From July 11-13, 2024, CorpsAfrica and UM6P convened in Benguerir, Morocco, for a strategic summit aimed at deepening collaboration and understanding the far-reaching impact of CorpsAfrica Volunteers. The event was followed by two days of immersive site visits to communities in the High Atlas Mountains, offering a firsthand look at how CorpsAfrica/Maroc Volunteers work on the ground with local communities to drive sustainable development.

The summit’s agenda featured a series of participatory sessions, focusing on the CorpsAfrica Volunteer experience. Key topics included Human-Centered Design, climate resilience, disaster response, and the role of Pan-Africanism in shaping grassroots initiatives. Thought leaders, development practitioners, partners, university faculty, and CorpsAfrica Volunteers engaged in dynamic discussions, exchanging knowledge and strategies for fostering long-term change across the African continent.

Following the summit, participants traveled to the High Atlas Mountains, where they witnessed the impact of volunteer efforts in communities still recovering from the September 2023 earthquake. CorpsAfrica/Maroc Volunteers have worked tirelessly alongside local residents to rebuild, addressing both immediate and long-term needs. The visits highlighted the importance of local partnerships in building resilience and navigating the challenges posed by natural disasters.

This gathering was a powerful reminder of the significance of collaboration, listening, and community-driven development. CorpsAfrica and UM6P are committed to working together, leveraging shared expertise and resources  efforts to help rural communities across Africa develop with the help of CorpsAfrica Volunteers. We look forward to the opportunities this partnership, particularly with the Social Innovation Lab, will unlock as we continue to promote volunteerism, sustainable solutions, and grassroots development across the continent.