Zineb El Bahraoui joined CorpsAfrica/Maroc as a Volunteer in 2022’s 7th cohort in Azilal Province’s Timansourine village. One of Zineb’s notable achievements is her collaboration with the ATAAE ALKHAYER Foundation to implement a project that cost more than $10,000. This initiative involved not only rebuilding the mosque in her site but also constructing a local classroom for educational and cultural purposes, benefiting women and children in the community.
She holds a Master’s degree in Sociology and has extensive experience working with NGOs in different regions of Morocco, in addition to her volunteer experience since childhood. Her host community, Timansourine Village, is a community of about 40 families that face significant challenges of poverty, illiteracy, and isolation. Many rely on agriculture for income, while others migrate to cities for economic reasons.
Upon Zineb’s arrival as a Volunteer, the community welcomed her with hope, believing she could lead them toward improvement. They were committed and motivated, actively participating in Zineb’s educational awareness activities. They collaborated in various ways, supporting the volunteers and taking charge of their development.
After her experience with CorpsAfrica, Zineb discovered a strong interest in project design and management. She underwent various training sessions and self-study in Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Design, and Budgeting to complement her learnings from her time as a Volunteer with CorpsAfrica. Additionally, she pursued several internships in rural community development. Her volunteer experience consistently enhanced her profile, and she now holds a position as a Project Manager with REMESS.
In her new role, Zineb, driven by her passion for rural development, is actively supporting several small businesses. She particularly focuses on social entrepreneurship ventures aimed at developing rural areas and empowering people from small, isolated villages in Morocco. Her dedication to these initiatives is making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
For Zineb, CorpsAfrica was not just an experience; it was a revelation. It guided her to uncover her passions, refine her skills, and realize the symbiotic relationship between self-improvement and societal progress. Through this journey, she not only discovered her potential but also found a profound sense of purpose—a driving force empowering her to spearhead the transformative change her country needs.
Zineb is ambitiously preparing to establish her project: an eco-guesthouse nestled in one of Morocco’s rural regions. With a core mission to invigorate tourism, the project aims to spotlight local products, foster community engagement, and champion environmentally sustainable practices. Through this venture, Zineb envisions not just a business, but a catalyst for holistic rural development and ecological stewardship.