Youth Arise

SALC MOROCCO

IMPACT STORY: MOROCCO

by: Hulda Sakyi

March 22nd, 2022

As part of YAO’s goal of becoming a global organization of all races, colors, tribes, and cultures that empowers young people, women, and communities to significantly increase their performance in all spheres of life in order to achieve worthwhile purposes, the year 2020 saw YAO expand its activities into the Kingdom of Morocco in North Africa, as I received a two-year study scholarship at the University of Mohammed VI Polytechnic (UM6P).

“Volunteers are not paid; not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless” – Sherry Anderson

Building meaningful relationships, collaborating with emerging leaders, and increasing capacity are all things that need to be done. Finding long-term solutions to problems and having a voice are just a few of the things that youth work entails for us at YAO and that guided in me in my duties.

Located in Benguerir, near Marrakech, in the heart of the Mohammed VI Green City, is the Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) which intends to shine on a national, continental and international scale. In doing so, one of the key elements in its vision is to serve as a breeding ground for human development and opportunities, which students refer to as a “School of Life”.

The academic calendar for the 2020/2021 academic year had begun, and school activities were continuing with the exception of large gatherings due to Covid-19 active cases at the time. I was ready to jump at any chance to start something for YAO. Under the auspices of UM6P, the Students’ Organizations, Leadership, and Engagements (SOLE) and For’Em departments were looking for clubs with the goal of student development to register on the UM6P campus. I was given the opportunity to present the YAO vision to the sustainable development department, and thankfully, the idea of forming a club was approved. A later date was set for presentations by other students who wanted to form a club on campus, and YAO was chosen from the lots for registration. On May 5, 2021, approval was granted to begin activities on campus. I was excited about it because I knew what could happen if we started our activities.

I told a few friends, beginning with my course mates, about YAO, and some of them agreed to assist me in making things happen. The club began with nine members who shared a strong desire to raise young role models at UM6P and throughout Morocco. These nine students came from Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Nigeria, Morocco, and Zimbabwe. As an organization, the diversity on campus broadened our network’s scope. Registration forms were distributed, and the numbers gradually increased.

Leadership workshops were organized between May and June 2021 for members to build capacity, deepen their understanding of youth work, and encourage teamwork. While school was closed for the summer, core team members were planning and discussing the next major activity, the Stepping Ahead Leadership Conference (SALC), with the SOLE department. The first edition of YAO’s annual SALC, an annual leadership program organized by YAO for young people, particularly university students, was approved by school authorities amidst Covid-19 and was scheduled to take place from October 22nd to October 24th, 2021. The three-day conference brought together approximately 50 students from across Africa, with the presence of the YAO global CEO, Mr. Moses Baffour Awuah, at a sitting; addressing the importance of continuous learning, team building, today’s issues in Africa, mentorship, and creating an ideal picture for youth and community development. On the third and final day, the conference was crowned by the success stories of the participants.

The SALC was eventually a success. Preparations for the conference did not paint a picture of SALC happening; from obtaining authorization from school authorities, to team members agreeing on the dates and times for each session of the conference, to getting members to register, to obtaining sponsors, to the school’s acceptance to host the global CEO, to the logistics for SALC. While all of this was going on, I was asking myself a lot of questions, one of which was whether or not SALC was worth organizing. I questioned if the students at UM6P truly needed such a gathering. I questioned my team’s readiness, wondering if they could make things happen if they had to go the additional mile. There were times when I wanted to give up, but the desire to help others transform their lives, to discover their purpose, and to be able to rise to any challenge would not let me. I was supported and kept on the go by youth workers from Ghana and other nations. That is something for which I will be eternally grateful.

Despite the difficulties, the school, the SOLE department, participants, team members, YAO global, and myself all agree that SALC’21 in Benguerir, Morocco was a success. Participants couldn’t contain their delight, and several felt compelled to share their success stories and ask everyone to join the group. The SALC experience taught me how to overcome roadblocks that might try to derail my progress. I learned the value of perseverance, especially in the face of adversity. I learned how to collaborate with team members from various African locations. I learned to keep my words and have faith in the process. I learned to be open to different points of view. Giving up is never an option for me. I will never be sorry for how far YAO has come in Morocco. I’m hoping for better days. I am pleased that the about 50 participants were given the opportunity to attend such a life-changing conference.

The Gate to UM6P, organized by the SOLE department and attended by YAO, was held a few days following the SALC. Members of the YAO club assisted in the orientation of incoming students to campus life and opportunities, as well as the YAO vision in Morocco. The Gate to UM6P event was a success, with six new members joining the YAO group.

Documents have been submitted for official registration in Morocco in order for the organization to gains its feat. I am looking forward to a long-term engagement with Morocco in terms of raising young role models and continuing the wonderful things that have already begun.

Though my study ends in 2022, I am convinced and assured that the executives that have been elected to continue the journey will be great in executing their tasks. I will always be willing to come back and help the stability of YAO in Morocco.

Long Live YAO, Morocco

Long Live YAO, Global

Thank you.

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