Volunteer in Morocco helping communities and children in places like the historical walled city of Marrakech.
Perfect for first time volunteers, Morocco is an exciting destinations with lots of volunteering opportunities to help in a variety of different settings.
Below you will find everything you need to know from what to expect, how to prepare with advice on health, money and how to keep yourself safe.
Volunteer Programs in Morocco
Can I work with babies and infants?
Volunteers have the opportunity to visit a baby orphanage where there aren’t enough staff to be able to provide essential physical contact that babies require in the first few months of life. Enjoy cuddling and playing with the babies and young children who desperately need human contact at this vital stage before it’s too late.
Can I do practical and hands on work?
Painting is great fun and helps brighten up the children’s learning environments. There’s often an opportunity to get involved with painting and decorating,from simple clean ups to large colourful murals for the children to enjoy. You might like to bring a brush and a design to copy.
Can I do sport?
Some projects offer lots of space for volunteers to organise active games such as football to rounders but even the smallest location has a space large enough for skipping or practising football skills. In the summer there are regular opportunities to take the children swimming both for fun and to practise if they’ve never learned to swim before – the perfect activity for a hot day!
Work with the homeless
This is a truly satisfying Feed the Homeless programme which is usually available once a week so that volunteers can buy and prepare a meal to give out on the street.
“The feeding the homeless project was my favourite, knowing that a large group of people wouldn’t be going hungry that day” – Chloe, UK
Can I work in orphanages?
Some projects offer activities for children living in orphanages and care homes. Not all of these children have lost parents, they simply have no blood relatives in a position to care for them. Some have been abandoned entirely to fend for themselves and others have been handed over into the state’s care. Unlike the babies at the baby home, most of whom will be adopted by loving families, it’s harder for older children to find a new family. Children without stable carers struggle at school and will often under perform. Following regular one to one attention and praise from volunteers, children’s confidence and life chances are greatly improved. It’s difficult to impress on volunteers how important and precious their personal input is – for the children with no families, time spent in the company of friendly adults who pose no threat is invaluable in helping them adjust to the adult world.
Do I need teaching experience?
No – in fact, most volunteering is non-skilled based rather than formal. Most international volunteers have little or no experience but are provided training on arrival. Your coordinator may have some ideas and equipment but often supplies run out so try to bring some things from home. All volunteers are advised to visit projects with open hearts and patience because each and every minute counts.
Community, Teaching and Childcare Volunteering
Unlike other programmes, volunteers usually attend different projects each day. Most projects cater for children between the ages of 7 and 12 who have limited access to quality education or interaction with caring adults. Volunteers fill the gap with simple organised games and informal learning, often through art and crafts which provides one to one attention that the children so desperately need. Some children will also have learning difficulties or be behind their peers due to problems at home.
Who organises the activities for each project?
Activities are usually led by the volunteers which is the aim of the programme in Marrakech. It is easy to underestimate the range and quality of ideas you may have simply coming from what was probably by comparison, a privileged education in the West even if you thought at the time your teachers could have done better!
Very occasionally there may be something already planned between the project staff and your escorting volunteer coordinator, but please do not rely on them as this is what you guys are here for!
What sorts of activities should we plan for?
The sessions normally last 1-1.5/2 hours. It is a good idea to plan a table based activity which can last for 35 – 45 minutes with for 3-4 children followed by free play, physical games or one to one interaction to end the session. Sometimes sessions can last longer if the children are motivated to continue, the project staff would like you to carry on or the project does not receive frequent volunteer visits.
How do we organise the children when we arrive at a project?
Unless you are instructed otherwise, simply find a table and lay out your resources on the table. If a small group does not gather round, simply beckon some children over. Sometimes you may have to wait for the children to wander between tables checking out what is available or trying to find a seat somewhere. There can also be some late arrivals so don’t panic if no one comes over to your paper folding activity straightaway – start making yourself and give it a few minutes, they will come over!
What types of table based activities are popular?
Think outside of the box to generate interest which in turn will be more fun for you. For example, try to avoid the default volunteer activity of colouring in as your main activity. We are sure you can think of something more fun than that, not least watching children colour in on a hot afternoon may send you to sleep!
Back up resources you should have ready
Having said that, it is a good idea to have one colouring book and felt tips for back up in your bag for when a child finishes early or if you think a child in your group may benefit from therapeutic colouring in. Let the child choose a picture and tear it out so they can take it home after. Another essential is safe play equipment for later. Popular items which are always handy: skipping rope and soft sponge balls or similar items. Do keep these in your bag until after your main activity to prevent distraction and ‘grab and go’ behaviour when volunteers arrive. Also worth including: notepad you can rip pages out of and wetwipes and a comb. Some of the children need a wipe and their hair combed and can get messy with their activity.
What happens when there are lots of volunteers?
Try to leave the idea at home that education and learning can only happen in a classroom setting with one qualified and experienced adult at the front of 20 children and that one-to-one work is not beneficial. You may like to consider home tutors in your own country who work one-to-one with their students, pitching the level and speed of learning to the child, often with dramatic results.
Play and creative self expression can also be undervalued in traditional education, especially in Morocco, where copying from the board is the preferred methodology.
Bringing children and volunteers together informally gives troubled children a chance to get personalised attention from positive role models and explore themselves and the world around them without judgement. Imagine a child has had no eye-contact from adults for many weeks or has not been able to express themselves in any safe way. This can have a profound effect on development and self – esteem. Spending a whole hour with an adult caring deeply about everything they do, from they colour they chose for their picture whilst giving them the space to explore their ideas is a massive asset for growth.
Most of the children you work with receive education at another time of year or are attending school part time so you are not interfering with their mainstream education. If there are lots of of you, take advantage to offer precious support. In the summer it will only be these few weeks the children can receive one volunteer’s dedicated time and resources. In the winter and spring, volunteer numbers are less and different projects are visited.
Seat yourselves volunteer – child – volunteer – child around a table and focus your attention the child next to you. Try to avoid sitting next to another volunteer as this can be intimidating for the little ones facing you!
If you feel there are enough volunteers and activities, look out for strays, there’s often one or two children wandering around. There may be a reason why they are not joining in. Perhaps they do not feel welcome by the others, are shy, younger, older, or there are learning or health difficulties? Perhaps you can help them to join an activity or offer one to one time, perhaps skipping, playing catch or noughts and crosses?
For an individual child who has experienced neglect, social isolation or trauma a one to one experience away from the table could be the most valuable experience, far greater than any organised group activities. You may be the only volunteer for a few weeks who has made a connection and shown interest.
Locations
You can find projects throughout Morocco, popular places to apply include Marrakech and Rabat.
Volunteer in Rabat
Rabat is a fascinating city. It combines Morocco’s old-world charm with great beaches and a year-round mild climate. The Moroccans are famous for their friendly and welcoming demeanor, and many seniors enjoy their time volunteering in Rabat because of all the conveniences this modern city offers. The caregiving, education and women’s empowerment volunteer projects are particularly popular among seniors serving in Morocco. Living with host families offers the perfect opportunity to live and experience life in Morocco in a very authentic manner. Most host families in Morocco offer private rooms.
Volunteering in Morocco FAQ
What happens on arrival?
Once you arrive at Marrakech airport, a regular driver will be waiting to pick you up and take you to the volunteer house. They always have a sign so you won’t miss them. They will also wait if your flight is delayed. They will also take a photo of your arrival as a memento. Transfer time to the volunteer house is approximately 15 minutes but the last few yards is often on foot through the pedestrianised alleyways. If you are arriving in the morning you may have time to get to your first project in the afternoon!
Is there a weekly schedule?
The weekly schedule is organised by your local support team who liaise with the local projects. They organise a varied schedule each week with a variety of different placements. You can opt in or take a day off as preferred although it’s definitely more fun to have a go at everything. In the summer optional placements further afield may also be available.
What is included?
Accommodation is included in the weekly project costs. This covers the support of your local team who liaise with the projects, organise the weekly schedule and are on hand to provide you with any assistance you may need during your stay.
Do I have to stay complete weeks?
Your project costs are calculated on a nightly basis. For example, if you are staying 9 nights, you will pay for 9 nights only from the day you arrive. There are no fixed dates, you can arrive on any day of the week, although Monday to Wednesday is ideal to settle in and make friends before the weekend when many volunteers explore or take a tour together.
How will I get to the projects each day?
In and around Marrakech it could not be easier. Volunteer coordinators escort groups to each project on foot, by taxi or by bus. The meeting place is either the volunteer house, the bus station or a taxi rank close by. Most sessions last about 1 to 2 hours, excluding travelling time and one of the volunteer coordinators will be on hand at each session. Projects outside of Marrakech can require more travelling and sessions may be longer, snacks or a meal are sometimes provided in recognition of the group’s efforts to attend what is an off the beaten track location. If the group need to take a bus or taxi, £2 is usually enough. If a project is away from Marrakech, transport might be more so if you would rather opt out and stay in Marrakech, that’s fine, but the experience of seeing more of the country should more than make up for the extra bus fare! Don’t panic if you are on a budget, this should not affect your experience. All projects are optional, the majority choose to spend their whole time volunteering in Marrakech and never want to leave other than for a camel trek!
What level of support is provided?
A dedicated English-speaking support team organises the week’s schedule, escorts the volunteer group to each placement and is on hand for all related advice and support during your stay from volunteering to arranging a doctors appointment. The permanent support team have been looking after volunteers for many years including large school and college groups and if they do not know something, it is not worth knowing!
Do I need a visa?
No visa is required if you hold a British passport and will be staying less than 12 weeks. If you hold a different passport and require a visa, we’ll send you the supporting letters of introduction you need to assist your visa application..
How can I look after my health?
Unlike much of Africa, anti-malarials are not needed in Marrakech which is great news, although you may get a delicate stomach from the food and water but this is quite normal. 1 in 5 visitors to Morocco will experience a little discomfort but it usually passes in a couple of days and most volunteers carry on as usual (with the help of something like Immodium). To help prevent an upset stomach, stick to bottled water and soft drinks. If you are worried, try to avoid the orange juice in the main square as even though it’s lovely, the water may be untreated. Instead buy two oranges and sugar and ask your coordinator how to make the same at home. The most common health annoyances in the summer months are generally not drinking enough water or sun exposure. Make sure you drink plenty, always carry an extra bottle or two with you when away from the volunteer house, ideally a bottle that has been in the freezer overnight, and cover up with a sun hat or parasol in the heat of the day.
What do I need to take for my stay?
Between June and August take a single duvet cover to sleep inside or a summer weight sleeping bag. From October to April it is a good idea to take a sleeping bag and and a jumper as the weather can vary from hot to chilly. It is a good idea all year round to also pack trainers or lightweight walking shoes as some projects and trips involve walking on rough or rocky terrain. Flip flops are impractical for rocky footpaths although they are light enough to put in your bag if you change later.
If you want to take any opportunity to travel out of Marrakech to projects further afield which often requires camping or sleeping on the floor, you may want to take a cheap sleeping mat just in case and pillow to be more comfortable. Although there is no obligation to move out of Marrakech, these are just optional add-on experiences to try volunteering elsewhere.
A daypack is essential at all times to carry equipment and a drink to projects. A money belt is practical to keep money and passport safe. In the summer months between April and October you will need at least 2 bottles of water a day (70p – £1.50) so make sure there’s space and your day bag is strong enough! If the weather forecast for your trip will be over 37 Celcius then it is worth packing either a very wide rimmed sun hat, a summer parasol or white/light umbrella as a sun shade when waiting for taxis and buses.
How much free time will I have?
When not volunteering, you can enjoy all the classic tourist treats of this exotic spice city which are literally just outside your front door. Volunteer schedules are organised for 5 days out of 7 on a part time basis so there is plenty of time to explore and take time out. But if there is a tour which requires an extra day off, that is absolutely fine.
A great idea when you first arrive is to take the sight-seeing bus, which is open-topped and takes you right the way around the outskirts of the city. They are exactly the same as the city sightseeing buses in the UK. There is a commentary available that comes in many different languages. On hot days volunteers can visit one of the luxurious hotel pools and pay for a day’s use. Further afield, a desert camel trek is a must and almost all volunteers will spend one weekend on a desert trip.
Can I travel?
Group visits to the Berber villages in the Atlas mountains are always popular. In the summer these are often on the schedule every week. Most trips last a full day including travelling time. Some are far enough to require an overnight stop. The bus fare is about £4 return and takes 2.5 hours with a comfort break half way. The second half is an exciting hair-raising ride into the mountains, followed by a river side trek through traditional villages where at the final and largest village volunteers organise a two hour fun-filled activity session. At the end of the session, toys, games and resources are usually donated. Before the return journey, a traditional Moroccan tajine is enjoyed by the whole group at an outdoor restaurant. There are also projects occasionally on the coast in Casablanca and Agadir. Speak to your volunteer co-ordinator about any forthcoming projects that you might be interested in. You can also search and book Morocco tours independently.