Last week, we were warmly greeted with the performance of traditional dances and songs, by excited children living in the SOS villages. It was a powerful reminder of how inclusive learning environments can integrate creativity and cultural heritage to transform lives.


On a recent visit to our partner, SOS Children’s Villages Morocco, we visited one of the five villages they built across the country, Al Hoceima, guided by its dedicated director, Mr. Hicham Zahaf.
SOS Children’s Villages Morocco is an organization dedicated to providing orphaned and vulnerable children with a safe home, education, and the care they deserve. We partnered with them as part of our international crisis response mission. Creating long-term, sustainable relationships with impactful local NGOs like these will help us carry out crisis response initiatives quickly and effectively in the future.
Our visit coincided with Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, a significant day for many of the children who proudly embrace their Amazigh heritage. Celebrating this day was a conscious decision by Mr. Zahaf to reinforce the children’s sense of identity and cultural pride.
This is all part of the program Zahaf and his team have put together in the Educational Room, an inspiring space where the children receive academic support outside of their lessons at school and can also take part in activities focused on unleashing their creativity and encouraging self-expression. It allows them to dream beyond their current realities and explore new possibilities, fostering a sense of hope and ambition.

As we walked through the space, we saw books, colorful drawings, traditional costumes, and the smiling faces of the kids who see this room as a place where their imaginations are encouraged to soar beyond the four walls.

One of the ‘SOS mothers’ we met spoke with great passion about her work and the fulfillment she finds in raising the children:
“This is not just a job for me; it is my life. I see the children as my own, and I take immense pride in their success. Seeing them grow and achieve their dreams fills me with joy.”
Her pride was evident as she shared stories of the children’s achievements, including one talented young girl whose artwork was recognized by the local government and is now displayed in their offices.

The impact of the Educational Room extends beyond the SOS village itself. By opening its doors to children from the surrounding community, the initiative promotes social inclusion and fosters stronger connections between the village and its neighbors.


This initiative reflects the unique aspect of SOS Villages: while they primarily provide a home for orphaned children, they also actively engage with the broader community to ensure that no child is left behind. The addition of an elementary school within the village allows children from the surrounding area to access quality education, reinforcing SOS’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
During our visit, we provided laptops to empower educators to incorporate digital learning initiatives into the program, an important skill that will help to power these children’s dreams further into the future.
“The laptops play a key role in their educational journey by providing significant academic support. They allow the children to follow their online courses, supplement their learning, and access enriching educational resources,” said Zahaf.
Another benefit he cited was the ability to help the kids develop digital skills that will serve them throughout their lives:
“Beyond academics, the laptops open up new opportunities for these children, helping to prepare them for a future where technological proficiency is essential.”
People for People is proud to support SOS Villages in their mission and to collaborate on projects like these that create tangible, long-term benefits for children and communities in crisis. Together, we are working towards a future where every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in a loving environment.
