat 90-91 writes: “I’ve taught in Guatemala and Japan. I’m now teaching English at Culver City High School (in the L.A. area). My long-time partner, Todd, and I just had a daughter, Brook, in June. We live in Venice, CA.” Contact Penny at <[email protected]>. Jeffrey Parker—Marrakesh 80-82 lives in Wenatchee, WA. (editor’s note to Jeff: weren’t we supposed to meet in Wenatchee sometime? I think we made the deal while swilling Flag beer a t t h e C O S c o n f e r e n c e i n Mohammedia) William G. Adams 62-65 is a partner at O’Melveny & Myers and lives in Corona del Mar, CA. Contact William at <[email protected]>. Jonathan Berkley 84-89 lives in Carmel Valley, CA. Contact Jonathan at <[email protected]>. Stephanie J "Penny" Robiner 74-75 writes: “I worked as a public librarian,


Ash Khabarna? Friends of Morocco

Friends of Morocco

Judith K. Cole 64-65 is with the Department of State’s US Mission in Geneva, Switzerland. Contact Judith at <[email protected]>. Phyllis Fernandez 63-65 is a research analyst with the US Department of Labor in Washington, DC Contact Phyllis at <[email protected]>. Ellen Egan George 62-64 is the senior attorney with the Adirondack Park Agency. Ellen lives in Saranac Lake, NY. Amy Harrington 89-91 lives in Powell, TN. Contact Amy at <[email protected]>. John McIlveen 81-84 lives in Washington, DC. Contact John at <[email protected]>.

Diane Mekeel 67-69 is a French and social studies teacher in Racine, WI. Contact Diann at <[email protected]>. Emiliel Reyes 97-99 lives in Stockton, CA. Contact Emiliel at <[email protected]>. Laila Shereen 93-95 lives in Washington, D C . C o n t a c t L a i l a a t <[email protected]>. Larry Udry 86-88 is an ESL instructor at Ohipo University. Contact Larry at <[email protected]>. Joyce Bouvier—Rabat/Maaziz 65-67 writes: “Since 1996, I have worked “fulltime” as a singer/pianist presenting cabaret-style popular (oldies!) music programs in retirement and nursing homes in the Washington area.

Kristy Larson—Essaouira 82 to present is a tour director for Mountain Travel. Contact Kristy at <[email protected]>. Jason Ben-Meir 93-95/98-99 lives in Albuquerque, NM. Contact Jason at <[email protected]>. Nancy Gabbert Bennani 62-64 is a basic skills teacher at Portland (OR) Community College. Contact Nancy at <[email protected]>. Rhonda Brown 82-84 lives in Washington, DC. Contact Rhonda at <o’[email protected]>. Kathryn and Doug Burnell 70-73 lives in Conway NH where Kathryn is at the Crescent Lake School and Doug is a land surveyor. Contact K a t h r y n a n d D o u g a t <[email protected]>. Bea Covington 86-88 lives in the Gainesville, FL. Jeffrey England—Tazarine/Errachidia 95 –97 is a conservation education coordinator at the World Wildlife Fund. Contact Jef f rey a t <[email protected]>. Denise Mulligan—Mellab 98-98 and Samuel Werberg Fex 97-00 live in Astoria, NY where Denise is an administrative assistant at Columbia University and Samuel is a librarian with Find/SVP. Contact Denise and Samuel at <[email protected]>. Michele Sedor—Beni Mellal/Rabat 87-90 writes: “I currently work as a staff and program development specialist for adult literacy programs i n t h e w e s t e r n p a r t o f Massachusetts. I was married to Mark Protti (RPCV Costa Rica) in 1996, and we have one child, Luke, who is 2 years-old. Contact Michele at <[email protected]>. Stephen Hanchey—APCD 85-87 is the regional director for EFL programs at AMIDEAST Egypt. C o n t a c t S t e p h e n a t


(Continued from page 2) a business and a special librarian. After my children were born, I stopped working outside the home. I have been involved as a volunteer with cultural arts programs in the schools, parent/teacher groups, fundraising and other volunteer activities. I have also been taking pottery classes for years.” Contact Stephanie at <[email protected]>. Jim and Barb Eychaner write: “We have recently moved to Sacramento, California where Jim is Water Quality Specialist for the Western Region of the US Geological Survey. Our daughter Anne returned fall '01 from three years with PC in Slovakia. She has gotten us a family membership in the Sacramento Area RPCV group and we are all getting involved. We would love to see anyone passing thru this part of the country. Sacramento offers four Moroccan restaurants.” Kurt Fuller writes: “By age 50, I had accumulated 28 years of government service ranging from the Army, Peace Corps and "the war on Poverty". At that point in 1989, I retired in Kampala after 20 years with USAID. Since then I've been married and divorced living in my small hometown. I manage 2-3 foreign trips per year, and when home, spend time with my two kids, ages 6 and 8. Chicago is 100 miles North and if you fly in there and want to visit a house dedicated to travel and drink a few beers, give me a call at 818 635 3860. Carolyn La Fontaine—Agadir 99-01 lives in Berkeley, CA. Contact Carolyn at <[email protected]>. Nancy Merrell has a new address: 711 Autumn Trace Williamsburg, VA 23188. Email Nancy at <[email protected]>. Megan Myers—Azrou 99-01 is attending Columbia University in New York City for a masters in international affairs and environmental policy. Contact Megan at <[email protected]>. Mary A. Braungel-Brown 68-70 lives in Niskayuna, NY. Contact Mary at <[email protected]>. Joy Campbell 98-00 lives Ann Arbor, MI.

Friends of Morocco

(Continued from page 3) <[email protected]> Robert Zambrano 63-65 lives in Arlington, VA. Sandra Forrest 95-97 is a special education teacher in San Francisco. Contact Sandra at <[email protected]>. Frank Gorman 69-71 is an architect at Calvin College lives in Grand Rapids, MI. Contact Frank at <[email protected]>. Charles Gushee 88-90 is VP for international equities at Societe Generale in New York City. Contact Charles at <[email protected]>. Nan Jackson 75-77 is a professor at Lansing Community College. Contact Nan at <[email protected]>. John Kopec 68-72 is a senior ESL lecturer at Boston University. Contact John at <[email protected]>. Joseph Lirette 94-96 lives in Seattle, W A . C o n t a c t J o s e p h a t <[email protected]>. George Little 64-66 is a business systems analyst with the US Department of the Navy. Contact Geoge at <[email protected]>. Colleen Marchwick 93-95 lives in Chicago, IL. Contact Colleen at <[email protected]>. John R. McCord 81-82 is a ESL instructor in Saudi Arabia. Contact John at <[email protected]>. Roberta Prees 67-70 lives in Arlington, V A . C o n t a c t R o b e r t a a t <[email protected]>. Nancy Puttkammer 90-92 is a student in Berkeley, CA. Contact Nancy at <[email protected]>. Peter Saunders 83-84 is a senior biologist at Harza Engineering. Contact Pete at <[email protected]>

George Scharffenberger PC staff 83-84 lives in Chevy Chase, MD. Brenda Paccioretti Starr 65-67 is an RN Unit Manager at Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. Brenda lives in San Leandro, CA and can be contacted at <[email protected]>. Gina Wallace 93-95 is a nursing supervisor at Seattle-King County Department of Public Health. Contact Gina at <[email protected]>. Judith and Robert Weaver 90-91 live in Merrill, WI where Judith is a registered nurse and Robert is a master plumber. Contact the Weavers at 715-536-8377. Peter Jamieson—Goulmima/Meknes 85-86 taught ESL for 11 years at the middle

school level until the birth of his daughter Samantha. He is now a stay-at-home dad. Contact Peter at 805-493-0991 or <[email protected]>.

John Hofer (Morocco XII) recently received his third patent, which was for an aiming device for barcode scanners. John is currently Director of Marketing for RAF Technology in Redmond, WA. The company publishes software to read addresses for high speed mail sorting and offers software to authenticate people's identity. John is responsible for defining new products, launching and promoting them. He lives in Eugene, OR with his wife, Laura, who works for Holt International Children's Services, and his daughter Stephanie. Contact John at <[email protected]>. Susan Farrall—Marrakech 82-84 lives in Atlanta, GA and can be contacted at <[email protected]>. Mark Smith and Susan Reep—Oujda 71-73 live in Bakersfield, CA where Mark is a housing planner for the Country of Kern and Susan is a junior high school teacher. Contact Mark and Susan at <marksmith @bak.rr.com>.

Penny Robiner—Rabat 75-77 writes: “I worked as a public librarian, a business and a special libarian. After my children were born, I stopped working outsidehome. I have been involved as a volunteer with cultural arts programs.” Contact Penny at <[email protected]>. Colleen Fannin Arnold—Rotary Fellow 87-88 lives in Virginia Beach, VA. Contact Colleen at <[email protected]>. Lesta Chandler—Beni Mellal/Skouria 84-86 is an investigator with the US Department of Labor. Lesta lives in Cincinnati and can be contacted at <[email protected]>. Henry and Elizabeth Reynolds—Oujda/Settat 63-65 write: “We met in training and asked to be assigned together. We were married 2 months after coming home, moved to Chapel Hill, NC where Henry got a Ph.D. in political science. We then moved to the University of Delaware were we have been ever since. We have two children: a son (32) and a daughter (30). Henry is about to retire from active teaching (May ’02) and in October ‘03, Elizabeth will finish a 28-year stint as an editor at the UD Press and coordinator in the Honors Program.” Contact the Reynolds at <[email protected]>. Ronald M. Cardoos—Rabat 70-72 writes: “(for) the last 25 years, I have been involved in the specialty food industry. Currently, I am the president of a sales and marketing firm, selling and promoting olives, olive oils, vinegars and other food stuff. I am marr ied wi th three daughters (25,23,21) and live 30 miles south of Boston. I send a big ‘ahlan’ to all the 50 year-olds who slept in our apartment in Rabat 30 years ago!” Contact ron at <[email protected]>. Dianne Fallon—Safi/Rabat 87-90 is a professor/administrator at York County (Maine) Technical College. Contact Dianne at <[email protected]>.

Debra Snell– Azrou 78-80 is an ESL lecturer at Georgia State University.


Friends of Morocco

RPCV Morocco web sites and list servs In addition to the Friends of Morocco web site, a number of other web sites and list serves are being developed for subsets of the Friends of Morocco community. Below is an attempt to list some of the major (and more vibrant) ones. Omissions can be sent to <[email protected]>. Other year of service, stage groups or geographic area groups might be appropriate. Friends of Morocco can assist with the initial invitation list. “The 153 Club”, named for the old Michelin 153 map of NW Africa. “The Club was founded in August 1978 when several like minded travellers got together for a social evening. Our aim is to maintain a membership of 153 people and at present we have a few vacancies. The only criterion for Club membership is to have worked or travelled within the confines of the old Michelin map 153 (now sadly 953), principally covering the Sahara and adjoining countries.” Go to www.manntaylor.com/153.html for more information. www.livingmorocco.com: “Living Morocco specializes in exploring the unspoiled regions of Morocco, particularly the South, way off the beaten path. We reach for solitude in the wilderness, the insider's track in the city. You'll never see tourist buses where we go. On our own many R & D missions, we have made good friends with townsfolk as well as Berber peasants, connections with local guides, artisans, and shopkeepers we trust, and ferreted out the best gems to stay, eat, shop, and visit. We want to share our secrets with a small number of travelers who love exploring the way we do, but don't have the time nor experience to plan such a once-in-a-lifetime trip. “

Contact Debra at <[email protected]>.

Jon Chrysler—Rabat/Souk al Araba 71-74 writes, “I recently moved to rural northeastern Washington State for a change and to build a log home. I am doing much of the work myself and have the walls up. They are resting for the snowy winter (it is dangerous working on icy logs 30 feet above the basement floor). I am supporting my fun by working for the County C o mm i ss i on er s as Ec on o m i c Development Specialist for Ferry County. Concerning my job? Ask again in a couple of years, but currently I am writing grant applications to fund mostly rural infrastructure projects (water system improvements, health care centers, etc.).” Contact Jon at <[email protected]>.

Dave McKenna—Marrakesh 82-84 is a judge with the Hillsboro (Ohio) Municipal Court.

Timothy Lehman—Imi-n-Tanoute 81-83 writes, “After departing North Africa in June 1983, I took a restful vacation in Europe for a month. I then flew home to find a job that paid the rent. A branch of the Department of Defense was pleased with my resume and I was hired shortly thereafter. I have lived in various states. I have visted singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Borneo and the Philippines. I was in Bosnia-Herzegovina from March 1997 to August 1997, and Kosovo from July 1999 to December 1999. I did received a few medals for my performances in Bosnia and Kosovo. Presently, I am still employed and attempting to behave myself. I am not as fast as I once was, now at the age of 49.”

Eden Perry—Foum Zgued 96-98 lives in New York City and sends the following: “I worked at Clearpoil, Inc. for inner city education. Then I went to Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs and received my Master’s in international affairs. I am currently at Standard & Poor’s in New York City,

working in public finance as a rating analyst for US credits.” Contact Eden at <[email protected]>.

Fred White—Rabat/Sale 70-72 is a PR manager at National Starch and Chemical Company. Fred lives in Piscataway, NJ and can be contact ed at <[email protected]>.

Frederica Sawyer—Errachidia 89-91 is an independent consultant in New York City.

Susan Dresner is the founder of “Living Morocco”, a small group travel company. Contact Susan at <[email protected]>.

In memorium: John Guevin--Safi/Rabat 76-79 died in December 2001 after a long battle with bladder cancer. Our condolences to John’s family.

World Sacred Music 2002 to be Held in Fes

Friends of Morocco

From May 31 to June 8 of this year, the World Sacred Music Festival will be underway in Fes, Morocco. In its 8th year, this festival will again f o r m a l l y a s s e m b l e s i x t e e n international performers from Ireland, U.S.A., Sweden, Portugal, France, Lebanon, Syria, Bulgaria and Morocco f o r a w e e k ’ s f e s t i v i t i e s o f entertainment and cultural exchange. There’s no way to enumerate the off-site and impromptu gatherings that inevitably characterize the ambiance of the festival. It’s an unequalled opportunity for international cultural exhange in the amazingly inviting culture of Morocco.

Although individual events vary, the festival itself is attended by 20,000-30,000 people each year, largely European tourists. Fes’ central location makes it an attractive locale for not only great music and culture, but an irresistible multitude of

peripheral day-trip destinations as well as the sights and scenes of Fes itself. Remember the medina in Fes—the spice quarter, the dyer’s quarter… winding cobbled streets with sights, sounds, and smells of bygone centuries suspended in time….

This year’s American performers include America’s Barbara Hendricks’ soulful

renditions and gospel’s McCullough Sons of Thunder. With afternoon and evening events daily, this year’s festival also features Anuna, the beautiful a capella Irish ensemble as well as a Tchechenian women’s ensemble, who will join acts representing ancient and modern spiritual traditions from South Africa, Afghanistan, Baghdad, ,Turkey, and Jewish Morocco.

Fes Saiss, the festival organizers, consider it their mission to assemble and recognize diverse cultures and traditions in the context of interfaith dialogue and spiritual tolerance as a pathway to balance economic and technological globalization. This year’s event will also feature an International Colloquium: “The World in Search for Wisdom”. Events will include open lectures and roundtable discussions with spiritual and academic leaders, as well as exhibitions and fi lms concerning peace initiatives in our modern international context.

This year’s World Sacred Music Festival could be the event that brings you back to open the doors of culture through music in a world of hope and cooperation in Morocco. Please visit o u r w e b s i t e a t : w w w .worldsacredmusicfestival.org for more information.

Long-held Moroccan POWs Set Free ALGIERS -- A group of 115 Moroccan soldiers, among the longest-held prisoners of war in the world, walked free after a quarter-century in detention when they were released by the Algerian-backed Polisario Front.

Mohamed Cherif, an army captain who was the first man captured by the Polisario when it began seeking independence from Morocco for the Western Sahara territory, was among those handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

"It was a humanitarian tragedy which went on too long," Cherif, 76, said of the imprisonment.

The Moroccans were handed over in Tindouf in southwestern Algeria, where the Polisario has its headquarters. The group has freed 900 Moroccans since 1997. The Moroccans released yesterday were later flown home to be reunited with loved ones, the official

Algerian news agency APS reported.

The release coincided with the start of a two-day meeting of foreign ministers from the Maghreb Arab Union, which is made up of Algeria, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco and Tunisia.

A Polisario official, Mohamed Haddad, urged Morocco to respond to the group's release of the POWs by freeing Polisario fighters held in Moroccan jails. Moroccan officials say they freed the last of the Western Saharan prisoners in November.

A 10-year-old U.N.-brokered plan to allow people in the Western Sahara to choose independence or integration with Morocco reached a deadlock when the two sides failed to agree on who should vote.

Morocco claims and controls most of the Western Sahara, a sparsely populated area that has a 945-mile Atlantic

coastline with accompanying fishing rights, and a wealth of phosphates and other minerals.

Reuters

Membership Renewal/Application PLEASE NOTE: Prior to filling out this application, consider making a few copies to pass on to others. While many of our members are former Peace Corps Morocco volunteers, membership is open to anyone interested in the people, culture and development of Morocco. DIRECTORY INFORMATION Name: __________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________________________________ City: ______________________________________ State: _________________ Zip: ________________________ Home phone: __________________________ Fax:________________________ Email: _____________________ Current occupation: _______________________________________________________________________________ Employer/school: _________________________________________________________________________________ Experience in Morocco: (RPCVs and PC staffers list Peace Corps jobs. Academics: list field and research topics. Moroccans: list profession or field of study) ________________________________________________________________________________________________ Years in Morocco: _________ to _________ Site/hometown: __________________________________________ I give permission to FOM to print the above information in the FOM newsletter: ________ Yes ________ No Areas of interest: Check potential FOM activities in which you would be interested: _____ newsletter _____ local FOM chapter _____ speakers’ bureau _____ trips to Morocco _____ recruiting PCVs _____ putting RPCVs/Moroccans in touch _____ hospitality _____ reunion/gatherings _____ career/readjustment services _____ fund raising _____ development education _____ FOM officer position Other ________________________ We need your support for the Friends of Morocco Newsletter and other FOM activities. Membership categories appear below. Joint membership includes membership in FOM and the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA). NPCA members also receive the award-winning magazine World View, and the newsletter 3/1/61. NPCA and FOM dues and contributions are tax-deductible. JOINT MEMBERSHIP IN FRIENDS OF MOROCCO AND NATIONAL PEACE CORPS ASSOCIATION Individual _____ $40.00 Multiple (two people, one address) _____ $55.00 MEMBERSHIP IN FRIENDS OF MOROCCO ONLY Individual _____ $15.00 Multiple (two people, one address) _____ $20.00 Additional contribution to Friends of Morocco (tax-deductible) $ _______ (shukron!) TOTAL AMOUNT ENCLOSED (make check payable to Friends of Morocco) $ ________

P.O. Box 2579, Washington, DC 20013-2579

Friends of Morocco

Spring 02

We like to keep an update on our members. Please answer the following questions: 1. Briefly, what have you done since leaving Peace Corps? What are you doing now? 2. What projects or programs would you like to FOM involved in (either in the US or Morocco)? Can you help? 3. Which news features would or do you like in the FOM newsletter? The information collected on this form will be used by FOM and will be made available only to those organization whose purposes are consistent with the aims of FOM. It will not be sold or traded for commercial purposes. The information may be used in the FOM Directory unless you request otherwise.

Friends of Morocco

P.O. Box 2579, Washington, DC 20013-2579

Friends of Morocco

Fez, Morocco. The book can be purchased via the Friends of Morocco web site at http://home.att.net/~morocco/Food/cookbooks.htm

The opening chapter describes the basic ingredients and methods, and the recipes that follow cover everything from soups to meat, breads to fish, and desserts to drinks. Recipes include a salad of pomegranate seeds with walnuts, served on the second evening of Rosh Hashanah to symbolize fertility and abundance, fresh fava bean soup with cilantro for Passover, chicken couscous with orange blossom water for Yom Kippur, and honey doughnuts for Hanukkah, and couscous with onion and raisin comfit, prepared for the feast of La Mimouna, when families opened their doors to welcome Jewish and Muslim friends alike. All illuminating the connection among food, family, and tradition. Interspersed throughout are letters from mothers to their daughters recounting special events and personal reminiscences of Moroccan Sephardic life in communities and in kitchens. These additions to the recipes provide charming pictures of a lifestyle and culture, and make this volume an

educational read

Kitty Morse was born in Casablanca and immigrated with her family to the United States in 1964. She is the author of eight cookbooks, four of them on the subjects of Moroccan and North African cuisine. In addition to conducting cooking classes throughout the States, Kitty organizes an annual gastronomic tour of Morocco. She now lives in Vista, California. Danielle Afalalo Mamane is a native and current resident with her husband, Jacques, of Fez. Her ancestors settled in Fez following their expulsion from Spain at the time of the inquisition. When she is not in her exclusive boutique at the legendary Palais Jamai Hotel, Danielle can be found in her kitchen, preparing delicious Sephardic meals.

In the 15th century, the Spanish Inquisition forced many Sephardim Jews to immigrate. Many settled in North Africa, especially Morocco creating districts called mellahs within cities such as Azemmour, Fez, Marrakesh, El Jadida, Essouira, Sale, Tangier and Tetuoun. Others joined prev iously establ ished Jewish communities in the Atlas Mountains. The cuisine that resulted follows the traditions and biblical prohibitions of the Sephardim, and combined the foods then available in Morocco with ingredients and culinary refinements brought from Spain. Thanks to the Jews of Spain and Portugal, ingredients such as tomatoes, potatoes and chili peppers and spices such as saffron, cinnamon, nutmeg and mace entered the Moroccan cuisine. Today, however, primarily because of immigration and the demands of modern life, the Sephardic tradition in Morocco is disappearing. Barely a dozen families remain in Fez’s once thriving Jewish community. The cuisine has, however, been captured for American kitchens by FOM member Kitty Morse and Danielle Mamane of

Book review: The Scent of Orange Blossoms: Sephardic Cuisine in Morocco

Marathon des Sables— April 7-13, 2002 “The Race Across the Sahara” (from the marathon w e b s i t e : w w w .sandmarathon.com) An expe d i t i on classic - the Marathon des

Sables ("Marathon of the Sands") - is known as the Toughest Footrace on Earth. Six-hundred competitors from about 30 countries on six continents take part in this annual event now in its 17th year. Men and women will traverse nearly 150 miles across the Sahara Desert of Morocco over seven days while carrying all their food and gear. Only a ration of nine liters of water and an open-sided Berber tent are provided daily to competitors. The Marathon des Sables was founded in 1986 by Frenchman, Patrick Bauer, a former concert

promoter from just outside of Paris, France. Two years earlier, Patrick had taken an epic walkabout across more than two-hundred miles of the Algerian Sahara Desert. After only nine miles, Patrick had to rest due to exhaustion, yet acutely aware that he had more than two-hundred miles left of his journey. As he rested in the heat of the night in the vast Sahara, Patrick saw a shooting star that transported him into a dream world; the magic of the moment enlightened him and gave him the courage to continue on. At the conclusion of the expedition, Patrick felt a sense of sadness and frustration that the expedition was at its end. At that moment, he then decided that he wanted to share the experience with others and the next year, Patrick launched the inaugural Marathon des

Sables. With only 23 competitors at its inception, the Marathon des Sables now attracts 700 athletes from more than thirty countries on six continents annually.

Three MdS runners continue on during the night on the 50-mile stage. Photo co ur tesy o f Marathon des Sables

Friends of Morocco

By Tom O’Brien—Missour 86-89

I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Missour in the TEFL program from 1986 to 1 9 8 9 . I n S e p t e m b e r 1995, after

completing a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning, I returned to Morocco as a Fulbright Scholar. The aim of my six-month research was to build upon an architectural and urban design study begun in the spring of 1995 by the Aga Khan Program for I s l a m i c A r c h i t e c t u r e a t t h e Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). This study sought to develop a reconstruction plan for the Essaouira medina, in particular the mellah. I was interested in determining how plans for its reconstruction might consider the importance of traditional urban form to the life of the city's inhabitants. I also wanted to obtain responses to initial reconstruction plans from City residents, addressing such issues as the appropriateness of designs for the region's climate and the needs of the resident work force. There are social factors at work that contribute to the breakdown of the traditional urban form. Particularly in the case of rapidly increasing rural-urban migration, houses with single owners have been abandoned to multiple renters or squatters. Former owners have left, resulting in an ever increasing segregation of social c lasses in the medina, the disorganization of locally based organisms and associations, and their replacement with often ineffective city administration. Medina culture is changing and with it, the importance of local heritage to residents. Rural migrants may not place a premium on historic preservation of old medina homes in which they relocate. On the contrary, some migrants may seek to make their new urban environment an extension of life as it was in the douar and transform their living environment

Urban Development In Essaouria accordingly. Policy makers need to look at reconstruction in terms of its usefulness to the residents. Time, however, is of the essence: • Medinas now have more than 5% of

the total urban population in the country.

• Despite an unofficial housing need of some 3 million units nationwide, units remain vacant because they do not meet the needs, including locational requirements, of the housing poor.

• A c c o r d i n g t o t h e A t l a s Demographique Maroc (1990), 13.9 % of all households in urban areas are "insalubre"; this equates to 222 thousand households.

• Landlords face serious difficulties in trying to evict renters who cannot or will not pay rents, so many adopt a "foreigner-only" policy.

• Developers are often required to finance purchases because banks will not lend to middle and lower income groups.

Essaouira faces problems similar to those of Morocco's large cities. 20% of the city's 56,070 residents are unemployed (1994 census) and 34% of occupied medina homes are in a state of degradation (1431 housing units). Nine of every ten homes in the city that are uninhabitable are in the medina; yet, despite overcrowding, 20% of homes in Essaouira remain empty, including 17.3% of medina homes. There is clearly a mismatch between supply and demand. Part of the attraction of Essaouira as a project site was the amount of activity taking place in the development arena. Apart from the attention drawn by the recently completed city plan, two projects in particular have focused the energies of urbanists at the local, national and international levels. The first project is the aforementioned study currently being conducted by the Aga Khan Program for Islamic Architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. The second project is Localising Agenda 21, a project of the municipality, the United Nations (Habitat) and the C o o p e r a t i o n B e l g e p o u r l e Developpement. This project seeks to support the development of locally based

professionals to direct environmental and planning efforts. Financed by the Belgian government for a three-year period, the goals of the project are to ident i fy a global v is ion for development, clarify an approach for structural strategic planning, and create a consensus surrounding priority actions for Essaouira. The search for solutions to the "medina problem" has always begun by identifying the similarities between the great cities of the Arabo-Islamic world. However, where differences in historical development patterns exist

(not to mention current development patterns), the likely success of these solutions is debatable. Furthermore, cities should also not assume that international financing will be available. The case of Fes is clear. Despite being named one of UNESCO's 81 World Heritage Sites, a 10-year campaign begun in 1980 to protect the old city could only raise a small amount of the $540 million needed. The case of Essaouira provides us with some interesting examples of the complexity of the development "need" in Morocco. More than providing answers however, they raise


Essaouira (photo by Tom O’Brien)

Friends of Morocco

I NDI A NAPO L I S - T h i s s pr i n g t he Indianapolis Museum of Art will present The Fabric of Moroccan Life, an exhibition showcasing 150 rare embroideries, hangings and rugs drawn from the Museum's renowned textile collection. On view from March 24 through June 23, 2002, The Fabric of Moroccan Life includes woven masterworks that reflect the broad range of traditions and cultural influences active in Morocco during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries. The majority of these brightly colored pieces, featuring lively geometric and floral designs, have never before been on public display. The Fabric of Moroccan Life explores the artistic importance of these superb weavings as well as their central role in Moroccan culture. Part of an oral and creative tradition passed down through generations, the hand-woven works reflect the diversity of this African nation's landscape, culture and society. To enrich this evocative picture of Moroccan life, the exhibition will also feature striking pieces of Moroccan jewelry and costumes from the same periods. The Fabric of Moroccan Life is under the High Patronage of His Majesty Mohammed VI, King of Morocco and will travel to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., June 15-August 30, 2003. The Fabric of Moroccan Life will be divided into two sections, with the first featuring urban embroideries and the second exploring the weavings of the indigenous people of Morocco, the Berbers.

Moroccan Textile Exhibit at Indianapolis Museum of Art For centuries, the cities of Morocco, Fez, Rabat, Meknes, Azemmour, Tetouan, Chechaouen and Salé, have been melting pots of cultures from Europe to the Middle East, each with distinct artistic techniques and traditions. Highlights of the textiles in this first section include several striking embroideries from Azemmour, which were used to decorate mattress covers, curtains and cushions. The Italian and Spanish influence in these pieces demonstrates the exchange of design motifs that occurred in the Mediterranean during the Renaissance. Also on view are intricately woven belts from the imperial city of Fez that were worn by women of royalty and donned for weddings and special occasions by the wealthy merchant class. The geometric interlacing in these decorative garments is a feature of Islamic design often seen on tiles and architectural decorations. One of the most important pieces in the exhibition-and in the IMA's entire textile collection-is an immense velvet and gold embroidered wall hanging from Fez, measuring 167 x 66 inches. Pieces such as this were owned by the wealthiest of families. The architectural elements in the design were used to create a special setting for marriage celebrations. Embroidered with costly gold threads, this seven-panel wall hanging is an example of the most prestigious of this type of cloth. The second section of The Fabric of Moroccan Life will explore weavings of the nomadic Berber peoples of the Atlas Mountains. Encompassing many different groups, the indigenous Berber population created weavings in rich and

varied styles for a wide range of uses. A Berber tent-adorned with rugs and other weavings, and a loom-will be installed inside the exhibition gallery to provide visual context for the many ways the Berber people used these elaborate creations in their daily lives. The Berber weavings include examples of vibrantly colored floor rugs, saddle bags, tent hangings and women's shawls. Distinct in design, with stripes and narrow bands filled with complex arrangements of triangles, diamonds, chevrons and zigzags, the patterns of these weavings symbolically represent the beliefs and identity of the Berber people. For Berber women, certain designs are believed to ensure fertility and to possess mystical or protective powers. One of the finest examples of Berber weavings in the exhibition is a ceremonial sequined blanket. Sequins are prized in Moroccan tradition for their reflective quality-symbolic in a nomadic lifestyle permeated with the glow of fire by night and bright sunlight by day. Given the fragile nature of these sequined blankets, it is rare for one to survive in such an excellent state of preservation. Admission: The suggested donation for the exhibition is $5 for adults, $4 for students and seniors. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Admission to the permanent collection and Museum grounds is free.

(Continued from page 1) Two big events but there will other opportunities for you to forward the objectives of Friends of Morocco. Discussed elsewhere in the Newsletter is the Indianapolis Museum of Art presentation of “The Fabric of Moroccan Life”, an exhibition showcasing 150 rare embroideries, hangings and rugs drawn from the Museum's renowned textile collection; the Marathon des Sables and the Fez

Festival of Sacred Music. Friends of Morocco can help you locate returned PCVs from Morocco in your area or provide a start for a year of service reunion. You can track down at your local university Moroccan students. You can offer a Moroccan feast for the next auction of your favorite charity. You can provide content for the web site. You can host film nights showing films set in Morocco such as Morocco, Casablanca, The Wind and the Lion, Sheltering Sky,

Ishtar, the Road to Morocco and Hideous Kinky.

more than $200 million over the next two years to fight the disease, the initiative said Tuesday. Trachoma, caused by infection with the germ Chlamydia trachtomatis, is a severe form of conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye. Infections usually begin in childhood, but do not cause blindness until later in life, as repeated untreated bouts cause scarring and shrinking of the inside of the upper eyelid.

Friends of Morocco

By NICOLAS MARMIE, Associated Press Writer

RABAT, Morocco (AP) - A prince who is second in line to the Moroccan throne packed up his family and moved to the United States on Wednesday, saying he needed to put an end to “an unhealthy tension'' in the royal family.

Prince Moulay Hicham, 37, a first cousin of King Mohammed VI, told The Associated Press he was relocating to New Jersey with his wife and two young daughters for an “indefinite duration.'' He said he planned to live close to New York City, but declined to say where.

Educated at Stanford and Princeton universities and known for his progressive, left-leaning political ideas, the prince said he has faced harassment by Moroccan police and described his departure as a cooling-

off period.

”It is not an exile,'' he said Tuesday in a suburb of the capital, Rabat. “I am leaving in the spirit of responsibility, to recharge my batteries.”

Hicham's troubles at home began last year. After a trip to Paris in May, the prince wrote a front-page article for the French daily Le Monde stating that the ing had too much power and urged a public debate in Morocco on the role of the monarch.

The Moroccan press nicknamed him “the red prince'' for his political leanings. He told the AP that “officials of the Moroccan security machine'' began tracking him and tried to silence his calls for political reforms.

Hicham is second in line to the throne after Prince Moulay Rachid, the king's younger brother.

Prince Hicham, a nephew of former King Hassan II, is widely considered to have had aspirations to the throne when Hassan died in 1999 and the title was passed to his son, Mohammed VI. The current issue of Jeune Afrique magazine features Hicham in a front-page story entitled, “The Man Who Wants to Be King.”

Speaking about his relationship with King Mohammed VI, Hicham said: “I remain very respectful and attached to him personally and to the whole royal family, which must stay unified to maintain their role as a model (to society).”

Asked if he planned to return to Morocco to attend the spring wedding of the young king, Hicham said: “If I am invited, I will go with the greatest pleasure.''

Moroccan Prince Moves to the U.S.

Trachoma Cases Drop in Morocco By JONATHAN EWING - The Associated Press UNITED NATIONS (AP) - Trachoma-related blindness has been nearly eliminated in one North African nation, according to an international fund that also announced plans to expand its program. The International Trachoma Initiative predicted Tuesday that trachoma-related blindness, a risk to 1.5 million people in Morocco just five years ago, will be eliminated in the country by 2005. “Its quite gratifying because this is a disease that took several decades for the United States to control at the beginning of the 20th century,'' said Jeffrey Mecaskey, program director. Findings from the project were presented at the United Nations, which through the World Health Organization, hopes to eliminate by 2020 what it calls the world's leading preventable cause of blindness.

Nearly 6 million people - 75 percent of whom are women - are either blind or near-blind because of trachoma, according to the World Health Organization. Another 150 million people have trachoma, WHO estimates. The ITI initiative was established in 1998 through a publ ic-pr ivate partnership between the New York City-ba sed Edna Mc Co nne l l C la r k Foundation and drug giant Pfizer Inc., which donated its oral antibiotic Zithromax, an expensive antibiotic so powerful that patients need just one dose a year. Since the program became active in Morocco, trachoma cases have dropped from 28 percent to 6.5 percent among the 1.5 million people in the program area. ITI is fighting the disease in five other countries - Ghana, Mali, Tanzania, Sudan and Vietnam. It plans to soon begin projects in three more - Ethiopia, Nepal and Niger. Pfizer has promised

Friends of Morocco

(Continued from page 10) further questions. For example, already-implemented surveys indicate that two-thirds of the city's single-person households are in the medina. This gives added dimension to the issue of density, but does it mean that replacement housing should also include developments with smaller units? We are also aware that many of Essaouira Province's rural migrants ultimately leave the city of Essaouira. In the 1980’s, 16.2% left for Casablanca and 52.4% left for another destination. Essaouira is therefore not the top dest ination. I t is c lear that understanding, as much as possible, future migration patterns will be critical to determining housing need in the city. There are social factors at work that contribute to the breakdown of the traditional urban form. Particularly in the case of rapidly increasing rural-urban migration, houses with single owners have been abandoned to multiple renters or squatters. Former owners have left, resulting in an ever increasing segregation of social classes in the medina, the disorganization of l oca l l y based o rgan i sms an d associations, and their replacement w i t h o f t e n i n e f f e c t i v e c i t y administration. much as possible, future migration patterns will be critical to determining housing need in the city. Local officials tend to assign low priority to assembling information of this sort. When it is obtained, it is usually in the form of a quantitative survey. However , to fac i l i tate development (as opposed to seeing results quickly) local governments must understand that information is a valuable currency. They also must understand that housing is a product and seek to know what the market for the product is. In this way, cities will understand their own strengths and weaknesses and create development plans that take into account these strengths and weaknesses. Obtaining this information is the next step. There are considerations about the way information is obtained. The community must understand the purpose of the assessment or study. They must also understand how they

might derive benefits from it. Residents must also be free to speak in a more open-ended format, allowing them to comment upon projects already implemented. For example a Fes study performed as part of that city’s redevelopment plan, showed that restoration projects did not match resident needs. The major concerns of residents were not preserving patrimony; they were under-employment, the presence of abandoned buildings, lack of public infrastructure, and the loss of a water network. Resident recommendations included requiring owners to make repairs. They also wanted to see a low-interest fund created that would allow residents to make repairs themselves. They also made practical suggestions like reopening guard posts or allowing private posts to be opened. Group interviews allow people a certain security, even the ability to offer contradictory statements that don't appear in face-to-face interviews or on questionnaires. Interviews with members of different generations are also important since the children of rural-urban migrants, born and raised in the city, may be more likely than their parents to take an interest in the preservation of urban patrimony. The methodology used to obtain information should include creative use of drawings to solicit the interest of participants. While my research addressed land use in the Moroccan medina, it has been my hope that it can contribute to the debate on urban development on a much larger level. The work suggests that part of the problem with medina projects is that they are viewed as just that--medina projects, and not as part of overall efforts aimed at improving life in the greater urban environment. As a result, conferences are held on "Medina Restorat ion, " "Preservation of Historic Monuments," and the like. Solutions are sought from the experiences of Sanaa or Cairo; when in fact the future of Essaouira or Fes is much more closely tied to economic development policies emanating from Rabat and industrial development trends starting in Casablanca. I believe that framing research projects in these terms and looking for solutions in the workings of the land market will bring new light to bear on project analysis. Since completing my Fulbright work, I

have returned to the University of Southern California, where I am completing doctoral level research. In the summer of 1999, a group of Master’s level students from the university returned with me to Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane to work with Moroccan counterparts on a study of redevelopment plans for the Fes medina. This resulted in a report and a video and will hopefully set the stage for future collaborative efforts. The issues remain relevant.

Essaouria (photo by Tom O’Brien)

Friends of Morocco

King Chairs Mohammed V Foundation Meeting Morocco's King Mohammed VI chaired Monday a meeting of the governing board of the Mohammed V Solidarity Foundation. The king also chaired the signing ceremony of a partnership convention between the Foundation and the ministry of Habous (endowments) and Islamic Affairs and the ministry of the Interior on the Ramadan operation and the modalities for its organization and financing, the Foundation said in a release. The convention seeks to supply meals to some 45,000 families in urban centers and foodstuff to 410,000 households in rural areas, the release said, adding that priority will be given to the least favored families, widows, handicapped and elderly. The king voiced satisfaction over the work accomplished by the F o u n d a t i o n a n d l a u d e d t h e involvement of citizens in the materialization of the Foundation's objectives through their contribution to the solidarity campaigns as well as the positive role played by partners who extended human and material backing for the realization of the foundation's programs. King Mohammed VI instructed the Foundation's governing board to double efforts to reinforce the programs set through allotting a budget worth 215 million dirhams for child protection, girls schooling, handicapped people integration and the promotion of the living standards of rural populations. The king stressed the need to carry on the holding of Ramadan operation and the welcome of Moroccan expatriates. At the end of the meeting, King Mohammed VI voiced the Foundation's pride over the adherence of Mohamed Sayed Tantaoui, Sheikh of Al-Azhar Asharif, as honorary member. Majority parties adopt 20% quota system for women in elections. Parties of the government majority announced plans to institute the minimum 20% quota system, as part of a set of measures meant to set in

place the appropriate mechanisms likely to ensure an effective representation of women in the coming elections. The parties, in a statement released on the occasion of the international women day (March 8), say their efforts are mobilized to this end after the government decided recently to allocate 30 parliamentary seats to women. In their statement, the parties also pledge to use all material and human means to guarantee a wide participation of women in elections. They deemed that the poll should improve the situation of women mainly by breaking with past traditions which excluded women from elected bodies and denied them their political and constitutional rights. Morocco to Post 6.5 percent growth in 2002 Morocco said it will post an economic growth rate of 6.5 percent of the GDP in 2002 thanks to the positive performance of several sectors of economic activity. Tourism is one of the sectors that recorded a strong recovery in 2001 despite the adverse effects of the terror attacks perpetrated last September 11 against the USA. Tourism receipts reached 27.8 billion Dirhams (nearly US$ 2.41 billion) in 2001, a record amount that is 28.3 percent higher compared to 2000, Moroccan minister of economy, finance, tourism and privatization, Fathallah Oualalou, said at a press conference in Rabat Monday. "Morocco posted a good receipt of hard currency despite the adverse effects of the September 11 events," he said. The remittances of Moroccan expatriates also jumped by 57.5 percent in 2001 to stand at 36.2 billion dirhams, nearly US$3.14 billion, he said. Morocco to take tips from Wales Wales is set to become a role model for the Moroccan tourism industry - no, seriously. At first thoughts, Wales and Morocco do not appear to have much in common. After all, the North African country certainly enjoys a bit more sunshine. But Moroccan tourism leaders want to learn all about how Wales markets its attractions so a delegation from the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism is

paying a visit next week. The trip has been organised by the British Council to enable the Moroccans to study the Welsh success in attracting tourists to the regions. For although tourism is big business in Morocco, it is centred in hotspots such as Casablanca and Marrakech. The Moroccan government is keen to expand the trade into areas of the country that remain largely ignored. Their delegation is particularly interested in the Welsh experience of in terpret ing rura l t rades fo r international visitors and on Tuesday will be visiting the Wales Tourist Board's cultural tourism unit as well as the Museum of Welsh Life at St Fagans. They will tour Cardiff Bay and go to the Museum of the Welsh Woollen Industry in Camarthenshire. A Wales Tourist Board spokes-woman said, "Wales and Morocco may not have much in common as far as topography is concerned, but we are certainly looking forward to sharing and exchanging knowledge and experience of tourism development." Tiffany & Co. opens franchise in Casablanca Tiffany & Co. has opened a $2-million franchise in Casablanca. The Casablanca franchise is Tiffany's first in North Africa and fourth in the Arab world after those of the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. Other Boutiques will be opened in Rabat and Marrakesh. Non-schooled children get 2nd chance The Moroccan education ministry launched this month registration for non-schooled children or those who interrupted their education. Children, aged between 9 and 11, will be given a second chance to study as the ministry says it has made all arrangements to receive some 130,000 children from cities and rural areas this year. The ministry says the move is part of efforts to generalize schooling.

News From Morocco

Friends of Morocco

Our Man in Morocco The following is the latest dispatch from Kimeo Carr, a newly-sworn in Morocco PCV Sent: Tuesday, December 04, 2001 4:04 PM Dar is the Moroccan Arabic word for house...and I just got mine as of last week. It is beautiful. Not too big and very secure. Last Friday was the big shopping day. My host mother Amina and host father Mohammed rented a truck for us to drive to Fes to purchase some items...like the all too important BED. Anyway they just told me that they got a truck. By the way the word for truck in Moroccan Arabic is Camion. People get a kick out of the fact that my name sounds similar. What they didn't tell me was that this truck is used to transport chickens. So there I was riding in the flat bed of the truck. On a sunny day. My

host mom offered me the seat inside, but I declined. I am a gentleman. Anyway I got personal with all the chicken poop in the back. Fresh, I might add too. Lucky for me everything that I purchased was covered or either bagged so none of the mess got personal with my new items. All in all it was a very productive day. Saturday was spent cleaning and waiting for the electricity guy to come by and turn on the power. I also retrieved several items that the former volunteer left for me. Shukran Bzeff,Martine....(Thanks a lot.) I intend on leaving additional items for anothervolunteer when finish my tour of duty. My first night in the dar was Saturday evening. I purchased an electric heater...took a bath...preheated my bedroom and went to sleep in a warm room for the first time since I have

arrived in this country. It was such a great feeling! As i de f r om the hous ing business...I met with another cooperative that will be moving into the Artisanal sometime after Ramadan, which, by the way ends in about ten days. Hmduallah! (Thank God!) My Christmas plans to host at my brand new dar still stand barring my dental problems. I will keep everyone in the loop as to my final decision. So right now hang tight. I will send out something around next week. Hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. It is still sunny here during the day, but cold as a witch’s...you know the rest...at night. Take Care Kimeo

King reaffirms Moroccan sovereignty in Western Sahara By Ali Bouzerda RABAT, March 6 (Reuters) - Morocco's King Mohammed, visiting the Western Sahara, declared on Wednesday that Rabat would not give up "a single inch" of the disputed territory and accused neighbouring Algeria of "expansionist" aims. The Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the former Spanish colony, described the king's 48-hour trip to the territory as provocative and called on the United Nations to halt what i t cal led a "dangerous escalation." The king's visit came two weeks after the U.N. published a report proposing partition of the territory as one of four options to solve the 26-year dispute pitting Morocco against the Algerian-backed Polisario. Morocco has rejected the proposal. In a reference to Algeria, the king said in a televised speech from Laayoune, Western Sahara's main city: "Our meeting here today is taking place at a time when the declared adversary of our territorial integrity has

shown intentions of expansionism and hegemony." Morocco has controlled the region since Spain pulled out in 1976, despite opposition from the Polisario which fought a sporadic guerrilla war for the phosphate-rich territory for 15 years until 1991. Last week, Morocco's government publicly accused Algiers of backing the partition of Western Sahara and said such a move could destabilise the region and lead to a new African conflict. "We...categorically reject any project aiming to harm the territorial integrity of Morocco and sovereignty over its southern provinces (Western Sahara)," said the king, paying his third visit to the territory in four months. "Morocco will not abandon a single inch of its southern provinces." Mohammed said that when Rabat agreed last year to negotiate a solution to the dispute, it was under a U.N. peace plan providing for Morocco's sovereignty over the territory, not for its partition. Last year, U.N. special envoy and former U.S. secretary of state James Baker suggested that the territory be part of Morocco but with substantial autonomy, a

path welcomed by Rabat but strongly contested by Algeria and Polisario. "We remain attached to the U.N. plan," the king said on Wednesday, adding that it would avoid the "creation of artificial entities." WAR OF WORDS ONLY Reacting to the king's visit to Western Sahara, Polisario urged the U.N. Security Council to urgently intervene "to halt this dangerous escalation and avoid a conflagration in the region," Algeria's APS news agency reported. It quoted Mohamed Abdelaziz, president of the self-styled Saharan Arab Democratic Republic, as saying the monarch's trip to Western Sahara was "a provocat ive expedition." Western diplomats played down the war of words between Morocco and the Polisario. One diplomat called it "a storm in a tea cup" and said he saw no prospect of a return to armed conflict. The parties to the dispute had no interest in going back to war, the diplomat said.

Friends of Morocco

Moroccan Women Press For Change INTERVIEW February 18, 2002 Posted to the web February 18, 2002 Washington, DC Earlier this month, the Africa Center for Strategic Studies organised a Senior Leader Seminar which brought together military and civilian leaders from all over Africa to discuss issues related to security. Nouzha Skalli Bennis, member of the PPS, Morocco's former communist party, and municipal counsellor from Casablanca, r e p r e s e n t e d t h e D e m o c ra t i c Association of Moroccan Women at the conference. She spoke with allAfrica.com about her work. Excerpts of the conversation in English translation follow. Q: The conference came at a time when the 11 September attacks are still on everybody's mind. The Moroccan government, led by the Socialist Union of Popular Forces (USFP), initially showed a lot of interest in reforming the status of women but it seems to have backtracked in the face of opposition from the Islamists and other conservative forces in the country. Many people in Morocco, and elsewhere in the Muslim world, say gender equality is a Western value and consider the West as being anti-Islamic. Can you describe the effects of 11 September on your struggle for women's rights in Morocco? A: One effect of the 11 September attacks is that they drew attention to the situation of women in Afghanistan. Before that date, apart from observers of Afghan issues, very few people knew anything about the fate of women there. As Morocco's King Mohammed said, they were prisoners inside the garb they wear. Of course, we can also see 11 September as a response to frustrations caused by unbalanced US policies in the Middle East. Equality of the sexes is not a Western monopoly. On the contrary, if we dig deep into our cultural sources, we will find that the "feminist" movement, which contested the situation of women and aspired to equality, existed at the time of the Prophet Mohammed.

The Koran itself used the words "believers" and "Muslims" in the feminine as well as the masculine in response to contesting women who went to the Prophet and expressed their grievances as women. Those who currently say that equality of the sexes is a Western concept are looking for a pretext to discard women's demands and delay dealing with them indefinitely. Moroccan women's grievances go back a long time but they have become more obvious now. Q: Do you think the majority of men, or even women, in Morocco support you? A: I don't think the majority of Moroccan men associate equality of the sexes with the West. I have never had the feeling that 11 September, for example, has provided the majority of Moroccan men with another pretext to shut us up. On the contrary, we feel there is some sort of sympathy today which did we did not sense before, although decision-makers lack political courage to speak out and say women's rights have to be recognized. There is a soft approach by decision-makers to a perceived resistance from ultra-conservative forces in society, as represented by the extremists who are "allergic" to anything that may constitute a project of change in women's situation in Morocco. Q: That may be so, but women's associations in Morocco are also accused of dodging issues thought to be too sensitive from a religious and political point of view. Take the issue of inheritance, for example. Islam stipulates that a man shall inherit twice as much as his sister does after their father's death. Womens association's may not be happy with that stipulation, but they are not saying it in public, are they? R: It's true the inheritance issue was not part of the government's action plan. There are no demands relating to it either in that plan or in the Spring of Equality platform, which we set up to coordinate among women's associations. Although the door of interpreting religious texts remains open and should not be closed, we do not pose the issue of inheritance because there many, many other things that need to be done for women without raising an issue like

that. On the other hand, we do raise the issue of common property acquired through years of marriage. We have many concrete examples of women who worked all their lives and acquired property jointly with their husbands, but when they divorced, they lost everything and found themselves homeless. In our society, women shy away from raising the issue of common property before the wedding takes place because, culturally, there is some sort of 'fusion' between the wife and her husband who, in the case of divorce, easily walks away with property he jointly owns with the wife. That is something we reject. It's a grave injustice which must be terminated. Q: That's the legal aspect of the situation. What about the political aspect? The government's plan to reform women's status was first mentioned almost two years ago but later, reports said, it was sort of shelved. Where does it stand now? R: The King set up a consultative commission with a task to revise the Moudawana or the Family Code. The process consisted of holding talks with all political parties and women's associations in order to hear their proposals and try to synthesise them. However, the consultations proved too broadbased and we felt they faced the risk of getting bogged down. Our reaction as women was to set up the Spring of Equality platform to unite all points of view. For us, the fact that the royal commission was set up does not mean we should stop struggling for our rights. Besides, when he met us on the occasion of setting up the commission, the King himself told us something to the extent that he counted on us to help him bring about change and overcome resistance to it from social forces opposed to women's equality. Q: One issue you seem strongly c o m m i t t e d t o i s w o m e n ' s representation in parliament and other state institutions. Explain why Moroccan women's associations are unhappy about that issue? R: We know that the situation of


Friends of Morocco

By Irwin Arieff UNITED NATIONS, Feb 27 (Reuters) - The U.N. Security Council is not ready to walk away from a seemingly endless dispute over whether Western Sahara should be free or a part of Morocco, U.N. special envoy James Baker said on Wednesday. The former U.S. secretary of state spoke with reporters after briefing the council behind closed doors on their options for resolving the future status of the phosphate-rich northwest African territory that may also have offshore oil. "There was a general consensus that the peacekeeping operation had done a good job of keeping the peace for an extended period of time," Baker said. Ending the mission was "not looked upon with particular favor by the council." The council's 15 member-nations unanimously approved a resolution giving themselves another two months, until April 30, to mull their remaining three options. These included: -- Dividing the territory, with one part

independent and the other belonging to Morocco, a choice strongly opposed by Morocco; -- Imposing terms for a long-sought independence referendum that has bogged down for more than a decade over questions of voter eligibility, an option long backed by the Polisario Front independence movement, and -- Formally making the territory part of Morocco although with substantial autonomy, a path favored by Rabat but hotly contested by the Polisario. FED UP Baker and U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan, in a toughly worded report submitted to the council last week, had tried to send a clear message that it was time to make tough decisions or withdraw from the dispute. "He's fed up," one diplomat who attended the closed-door briefing said of Baker, who has been the special envoy for Western Sahara since March 1997. But Baker himself made no response when asked if he was ready to give up searching for a solution. Debate over the sparsely populated

former Spanish colony has raged since Rabat took it over in 1976. The Polisario waged a sporadic guerrilla war against Morocco until a U.N.-brokered cease-fire took effect in 1991. The United Nations has been trying unsuccessfully since 1992 to organize a referendum on the territory's future. The dispute took on an added layer of complexity after Morocco in October authorized French oil giant TotalFinaElf and U.S.-based Kerr-McGee Corp., to explore for offshore oil there. An advisory opinion by U.N. legal counsel Hans Corell found Morocco had done nothing illegal in signing the contracts. But Corell said Rabat would violate international law if it let foreign firms produce and sell oil from Western Sahara without taking into account the interests of its people.

U.N. to stay involved in Western Sahara dispute -Baker

(Continued from page 16) women in Morocco is anachronistic when it comes to representation in decision-making bodies. This situation is in sharp contrast with the fact that women exercise various professions and enjoy a high level of competence that got them there in the first place. In all the presigious professions -- there are women doctors, paharmacists, teachers, lawyers, judges, pilots etc -- women are sometimes represented at more than 50%. But when it comes to decision-making positions, women are totally excluded. For example, in parliament, only 0,5% in the House of Representatives are women. Out of 325 seats, women occupy only two. In the Senate, again, out of 275 seats, only two are occupied by women. At the municipal level, only 0,34% of counsellors are women. In the government, there is only one woman who is minister delegate, which is not

even a fully-fledged portfolio. This at a time when world female parliamentary representation stands at 13,8%. In sub-saharan Africa, it's 12%, the Arab world 4,6%. Morocco is bottom of the list just before five countries which have zero woman-representation, namely Djibouti, the Comoro Islands, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia. Q: Why do you think Morocco is so lagging behind? R: There are several reasons. One of them is a certain feeling of selfishness which has kept doors closed to women. We had our first two parliamentarians ever in 1993. And instead of considering that beginning a base worth enlarging, people thought two were enough. In other words, women were politically prevented from progressing. However, the main reasons are cultural, economic and psychological. Women have not really felt they have a chance to reach decision-making spheres. They saw the

horizons were very narrow in this regard. Q: Elections, often described as crucial for the country's political and social future, will be held next September. Do you think that they will lead to a real change in women's situation? R: I have to say that there are some signs of change. First of all, King Mohammed VI has shown quite clearly he wants change by appointing women to some key positions. For the first time ever, a woman was appointed a royal advisor. That is not an insignificant development. Also, many political parties now have women in their political bureaux and central committees. Some parties which had only three or four women now have thirty or thirty five. That is a significant change. As for the forthcoming elections, I would say there won't be any real change unless certain


Friends of Morocco

By Peace Corps Morocco Director Programmatic Historical Perspective: Since 1963, over 4,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have worked in the Kingdom of Morocco in the fields of Education, Health, Environment, Small B u s i n e s s D e v e l o p m e n t a n d Agriculture. Volunteers come from all geographic areas of the US, represent var ious ethnic, re l ig ious and economics backgrounds and range in age from 22 to 78 years of age. Volunteers are currently working in the following sectors: Education: Teaching Education has traditionally been Peace Corps/Morocco's largest program. In response to a growing need for English teachers at the university level, in 1986 Peace Corps began placing Volunteers in universities where the shortage of instructors was most serious. In recent years, Morocco has trained its own instructors to fill these positions; hence, the English for Special Purposes program is ending in 2002. Education volunteers are now working in Community Youth Centers (Dar Chabab) throughout Morocco. These centers provide an opportunity for many community activities such as sports, World Maps, libraries, exercise classes, environmental projects, and women's development projects to take place. Information Resource Management The library resource management

project began in the fall of 1996. Volunteers have been working directly with a counterpart in University libraries to establish the infrastructure to support a program of cooperative collection of information. This program will end in 2002. Health/Sanitation Extension , Mother/Child Health: The Health and Sanitation Extension project began in 1988 in response to health problems posed by water-borne diseases and parasites. Volunteers work for the Ministry of Health on water-related sanitation issues and are placed in remote areas under-served by the public and private health sectors. The project has received strong support and cooperation from the Ministry of Health. Maternal and infant mortality has emerged as a recent priority in the field of health with an emphasis on enhancing primary health care as well as programs targeting infant mortality reduction, birth control, and improving nutrition for mothers and children. Volunteers in this program also within the Ministry of Health facilities throughout the country. Natural Resource Management and Environmental Education: In February 1985, PC/Morocco began a collaborative effort with the Department of Waters and Forests in four sites that were identified by the Government of Morocco for development as wildlife reserves. In 1992, the program was expanded to include an environmental education component. Currently,

Volunteers design environmental education programs, maintain conservation education centers in biological reserves, and broaden education and awareness in rural communities. Small Business Development: The Small Business Development project began in 1999. With the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Artisans as the GOM partner, Volunteers serve to advise and train small businesses in the artisan sector. Nineteen PCV are currently serving in artisan communities. Volunteers provide technical advice in marketing, accounting, basic finance, quality control, as well as assisting artisans to create feasibility studies and business plans. On October 23, 2001 71 Peace Corps Trainees are scheduled to swear-in as Volunteers in the Kingdom of Morocco. These Volunteers spent two weeks in Rabat living with host families and becoming oriented to Morocco’s language, culture and people. On September 1, the trainees travelled to four sites in country to begin Community-based training phase. They lived with host families in villages and towns and received technical and language training Currently there are 135 Volunteers serving in Morocco. Another group of trainees will arrive in February 2002.

Peace Corps Morocco Briefing Paper

Thank You! Merci! Many thanks to the people listed below who contributed to Friends of Morocco above and beyond their membership fees. Kristy Larson Colleen Fannin Arnold Sally Cameron David and Mary McCaa Mary C. Byers R. Kurt Shafer Peter Sis and Terry Lajtha Marty and Angela Rosenberg Gary Loff and Denise Curley Michael Smith and Diane Renfroe Robert and Barbara Zambrano Jeffrey England Samuel Werberg Stephen Hanchey Eden Perry Timothy Lehman David McKenna Debra Snell Dianne Fallon I. William Zartman Lesta Chandler Ronald Cardoos Henry and Elizabeth Reynolds Steven Clarke Dale and Christine Eickelman Joyce Bouvier

Friends of Morocco

You Know You have Readjusted When: • You've stopped carrying toilet paper with you wherever you

go. • You no longer eat all of the hors d'oeuvres at dinner

parties. • Some of your clothes don't have that genuine stone-

washed look. • People no longer avoid the dishes you bring to potluck

dinners. • You have a friend who was never in Peace Corps. • You occasionally stay in a hotel in a strange city. • You dream in English. • You use tissues to blow your nose. • You think twice before taking a 15-hour bus/taxi ride. • You're not afraid of swallowing water in the shower. • You use the phone instead of sending a telegram. • You stop boasting that you got a dial tone immediately. • You travel with baggage instead of cardboard boxes or

plastic bags. • You use a watch as you are no longer able to tell the time

by the sun. • Your meals no longer consist solely of vegetables. • You start to eat rice again. • You no longer stand in stores amazed at the quantity and

quality of goods. • You stop trying to pay with exact change. • Parasites (both yours and theirs) cease to be a topic of

conversation during meals.

• You motion someone towards you with fingers up instead of fingers down.

• You stop expecting a Customs inspector to check your baggage after a domestic flight.

• You throw out your plastic grocery bags. • Your underwear has holes only in the correct places. • When you hear rustling in the trees you expect to see

squirrels, not monkeys. • You have more than three changes of clothes. • If a fly lands in your drink you actually throw out the

whole thing. • When turning a corner while driving you know exactly

which side of the road you're supposed to be on. • Your Birkenstocks are no longer considered your "dress"

shoes. • When something breaks in your house you call a

repairman instead of breaking out the duct tape, crazy glue and Swiss Army knife.

• Rain is now a verb rather than a plural noun. • Your sandal lines have finally faded. • Your hand no longer twitches reflexively when you see a

white sports utility vehicle (baby-blue Jeep?) in the distance.

• You no longer respond to "Mzungu" (I believe that the word is "obrunie", "white person" in our world) as if its your given name.

(Continued from page 17) measures were deliberately taken to favor the election of women. What is at stake here is the whole issue of development in the country. A country that ignores the needs of its women is a country that also ignores the need of its children, because mothers are closer to children's needs obviously. In Morocco, women and children constitute 67% of the population. Q: Since you mentioned representation in Africa, cultural debate in Morocco over the past twenty five to thirty years has focused either on what is going on in Europe or the Middle East and, to a large extent, ignored what has been happening in sub-Saharan Africa. Should one read in that a willingness by Moroccans to ignore their strong African roots? A: Let us say that Morocco, in its recent history, unfortunately "missed" an opportunity, by withdrawing from the Organization of African Unity (OAU) [in protest at the admission of the Polisario Front]. That decision, although there were historical

reasons for it, deprived Morocco of a framework in which to express solidarity with Africa and to hold meetings, exchanges etc. That does not mean Morocco has severed all ties with sub-Saharan Africa. There are a lot of bilateral relations being developed, but there are also a lot of African regional forums in which Morocco is not present because of the fact it had withdrawn from the OAU. This is an issue that needs to be developed further. Morocco is a Muslim country that belongs to the Arab world and to the African world. There is a lot more to be gained from a multiple identity than from a single identity.

Friends of Morocco P.O. Box 2579 Washington, DC 20013-2579

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Friends of Morocco Newsletter is published quarterly by the Friends of Morocco and is circulated to its members and other interested parties. The organization was formed in 1988 to reunite PCVs who have served in Morocco, to inform members about current events and conditions in Morocco, to promote a better understanding of Morocco and Moroccans on the part of Americans, and to fund or otherwise support development activities in Morocco. Membership is $15 annually. FOM is governed by a nine-member national advi-sory board. Mailing address: Friends of Morocco, P.O. Box 2579, Washington, DC 20013-2579. For further information, contact president Tim Resch at 703-660-9292 or by email <[email protected]>. Editor: Kate Trayte (Guercif 80-82) Send newsletters contributions (articles, photos, stories, etc) to: 2108 Green Street Philadelphia, PA 19130 Email: [email protected]

Membership in Friends of Morocco brings you, in addition to all issues of our newsletter, special mailings announcing the annual meeting, reunions, seminars, and special Moroccan arts and craft showings. Membership also brings you the satisfaction of contributing to the goals and aims of Friends of Morocco. At least once a year we do a system-wide mailing to keep our address database accurate and to give people the opportunity to join us. The mailing label below indicates when your membership expires If you have not paid your membership dues of $15.00 (individual) annually to the Friends of Morocco, please consider doing that now. We appreciate any additional contributions and recognize special contributors in the Friends of Morocco newsletter.

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Contribute to the FOM newsletter FOM members are encouraged to submit original contributions for the newsletters. The article written by Tom O'Brien on his Fulbright work is a great example. Please send any contributions by email (I can’t guarantee a typo-free contribution if I have to re-type it) to Kate Trayte, FOM newletter editor at <[email protected]> or <[email protected]>. Any type of contribution is appreciated: photos, book reviews, recipes, fiction or non-fiction, but please make it Morocco or Peace Corps-related.

fom spring 2002 - friends of morocco · staff and program development specialist for adult literacy...

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