A powerful earthquake of magnitude 6.8 on the Richter scale hit Morocco, and more specifically the High Atlas region, on September 8, 2023, causing the death of almost 3,000 people and the destruction of many homes and essential infrastructures.

In the province of Taroudant, this natural disaster had a significant impact on the region's infrastructure, including schools and colleges. Although most of the infrastructure had been built to earthquake-proof standards, the earthquake damaged school buildings, condemning some, disrupting lessons and delaying the school program. 

Contacts with the Moroccan association Ibn Al Baytar, which has a long-standing presence in the intervention zone, and a meeting with the Governor of the province of Taroudant and the Regional Director of National Education during the field mission from January 8 to 11, 2024, enabled us to confirm, in partnership with these authorities, the priority secondary schools to be rehabilitated in 2 villages.

The Ouzioua middle school and the Tinzart high school have been identified. These two establishments are home to almost 1,400 pupils, 47% of whom are secondary school girls.

In addition to the rehabilitation of these school infrastructures, needs were identified at the Dar Taliba boarding school in Tinzart, which comprises 4 dormitories, 3 of which are reserved for girls. Two of these dormitories were damaged in the earthquake. Their rehabilitation will enable the boarders to use the buildings to their full potential once again.