Cheikh Akmach
HAF Site Coordinator, Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab region

Part of the Dakhla Community Forum. Credits: Cheikh Akmach/HAF

As the inaugural community forum in Dakhla took place on March 3, 2023, it was a momentous event that brought together a variety of stakeholders from the local community. The trainers for the event were HAF Managers Hana Ezaoui and Hajiba Boumasmar, who are certified experts in community development and social work.

The forum was held in Dakhla Commune, a small village located in the province of Dakhla. The turnout was remarkable, with 29 enthusiastic female participants, ranging from 18 to 59 years old, joining from a variety of backgrounds. The average age of the audience members was 35.17, highlighting the diversity of the attendees. The forum brought together representatives from six associations, twelve cooperatives, four elected officials, and other community members who were eager to contribute to the growth of their community.

Participants draft their project proposals. Credits: Cheikh Akmach/HAF

One of the highlights of the community forum was the presentation of project proposals by various organizations. Association CHOROK, a local organization focused on women’s empowerment, presented a new project called “CHOROK Candies.” The project aimed at producing candies of various types, including traditional, modern, and western varieties. The intended beneficiaries of the project were widows, and the goal was to help them become self-sufficient. The estimated time for project completion was 30 days, with a budget estimation of 80,000 Moroccan Dirhams (Dh).

Another notable proposal was presented by SANAD for Social Development and Communication, an organization that aimed to create a medical clinic for the elderly and the poor. The project was an expansion of an existing project and aimed to provide free or semi-free medical treatment to the elderly and impoverished people. The estimated time for project completion was one month, with a budget estimation of 72,000 Dh.

Participants present their project ideas to the audience. Credits: Cheikh Akmach/HAF

ANINA Cooperative, founded in 2018, presented a new project that focused on producing cosmetic products. The beneficiaries of the project were women, and the goal was to provide natural cosmetic products for them. The estimated time for project completion was one to three months, with a budget estimation of 40,000 Dh.

Lastly, TAIBA for Social Works Association, founded in 2013, presented a new project that aimed at establishing a center for the rehabilitation of women in difficult situations or poor conditions. The center would provide training in skills such as cooking, tailoring, languages, and basic computer science to help these women integrate into the workforce. The beneficiaries of the project were women in poor conditions, including widows, divorced women, single mothers, and women with disabilities. The estimated time for project completion was one month, with a budget estimation of 80,000 to 100,000 Dh.

The community forum provided a platform for discussion, brainstorming, and collaboration among the participants. Ideas were exchanged, questions were asked, and feedback was given. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and a sense of community spirit as everyone was eager to contribute to the development of their local community.

At the end of the community forum, the participants expressed their commitment to working together and taking concrete actions to implement the proposed projects. The forum was seen as a significant step towards fostering community empowerment and sustainable development in Dakhla.

In conclusion, the first community forum in Dakhla was a remarkable event that brought together diverse stakeholders with a shared vision of empowering their community. The project proposals presented during the forum showcased the creativity and determination of local organizations to address various social and economic challenges in Dakhla. The forum provided a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and learning, fostering a sense of community ownership and engagement.