Marrakesh Initiative
What is Education For All?
Education For All (EFA) was established to help provide the opportunity of a secondary education for girls from the High Atlas mountain region. They build and run high-quality boarding houses for girls from 12–18. They see an average of 90% pass rate across all years and now have 50 EFA girls enrolled at university!
Current challenges: The 2023 Marrakesh–Safi earthquake
On Sept. 8, 2023, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco. So far, over 2,800 people have lost their lives, more than 2,500 have been injured and at least 380,000 people have been affected by the earthquake. Out of the estimated 380,000 people affected, 100,000 are estimated to be children. The destruction caused by the Marrakech-Safi Earthquake has made it one of Morocco’s most catastrophic earthquakes.
The recent earthquake has devastated the people of the High Atlas. It has killed loved ones, destroyed homes, impacted livelihoods, and interrupted lives already dealing with complex challenges. Recovery will be a long and arduous process, and the lives lost cannot be replaced.
All of the boarding houses that EFA Morocco operates are located with in the Atlas Mountain region. This project will raise funds for the emergency repairs of the 6 houses and replacement of their contents. We also anticipate emergency support such as food, medicine, water and communications support for the girls and their families/local communities. All donations will go towards the short-term and long-term projects needed to rebuild the houses and the local communities where the girls are from.
Why Their Mission is Important.
Education For All's mission aligns closely with two of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Goal 4 - Quality Education and Goal 10 - Reduced Inequalities.
Access to Quality Education: EFA provides girls from rural communities in the High Atlas Mountains with access to quality secondary education. By offering high-quality boarding houses, nutritious meals, study support, and a safe environment, EFA enhances the educational experience for these girls.
Addressing Regional Disparities: In rural areas of the High Atlas Mountains, there are significant disparities in access to education compared to urban areas. EFA's presence in these remote regions helps reduce the educational inequalities that exist between urban and rural communities.
Reducing Gender-Based Inequalities: Gender-based inequalities in education are a significant concern worldwide. EFA's commitment to providing girls with education tackles this issue head-on, promoting gender equality and reducing disparities in educational opportunities.
Creating Opportunities for Marginalized Communities: EFA's focus on marginalized communities in the High Atlas Mountains demonstrates a commitment to leaving no one behind. By offering free education and comprehensive support, EFA ensures that even the most disadvantaged girls have a chance to thrive.
Community Impact: When girls receive an education through EFA, they become agents of change within their families and communities. As educated individuals, they are more likely to advocate for gender equality and women's rights, contributing to broader societal change.