Emergency response: Scout aid for Morocco and Libya

On 8 September, a devastating earthquake struck various regions of Morocco, prompting the Fédération Nationale du Scoutisme Marocain to swiftly mobilise volunteers and form a specialised emergency team at the national level dedicated to disaster relief efforts.

Just a couple of days later, torrential rains wreaked havoc in Derna, Libya. Scouts are now playing a critical role in the government's flood response, including sea Scouts and other Scout groups helping in local shelters and providing psychological support for those in need.

Through the Scout Donation Platform, the World Scout Foundation (WSF) and the World Organization of the Scout Movement (WOSM) have launched a global appeal for funds to support relief efforts by Scouts in Morocco. Every donation — no matter how small — can make a big difference to those affected by the devastating natural disasters, so please consider contributing to this emergency appeal. Supporting these efforts, WSF and WOSM already made available USD 10,000 in emergency funding.

Morocco’s Scouts unite to launch relief efforts after deadly earthquake.

Over 2,000 Scouts are already contributing to emergency response efforts, coordinated by the Fédération Nationale du Scoutisme Marocain, following the deadly earthquake that rocked central Morocco on 8 September. The death toll has already reached over 2,500, leaving more injured or unaccounted for, and hundreds of thousands of people are now homeless. 
 
Scout volunteers immediately mobilised. They are managing large-scale collections of vital supplies, including medicine, clothes, food, and blankets, providing first aid and helping to transport injured victims to safety. In addition, they are donating blood, providing shelter to families who have been displaced, and offering vital support to children and their families who have lost everything. Among Scout volunteers are 50 people trained in mental health, 50 in relief and first aid, 200 in educational and teaching support, and 50 in Safe from Harm.

A few days before the earthquake struck, the NSO held a disaster rescue and response training session in collaboration with the Moroccan Red Crescent, bolstering their ability to respond quickly and effectively in such challenging circumstances.

Scouts will utilise their facilities as distribution centres for essential supplies and special venues to host Scout-led activity camps for children supervised by Scout leaders and experts.

Your donation will make a significant impact by:

• Delivering crucial supplies such as medicine, clothing, tents, and blankets.
• Organising nationwide blood donation drives
• Offering centralised psychological support for children through specialised camps.
• Providing 'back to school packages' for affected children.
• Contributing to the recovery efforts for community infrastructure and facilities, including schools.

Amid the chaos and devastation, a story of resilience and unity has emerged with Scouts coming together, demonstrating their solidarity and compassion to assist those in need.

Libya Scouts assist government response

Scouts are actively assisting the government's response using their available resources. Sea Scouts will leverage their expertise and equipment to aid in search and rescue efforts. Other scout groups are providing support in shelters where displaced individuals have sought refuge within the affected region.

Your donation will help to:

• Collect and deliver vital supplies, such as medicine, clothing, and hygiene essentials.
• Provide psychological support for children in shelters and after the crisis.
• Support the management and distribution of people in shelters.
• Provide survival packages for displaced families (tents, blankets, mattresses).
• Contribute to the rehabilitation effort for community infrastructure and facilities (schools, etc.). 

Impact

Over 2,000 dedicated Scouts are actively contributing to the response efforts in both countries, with a significant number of them equipped to provide essential services such as first aid, mental health, educational support and safe from harm, as well as psychological assistance to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. 

This critical psychological support aims to help children navigate their emotions, fears, and anxieties, fostering improved mental well-being during these challenging times. 

Additionally, displaced and impacted families are receiving vital assistance in meeting their basic needs, ensuring a more stable path to recovery.

Like with many rapid onset emergencies, children are often those who suffer most. In addition to delivering essential support for basic needs, Scouts are also providing critical psychological support to help younger victims navigate their emotions, fears and anxieties in this unprecedented emergency.  

With your support, local Scouts will be able to reach up to 20,000+ victims of the earthquake with life-saving help in their time of need. 

Please help us share how Scouts are serving their communities on the ground. Share our appeal on your favourite social channel today. 

Thank you for your support. 
 

Donate here today. 

Photo and Photo credits: 
Fédération Nationale du Scoutisme Marocain in partnership with: 
Ministry of Solidarity, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Youth and Ministry of Interior.
Boy Scouts and Girl Guides of Libya in partnership with: 
Libyan Red Crescent, National Safety Authority, The General Authority for Search and Identification of Missing People and Municipalities of affected areas.