Desert Rats Tours
Project #1
Campus Vivante is located in Morocco’s High Atlas, in a remote valley at 1800m above sea level in the midst of pristine, rugged mountains. The maternelle vivante pre-school, the Ãcole vivante primary school and the collage vivante secondary school provide around 80 students from the ages 4 through 18 years old, mostly Berbers from all social classes, with a comprehensive, future-oriented education in their remote homeland.
Since 2015, children with hearing difficulties have been integrated into everyday school life. However, inclusion at Campus Vivante means more than the integration of deaf children. We encourage the conviction that every individual, with their own individual strengths and weaknesses, has a place in society and can realise their potential.
Project #2
Tiwizi is an association for Berber women. Nadja Mili (the Founder) believes that women are the pillar of the family and that the future is in their hands.
Most Berber women embroider but only know the regional technique. Nadja therefore recruits trainers who teach them embroidery techniques from different regions of Morocco.
Together, they create clothes and accessories with traditional embroidery but with modern cuts to attract city dwellers. Linen shirts and scarves are on sale within the association. A small school building has been restored to allow women to freely come and embroider in the afternoon.
Each piece of clothing or item has the name of the Berber woman written in it who made it. The proceeds go directly to that woman.
Initiatives Supported
Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.
Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
• Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
• The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.
Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.
