”Responding appropriately to priorities and addressing gaps in inhabitants’ needs.” - Bruno Joubert
Bruno Joubert is a French diplomat, former Ambassador of France in Morocco and president of the Solidarity with Morocco Committee. Volunteer experts created this committee in the very early days following the earthquake, enabling it to set out priorities, contact local partners and examine requests for support.
In what way is this emergency a specific one?
The earthquake struck the High Atlas mountain range where many hamlets, in particularly harsh weather conditions, are hemmed in. Residents in one of the poorest areas of Morocco mostly live from pastoral and crop farming. The earthquake wreaked havoc everywhere and left already poverty-stricken populations in highly precarious living conditions.
In the early months, Fondation de France’s priority was to secure the provision of basic needs such as shelters and equipment to face the cold, as well as distributing food and hygiene kits.
What is the situation now?
Many families still live in flimsy housing (tents or modular houses). Fondation de France is now turning its efforts to rebuilding. With local specialist actors in green building and sustainable housing, it helps people return to a normal living environment. Support focuses especially on the way new buildings and housing are adapted to the regions concerned, often via local rebuilding techniques and factoring in the seismicity of the region. We chose to reconstruct sites targeting collective buildings first, like schools and cooperatives.
Illiteracy and under-employment rates are very high in the areas affected. Which is why we provide access to education, especially for girls. We also support projects that promote social and professional reintegration, thanks to income-generating activities. Families are provided with the resources required to rebuild their house and ensure that children continue with their schooling. Going back to a positive work life-balance requires the ability to act. It also requires emotional stability and psychological support for the residents and helpers, which is an important aspect of our mission. Regular committee meetings in the field and close collaboration with our partners help us respond to priorities and gaps in the populations’ needs.
TO FIND OUT MORE
→ Solidarity with Morocco: one year of action
→ Solidarity with Morocco: six months of action
→ Solidarity with Morocco: 3 months of mobilization to help the most vulnerable
→ Emergencies: rebuilding lives over the long term