1. Introduction

The High Atlas Foundation (HAF) seeks to implement the fourth edition of the Youth Conservation Corps (YCC) in Morocco. This edition will provide 15 young women from diverse rural regions with a unique opportunity to engage in environmental conservation, leadership development, and community service while residing in an agricultural setting in the Marrakech-Safi Region. This region, severely impacted by the earthquake of 8 September 2023, presents an opportunity for participants to contribute to both environmental sustainability and community rebuilding.

2. Program Overview

The YCC Morocco program is designed to empower young women through experiential learning in agroforestry, environmental conservation, and community development. Participants will engage in a six-month residential program where they will acquire essential skills in nursery management, organic agriculture, natural resource conservation, and participatory decision-making. The program emphasizes personal and professional growth, preparing participants for employment in the sustainable development sector while fostering civic responsibility and leadership.

Key components of the program include:

• Environmental and Agricultural Training: Hands-on experience in nursery care, tree planting, water management, and sustainable farming practices.

• Community Engagement: Participatory planning with local cooperatives and associations to develop and implement climate action projects.

• Leadership and Empowerment: Capacity-building workshops focused on personal development, advocacy, and gender equality.

• Professional Development: Career coaching, networking opportunities, and entrepreneurship training to enhance employability.

3. Objectives & Expected Outcomes

The program aims to:

• Equip participants with technical and leadership skills in environmental conservation.

• Increase awareness and action on climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.

• Empower young women to lead local conservation initiatives and community development projects.

• Facilitate the integration of participants into the labor market or entrepreneurship pathways.

Expected outcomes include:

• 1,500+ hours of technical training, community engagement, and leadership development.

• Planting and monitoring of endemic trees and medicinal plants to promote biodiversity.

• Successful employment or entrepreneurship opportunities for program graduates.

• Strengthened local networks for environmental sustainability through collaboration with government agencies, universities, and civil society organizations.

4. Target Beneficiaries

The YCC program specifically targets young women (ages 18-35) from rural Morocco, regardless of their educational background. Preference is given to those with an interest in agriculture, conservation, community service, and entrepreneurship. By fostering their skills and knowledge, the program enables participants to return to their home communities and drive positive change in environmental sustainability and economic empowerment.

5. Implementation & Timeline

The program will be implemented in three phases:

• Phase 1: Planning & Recruitment (August – September 2025)

  • Participant selection, training curriculum development, and logistical arrangements.

• Phase 2: Training & Fieldwork (October 2025 – March 2026)

  • Residential training, hands-on agroforestry projects, and community activities.

• Phase 3: Follow-Up & Evaluation and Reporting (April – June 2026)

  • Internship placements, job readiness support, impact assessment, and Reporting.

Phase 4: Narrative & Financial Reporting (July – August 2025)

• Compilation of program reports, financial documentation, and impact analysis.

• Submission of reports to stakeholders and funding partners.

• Reflection and recommendations for future program improvements.