Bringing Hope after a Devastating Earthquake
When a 6.8 magnitude earthquake shook Morocco in September last year, affecting the mountainous region to the south of Marrakesh, Moroccan Scouts mobilised, coordinating a nationwide relief effort. The devastation was widespread, 2,100 tragically lost their lives and many more were displaced and trapped beneath the debris.
The Scouts immediately established a team of dedicated emergency volunteers to ensure an effective intervention and a well-coordinated humanitarian response and reached out to Moroccan and international organisations to assist in rescue operations. Together with Scout groups across the country, over 2,000 volunteers joined the relief efforts, including Scout leaders and youth dispersed across areas impacted by the disaster. Among these volunteers was Scout leader, Yusuf.
He explains how Scouts worked around the clock, in rescue efforts. Many Scouts also initiated and took part in blood donation drives, assisted in transporting injured victims to safety, and provided shelter to families who lost their homes in the violent earthquake. Everyone had a role to play, and with their skills of resourcefulness, leadership, and problem solving, Scouts exceptionally stepped up to help their community and instil hope during this tragic time.
The Moroccan Scouts also launching fundraising appeals, including via the Scout Donation Platform supported by Scouts, BP Fellows, and supporters of Scouting worldwide, and they collected medicine, clothes, hygiene kits, food, and blankets.
Skills for life
The diversity of expertise and specialisations among the volunteer groups was immensely beneficial to the response. Among the volunteers, 50 were trained in mental health, 50 in relief and first aid, 200 in educational and teaching support, and 50 in Safe from Harm, making the humanitarian efforts highly impactful.
In partnership with the Moroccan Red Crescent, Scouts had completed disaster response training just days before the earthquake hit, which also boosted their ability to lead action, swiftly and efficiently.
Safe spaces for children and families
Yusuf experienced first-hand the importance of emotional support in such vulnerable moments, especially for children. Together with other Scout volunteers, he worked to create safe spaces at camps for displaced families where they led fun and educational activities, offering children a sense of normalcy and hope amid all the uncertainty.
“We carried out many activities at the camp for the people affected by the earthquake”, Yusuf explained. The activities helped children to play and have fun despite their immense loss, giving their families some much-needed respite.
Scouts always lead with compassion and empathy, seeking opportunities for learning, joy, and hope in even the hardest of circumstances. This critical psychological support helps children to navigate their emotions, fears, and anxieties, supporting their mental well-being during such challenging times.
Make a Difference Today
Scouts just like Yusuf are leading life-changing initiatives, every day, across the globe, offering hope and rebuilding communities in times of crisis, as in peace.
Your continued support to World Scouting will help even more Scouts to take action when disaster strikes, empowered through Scouting with the leadership and life skills, tools and knowledge, to lead positive change their communities.
Help us to empower even more Yusufs by making your annual gift to World Scouting: Donate today.
For Scouting. For Good. Together.
