Northeastern Co-op Aids Recovery Efforts After Morocco’s Earthquake

Following the destructive earthquake in Morocco, Michaela Creel participated in a co-op with the High Atlas Foundation, contributing to recovery efforts in farming communities. Through her role, she engaged in agricultural support, women’s empowerment initiatives, and the restoration of clean water systems, while immersing herself in Moroccan culture and fostering connections within the local community.

In the wake of a devastating earthquake that struck Morocco in September 2023, a cooperative effort involving Michaela Creel, a third-year student pursuing a degree in international affairs and cultural anthropology, significantly contributed to recovery initiatives in the affected region. Creel undertook a co-op with the High Atlas Foundation in Marrakesh, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering sustainable development and improving the livelihoods of local communities through agricultural support and empowerment programs, including education for women. Her experiences involved engaging directly with farming communities in the High Atlas Mountains, where traditional agriculture had faced severe obstacles due to the recent seismic event. The High Atlas Foundation, established by former Peace Corps volunteers in 2000, aims to empower these communities by creating sustainable and maintainable systems that address their distinct needs. Creel’s contributions included documenting local agricultural practices, assisting in the distribution of saplings, and developing clean water systems, all critical components of the recovery process. During her tenure, Creel participated in numerous initiatives, from visiting local farmers to capturing the stories of women entrepreneurs in souk marketplaces. Her role focused on enhancing communication strategies for the foundation, which included producing content to convey the organization’s efforts to its supporters and stakeholders. One notable project she undertook was creating an interactive online tour of a tree nursery for International Forest Day, showcasing her newly acquired coding skills. Living in Medina with fellow co-op students allowed Creel to immerse herself fully in Moroccan culture, fostering meaningful relationships within the community and participating in local traditions, including shared meals during Ramadan. This practical experience, she noted, offered her a unique perspective on Moroccan life that extends beyond an academic study abroad program.

The High Atlas region of Morocco has a rich agricultural heritage, where farming practices have been passed down through generations. However, the earthquake’s impact necessitated urgent recovery efforts, as many communities reliant on agriculture faced significant challenges. The High Atlas Foundation has a mission to drive sustainable development, focusing on three main pillars: agricultural support, women’s empowerment, and water management. Through these initiatives, the organization aims to create resilience and long-lasting change within these communities, particularly following natural disasters.

Michaela Creel’s co-op experience with the High Atlas Foundation exemplifies the profound impact of community-based recovery efforts in the aftermath of natural disasters, such as the recent earthquake in Morocco. Through hands-on engagement in various initiatives, including agricultural recovery, women’s empowerment, and water management, Creel not only contributed to the fortification of local communities but also gained invaluable insights into cultural integration and sustainable development. The foundation’s commitment to involving local perspectives in its programs underscores the importance of addressing the unique challenges faced by these communities in their journey towards recovery and sustainability.

Original Source: news.northeastern.edu