Oujda, Morocco (30 November) -- The High Atlas Foundation (HAF), in partnership with the University of Mohammed I (MIU) and the MIU Faculty of Legal Sciences Economic and Social, is pleased to announce the welcome ceremony for the inaugural cohort of students participating in the Oujda Legal Aid Program (LAP). The ´Promoting Civil Society-University Engagement´ program, funded by the National Endowment for Democracy, aims to foster greater cooperation among universities and civil society organizations (CSOs), and promote experiential learning. The welcome ceremony will be held at the MIU Faculty of Law on 30 November.

Since 2008, HAF has successfully implemented the university-housed LAP, engaging law faculty, students and CSOs, in partnership with Hassan II University in Mohammedia; University of Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah in Fez; and University of Cadi Ayyad in Marrakech. The LAP focuses on providing access to legal services for marginalized communities. It aims to empower individuals by offering free legal assistance, education on legal rights, and support in navigating the judicial system.

HAF's newest partnership is with Ibn Zohr University's Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences in Agadir, dedicated to building students' capacities as facilitators of sustainable community development. HAF is also grateful to formally partner with Sultan Moulay Slimane University in Beni Mellal, for this same vital mission for local and national development.

The community engagement program in Oujda aims to equip university students with the skills and knowledge needed to foster constructive engagement between CSOs and academic institutions. Through this partnership, students will gain valuable, hands-on experience working with civil society representatives and communities in the Oriental region, addressing critical social and legal issues while enhancing community awareness and support networks.

The welcoming ceremony will feature remarks from key representatives by Mr. Yassine Zaghloul (President of Mohammed I University), Mr. Driss Driouchi (Dean of the Faculty of Law), Mr. Yossef Ben-Meir (President of the High Atlas Foundation), Mr. Rabah Ainau (Director of the Legal Clinic), and Ms. Sanae Benaadim (Project Manager at the High Atlas Foundation). Attendees will also hear from participating students and faculty members about the importance of this project in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical experience. This event marks an important step forward in supporting the development of a new generation of socially responsible and civically engaged leaders in Morocco.

Event Details:

• Date: 30 November 2024
• Time: 9am
• Location: Faculty of Legal Sciences Economic and Social, Oujda, Morocco

This event is open to the media, and we invite journalists, community leaders, and partners to join us in celebrating this vital initiative.