Adoption is not an easy choice for foreigners in Morocco. The main reason is that Moroccan law states that Moroccan citizens have priority over foreign families. Moreover, Moroccan middle class has grown relatively wealthier, which has resulted in a rise in the number of adoptions. As a conclusion, international adoption in Morocco seems to be at a standstill. Only one requirement remains absolutely indispensable: both parents must be Muslim -if they are not, the must convert to Islam.
Koran does not admit adoption as such. The only alternative contemplated by Islam is the Kafala, where parents take the child in permanently. This situation is very much similar to adoption in any other country, but there are several differences between adoption and the kafala, especially concerning inheritance rights. Another main difference is that the child does not adopt his/her takers' family name.
Some of the most relevant child protection associations and shelter homes in Marrakech are the Dar Tifl Association, a shelter home for children and teenagers aged 4 to 22 approx. You can call them or show up at the premises if you want to lend a hand. Their main work focuses on guaranteeing health care, education, accommodation and food to children in need. Talk the director, Mr. Aziz, or to the person dealing with culture and education, Madame Amanda, and they will surely propose some nice job for you and will show you around their centre.
Another important place devoted to the well-being of children is the Issil orphanage, an orphanage belonging to the Moroccan Child Protection League (www . lmpe-maroc . org) and located in the Issil neighbourhood and recently renovated. You can give them a call and ask for the director, Mme. Lamia Lazrek, to find a way to give a hand. Most of the children at the Issil orphanage are under 6 years old, and several of them are newborns.
The Al-Karam association is located in the Daoudiate neighbourhood and they are a small association that offers help to families in need and so far, Madame Karina Mkika and their team have received several dozens of children.
In all these associations it is common to find European and North American volunteers who take their time in Marrakech as an opportunity to give a hand and feel useful. If you want to do the same, you will always be welcome, since these associations are always run by very dynamic and extrovert people who will help you integrate in the team. Anything you do will help, be it language courses, organising a football team, taking the children out to the cinema (if you get the permits) or simply help in the canteen feed the little ones or change nappies in the bedrooms.
If you visit Marrakech you can both enjoy the countless attractions that the city offers while helping these associations. During your stay you can choose one of the fantastic hotels in Marrakech, which are also quite affordable. You may also want to stay in one of the charming and typical Marrakech riads. Come to Marrakech and lend a hand for an unforgettable holiday.
David Gonzalez-Company (BA Degree in Philosophy, Universitat de Valia (Spain); MA (Hons) Degree in Mental Philosophy, University of Edinburgh (UK); MA Degree in Comparative Literature, University of Washington (USA)) is a writer, journalist, educator and translator who has traveled extensively and has lived in several European, North American and African countries.
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