CAES Morocco: Leading Across Differences

  I think there have been many differences I have encountered since visiting Morocco, but something that definitely stood out to me is how central religion and gender are to Moroccan culture. Although religion does not have a firm place in the government, as in many Islamic countries, it is more socially embedded in a way that is more stark in comparison to the U.S. After visiting the Hassan II Mosque and seeing firsthand how important the Islamic religion is in this country, I had a great appreciation for their faith and the community it creates. Although there are no laws (that I am aware of) that govern the people on important parts of the faith such as prayer and visiting a Mosque on Fridays, or even what religion anyone is at all, it is still very culturally relevant in the workplace (breaks for prayer on fridays, breaks during the day for prayer, prayer rugs in every building), in gender norms (roles of women vs. men, segregation of genders), and social expression (modest dre...

  The past few days in this country have been a whirlwind of emotions, mostly feelings of appreciation and gratitude. Morocco is a beautiful country filled with diverse landscapes and cultures, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to explore its beauty. Although there are many cultural differences between the people of this country and American culture, I have felt a strong sense of connection with the people I have met and interacted with, perhaps because of the insurmountable hospitality, but also because I have noticed so many similarities between our lives as human beings and not as citizens of different nations. I have become overwhelmed with this profound sense of empathy, and as a result, have begun to compare my life to the people I have met. While I may not be the wealthiest person, I have begun to truly recognize how fortunate I am. The fact that I am even able to have the opportunity to visit this country at all is telling of my socioeconomic status.  Morocc...

     There are various identities that one identifies with or that can be placed on different groups of people. When it comes to ability or social status, there can be a mix that all relate to an individual. Thinking specifically about students at the school in Meknes, their intellectual ability is as high as you can get in Morocco, their social status on campus can vary, and their overall social identity can be in so many groups.      Going to a school that made me average after high school was a large adjustment, but for the students at Meknes, they went to college knowing that in order to attend that college they had to be the highest in their classes and the country. This is now a part of their identity that also acknowledges their ability. They have more ability and less ability than me in more ways than one. They are smarter than I could dream of being, but for us in the US, there are ranges of grad and PHD schools to be accepted to, but for them it i...

On May 1st, 2025, Americans across the United States took to the streets in protest of our current administration and the myriad of unfounded and unprecedented actions our leaders have taken. In the very same way, on May 1st, 1994, a small group of Amazigh people decided to stand up to their monarchy. They gathered with small signs and chanted for their right to recognition. The members of that small group were arrested and charged by their government for being "anti-arab". Today, over 30 years later, those very same people are still fighting for societal acceptance and access to food, water, and education, while much of the world remains ignorant to their plight.     In exploring the diverse communities of Morocco, two questions rise as recurring: Does promoting your culture come at the detriment of another? Or is there enough room at the table for all people to be seen and represented? From the cities to the coast, Morocco is a country rich in duality. Among Morocco's r...

  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...

    Many of the Moroccans we have spoken to on this trip have claimed to be Amazigh (Berber), at least in part.  Some have explained that there is enough of a mix between Arab and Berber that everyone is at least a little bit Amazigh.  At the same time, we've met people who claim to be fully Amazigh, being from one of the mountain groupings to which the different Berber groups hail from. In Morocco "o ver 80 percent of people identify as Berber or Amazigh" (Mack, n.d.) Still, there is a clear distinction in the kinds of jobs and opportunities available to Amazigh people when compared with such as are available to more Arab-identifying people.     Our Taxi driver today, Adi, was once a nomad herdsman.  But years of drought (which hopefully have come to an end as of September of last year) necessitated a change in his line of work.  He now drives tourists across scrubby, flat desert-scapes to the edge of the dunes. Then other herdsmen lead came...

S tratification, a phrase to describe how people are organized or divided in a society, has always fascinated me. While abroad in Morocco, I found myself reflecting about who held the most wealth and power,...and who didn't. Morocco, with its rich mix of cultures, religions, and languages, offers a lot to observe in this regard. But what stood out to me the most hasn’t been just the diversity…it’s been the incredible cleanliness and care put into public spaces across the country.  From the spotless courtyard of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, to the perfectly trimmed trees in Rabat, and the shining sidewalks of Tangier,...Morocco’s cities are impressively well-kept. These aren’t just places that look nice by chance but rather the result of hardworking Moroccan laborers who clean and maintain these areas every day, often in intense working conditions. Whether it be raking leaves, picking up trash, or trimming hedges, their work is constant and visible.  While much of this l...