The healthy development of children is crucial to the future well-being of society. Each child possesses boundless potential and a wellspring of curiosity, creativity, and resilience waiting to be nurtured. By providing them with a safe and loving environment, access to quality education, and ample growth opportunities, we pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. More than ever, communities worldwide are stepping up to ensure this vision is respected.

When some members of our family at Caravan Agafay, just outside of Marrakech, Morocco, learned about our Habitas RISE initiatives, they reached out to share their experience as volunteers with Atlas Kinder—a non-profit organization dedicated to helping children who have been abandoned or surrendered due to social pressure, illness, or poverty—and suggested supporting the local children. Out of this spark of humanity, a collaboration was born. 

Two overarching themes are at the heart of Atlas Kinder’s mission: love and education. First and foremost, the non-profit believes every child deserves love and care. Secondly, they want to position each child academically for a good life and a prospective future. To create an environment conducive to these values, Atlas Kinder created Dar Bouidar, a village built especially for these children in need—a place to live, grow, and thrive together. 

Located about 30 kilometers south of Marrakech, near the small town of Tahanaout, Dar Bouidar provides housing where the children live with foster mothers, as well as other essential facilities, such as a school, two doctors’ offices, a therapy center, and an “integration house” for children with disabilities. The village also features an amphitheater, mosque, and farm, creating a well-rounded community in all aspects of life. 

On June 17, 2023, Caravan Agafay organized its first RISE initiative, hosting 20 Atlas Kinder children from ages 4 to 11 for a Community Day with the help of 5 nannies from the organization. Throughout the day, our home was filled with art, events, fun, and camel rides. “[It was] the best dromedary caravan ever,” said Mounia from Caravan Agafay while watching the kids enjoying a ride.

One of the many highlights was the workshop with our Sustainable Garden Manager, Lahsen, and his team at our Garden of Intentions, where each guest plants something upon arrival, as did the kids of Atlas Kinder. Making the children a part of our global family made this moment particularly special, as everyone there could feel the energy of its name. “I’ve never seen the kids so focused,” said Asma from Atlas Kinder as the kids planted a seed. 

To create an embodied representation of our first Community Day, guests from the Municipality of Agafay, as well as artists and athletes from Marrakech, were invited to join the festivities. During the lunch break, we also welcomed Abdel Hamid, a local poet and philosopher who rhymed with lyrical Moroccan poems, and Souaf Abderrahman, a local high school director who shared stories with the kids. 

After this successful initiative, Caravan Agafay is keen on renewing the invitation to more children residing at Dar Bouidar to ensure equal opportunities for the group. However, our support won’t stop there. Following a visit to the village, many individuals from our home have been inspired to contribute their expertise to Atlas Kinder’s cause. Our Garden Team plans to share knowledge on how to develop a permaculture garden, while our Maintenance Team wants to build a pergola in front of their mosque and dispensary to provide some shade to the children.

Our General Manager at Caravan Agafay, Nicolas Belzic, eloquently summarized the event’s overall sentiment: “Hosting and sharing time with the children from Atlas Kinder was a truly heartwarming experience for our team. We believe in the power of creating a sense of home and belonging for these children who have faced challenges. It was a privilege to be part of their journey.” 

By tapping into a purpose guided by love and dedication, Atlas Kinder brings stability and comfort to those children who need it most. Our entire global family, especially those who call Agafay and Marrakech home, is proud and honored to continue supporting and encouraging their efforts through Habitas RISE. 

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