Blog Post 2: You can do more than you think.

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You can do more than you think. Do you believe that? Is this an inspiration or a reminder of your circumstances? At Olberry, this quote from the office stood out to me. Do I think this of myself, yes. Does everyone? No. 

Mind over matter can be helpful, but when you are at a disadvantage, it is hard to have a positive and future-focused mentality. We are all capable of doing more than we think, but some have limitations that are greater than a mindset. 

In Morocco, education poses a challenge. As of 2017, 10 million Moroccans were classified as illiterate, with over a million young people who have not received primary or secondary education (Dehaoui). Of those living in poverty, 80% live in rural areas. In terms of school, this means students have to endure difficult terrain, weather, and odds just to get to school. Imagine the brain space and mental energy this occupies. How are they expected to do more than they think when they use all their mental energy just to show up? 

It makes me think of the kids we've seen while traveling through Morocco. The ones running in the streets, throwing a ball, or the ones selling keychains or helping at a food stand. What does education look like for them? How does it vary between families and geographic locations? What can be done to bridge the gap? 

All kids everywhere deserve to believe they can do more than they think. 


Dehaoui, L. (2017, November 1). Morocco: Children deprived of an education. Humanium. https://www.humanium.org/en/morocco-children-deprived-education/ 

Comments

  1. Tyler FooteMay 22, 2025 at 12:21 PM

    Becca - I love that you captured this photo from the tour. I also appreciate the information about those who are illiterate ... it's a staggering number!

    While this quote is geared towards the workers, it's interesting to think about what Morocco can do to help the children who are not going to school (due to a variety of reasons).

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  2. Markeila HowardMay 29, 2025 at 5:22 AM


    You make a great point. "You can do more than you think" is inspiring, but for many, it's not just about mindset; it's about their circumstances. The gap between rural and urban education is huge, and for those facing real challenges, believing in a better future can feel out of reach. To bridge the education gap in Morocco, tackling poverty at its roots can directly impact educational outcomes. Efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare, and local economies will ease the burden on families and give children a better foundation to succeed in school.

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