The High Atlas Foundation continues its program to provide psychosocial empowerment to earthquake-affected communities in the aftermath of the Al Haouz earthquake. This time, HAF chose to extend its support to another urban community severely impacted by the disaster, specifically the residents of the historic Jewish quarter in Marrakech, the Mellah. This area was among the most severely impacted by the earthquake, with numerous residences and heritage structures sustaining extensive damage. Consequently, the majority of residents were forced to relocate to a newly constructed complex provided by the government, as their homes were no longer deemed habitable.

A total of 29 individuals participated in the psychosocial empowerment workshop, including 16 women (local residents) and 13 students from the University of Virginia, who are interning taking the course–Participatory Development in Practice–at HAF this summer. The majority of the women were grappling with mental health issues stemming from trauma or drug addiction. The workshop provided psychosocial education on stress and trauma, enabling participants to better understand the underlying emotions of their experiences.

We proceeded to explain that traumatic experiences kick-start the survival brain, prompting it to continuously assess situations as safe or dangerous. We also talked about the distinction between trauma and stress, explaining that stress is often temporary and can be reduced over time, whereas trauma has a lasting impact. The significant challenge we addressed was how to assist individuals in beginning to develop a sense of fundamental safety within their bodies again. The objective was to help facilitate their recovery from the profound emotional distress they were experiencing through a compelling and inspiring vision. We placed a strong emphasis on the significance of self-compassion, ensuring that the participants were able to comprehend that their emotional responses were not only normal but also understandable in light of their circumstances. The approach included calming breathing techniques and meditation exercises, which had a profound effect on the participants. These practices helped the participants to feel comfortable enough to share their experiences during the earthquake, as well as their struggles, many of which were linked to drug addiction.

One of the participants, Mariem, distinguished herself by her dedication and interest in the four-day workshop. Mariem, a tall, brown-skinned woman born and raised in the old town of Marrakesh, wore a traditional Moroccan jellaba and a veil. She initially appeared quiet and mentally stable, however, she later revealed that she had been admitted to a mental hospital on three occasions.

On the second day, Mariem arrived at the workshop early, her eyes brimming with questions, which led me to initiate a conversation with her. Upon inquiring about her motivation for seeking treatment at the addiction center, despite her outwardly modest demeanor, she proceeded to speak candidly and at length.

Mariem began by stating, "My passion is to be a hairdresser. I was raised in a very conservative family, and my elder brother is a devout individual who adheres to a strict moral code. In Moroccan culture, the occupation of a hairdresser is perceived negatively, particularly for women. This is due to the belief that only women of a certain social status or those engaged in prostitution frequent salons for hair and beauty services. I commenced my vocational training without my brother's consent, despite his status as the head of the family.

I launched my professional career and began generating income, simultaneously developing expertise in the art of RASTA, an African hairstyle. From here I got the nickname Mariem RASTA. At that time, I was the only individual in the area capable of performing this style, and as a result, I became renowned and generated a significant amount of money. My brother ceased communication with me, and my family expressed disapproval of my actions.

Because of that, I began to avoid my home and spend nights with a group of friends, as though I were seeking retribution and self-affirmation. Throughout this period, I became addicted to smoking and nightlife. I subsequently became more deeply involved in this lifestyle, freely smoking in my own salon and engaging in all the activities I enjoyed. However, upon returning home, I found it challenging to smoke in the presence of my brother and parents. I would always go to the bathroom to smoke, and what was more challenging was that I would go to local shops in my neighborhood to purchase cigarettes.

At that time, women did not smoke, and I was worried about bringing shame to my family. I would wait in line until everyone left to buy the cigarette and request that it be wrapped so that it would be less likely to be discovered. Although it was difficult to smoke in secret, I persistently sought an outlet for my habit. On one occasion, I lost control and caused a significant disruption, resulting in my mother being physically assaulted. My family viewed me as a disobedient daughter and requested that I leave the house. Following this incident, I became deeply involved in the use of illicit substances once again. On another occasion, I caused further disruption at my place of work. I vandalized the salon, breaking various items and opening the gas cylinder. I attempted to commit suicide. After this, I was taken to a mental hospital where I spent three months. Upon commencing the process of mental healing, the hospital requested that my family assume responsibility for my care. My family agreed to this arrangement, but I subsequently discovered that my brother had passed away and his death affected me profoundly. They then withdrew their support, leaving me to fend for myself. There was no communication between us, and my siblings informed my mother that I was unwell.

Upon my discharge from the hospital, I continued to smoke in secret, either on the terrace of my family home or in the bathroom. One day, my sister shouted at me angrily to stop smoking, saying that my habit discolored the bathroom ceiling, and likely my lungs as well. This encounter prompted me to reflect on my actions and be more compassionate towards myself.

I began to consider potential solutions. The first step I took was to persuade myself to visit a drug addiction center to quit smoking. It is not easy, but my will is strong and I continue to apply all the tips provided by the specialists at the center. I also persuaded myself to attend any training activities that could help me to stop this terrible habit that began to destroy my life. The four-day workshop was instrumental in keeping me on the right track. As you told us, Fatima Zahra, one can start their path to healing by practicing yoga, bicking, hiking or praying, or doing any type of meditation that offers psychological support. Upon completing the workshop, I proceeded to the mosque where I engaged in prayer and sought divine assistance in maintaining my chosen course of action. I now realize that my life has a purpose. Today, I consulted my doctor about the insights I gained from the Psychosocial Empowerment Workshop. I am grateful for this extraordinary program.”

Mariem's narrative is a compelling illustration of the personal struggles that many participants confront, especially in the Mellah. The Mellah was once the beating heart of the cities in which it was located. It hosted the major markets, and its Jewish residents were skilled in the essential crafts of the time, including goldsmithing, tailoring, carpentry, and cobbling. This made the Mellah a vital commercial center that contributed significantly to the city's economy and culture. Over time, however, the Mellah district has been transformed into an area of vulnerability, poverty, and prostitution. This decline has led to widespread drug abuse among its residents, especially women and youth, and has fostered an environment of violence and crime.

As a result, children in the Mellah face immense suffering as they witness their mothers engage in prostitution and are exposed to the hardships that come with it. This dire situation highlights the urgent need for psychosocial empowerment workshops. HAF’s psychosocial empowerment workshops aim to address the root causes of this cycle of poverty and violence by providing residents with the tools and necessary support to improve their mental health and resilience. Through these initiatives, we strive to create a safer and more supportive environment that helps individuals break free from the harmful patterns that have plagued the Mellah. By empowering residents, especially women and youth, we can foster a sense of hope and possibility, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of the Mellah and the well-being of its community members.