Hasnae Ahoudar from Morocco joined CorpsAfrica as a Volunteer during the post-COVID period to serve in one of the villages in the High Atlas Mountains. After completing her experience with CorpsAfrica/Maroc, she went to Malawi for an additional 10-month volunteer stint in one of its rural villages. Volunteering in Malawi was the greatest experience for Hasnae. As a young woman from a small village near Fes, she chose to continue making a positive impact in Africa after her experience in her home country. This demonstrated her strong commitment and flexibility.
Hasnae, from Ain Chegag, Fes, Morocco, holds a Bachelor’s degree in English studies. She served in Tadmamt, a village of about 30 households that rely on almond and carob agriculture. The women in Tadmamt excel in handicrafts such as rug-making, providing additional income for their families. The community, also involved in tourism, was eager to work and develop.
In Malawi, Hasnae worked in Mulanje district, a community of 1,000 people primarily engaged in agriculture. The women and young girls were keen to develop and participate in local development, greatly aiding Hasnae in her mission.
Hasnae’s experience with CorpsAfrica, particularly the exchange volunteering in Malawi, was a significant opportunity for her to step out of her comfort zone. Traveling from North Africa to Southern Africa, she developed several personal skills such as self-confidence, flexibility, and the ability to manage her needs and fears independently. She also discovered her inner strengths.
Professionally, Hasnae gained experience in rural community development not only in her home country but across different African contexts. Teaching classes in Morocco and working in a primary school in Malawi allowed her to engage with two different educational systems. Additionally, she honed her public speaking skills by pitching her community project in Malawi, further enriching her professional career. After these fruitful and unique experiences, Hasnae returned to her hometown and was recruited by SOS Villages in Taroudant as an Educator. In this role, she continues to apply her skills and knowledge in community development and education, contributing to the growth and well-being of the children in her care. Her journey reflects her dedication to making a positive impact and her ability to adapt and thrive in diverse environments and gain professional experience.
During her experience in Morocco, Hasnae Ahoudar worked with the women in her village to unite their efforts and skills by creating a cooperative. This allowed them to collaborate on producing and commercializing their handcrafts, thereby increasing their sales and economic stability.
In Malawi, Hasnae excelled in teaching children English and assisted primary school teachers in developing new, interactive teaching methods. These methods made lessons more engaging and dynamic for the students, significantly improving their learning experience. Additionally, she played a vital role in community development projects, fostering a spirit of cooperation and growth among the local population.
After her experience with CorpsAfrica, Hasnae started believing that by trusting in her skills, ideas, and words, she could make a positive change in a community or even an entire generation. This newfound confidence has empowered her to take on leadership roles and actively contribute to the development and well-being of those around her, further amplifying her impact.
