On September 8th, 2023, a catastrophic earthquake rocked the Al Haouz province and its surrounding areas in Morocco, leaving behind a trail of destruction and despair. The aftermath of this natural disaster has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation.

We are relieved to announce that all CorpsAfrica staff and Volunteers, who had recently undergone Pre-Service Training in the affected region, are accounted for and safe amidst this tragedy.

This calamity strikes particularly close to the heart of the CorpsAfrica family. Morocco not only served as the inaugural program for CorpsAfrica but also served as the inspiration behind its creation. Many of the sites now reduced to ruins had either hosted CorpsAfrica Volunteers or were scheduled to do so.

Among the affected communities is the village of Asmaa’s Berkia. Asmaa, the Volunteer Liaison for CorpsAfrica/Maroc, had served in Al Maghzen, merely kilometers away from the earthquake’s epicenter. Sadly, many individuals she had worked closely with during her service have lost their lives. The very home where she resided and the preschool where she dedicated her time to local children have been destroyed.

While our dedicated staff and alumni have already commenced efforts to support first responder activities, the affected communities are still grappling with the aftermath of this unforeseen tragedy.

Your contribution at this critical juncture will have a profound and immediate impact by directly assisting CorpsAfrica’s committed Volunteers and the distressed communities they serve. Join us in extending a helping hand to those in urgent need of assistance.