Moroccan students attend international youth conference in US

2008-08-01

A delegation of Casablanca high school students recently spent several days in the United States for an international youth conference aimed at increasing global co-operation at the grassroots level.

By Iman Belhaj for Magharebia in Casablanca – 01/08/08

[Iman Belhaj] Youths returning from an international conference in the United States talked to Magharebia about representing their homeland and learning about other cultures.

Ten Moroccan teenagers joined students from Mexico, the United Kingdom, Iraq, India and other countries at the Sister Cities International Youth Conference, held July 16th-19th in Kansas City, USA under the theme, "Global Action: Taking Community Service Abroad".

The youth delegation's trip from Morocco to Missouri was organized by the Casablanca-Chicago Twinning Association. Director Boubker Mazoz said that the students selected to attend the international conference were "outstanding achievers in school in general, and in English in particular".

He explained that the students' secondary schools – Muhamad VI High in Sidi Momen, Muhamad V High in Darb El Sultan Al Fidaa and Ibn Mseek High – are all "twinned", or partnered, with sister schools in Chicago, USA.

"It was a great opportunity for young people our age, a truly unique opportunity. People of various nationalities got together and exchanged views, and we learned about different world civilizations. We hope we managed to convey a good image of our homeland," said 17-year-old Chaimaa Bourrou.

"We did not just represent the Association. Rather, we represented Moroccan youth, who all share the same dreams and aspirations to change things and send out a message of love and tolerance to all nations and individuals," the first year bac student said. She added that the American young people she met were "really thirsty" to learn about other cultures.

The talented young people had a challenging itinerary during their five-day trip. Jihane Dakir, 17, another bac student, said they participated in several social operations, such as sending school supplies to Iraqi children and observing how prison convicts are re-integrated into US society.

"We learned a lot, and it can truly be regarded as an asset to our stock of knowledge," said Awatif Elmelijy. Like other delegates, Awatif was very excited about the conference, telling Magharebia that her trip helped "correct some notions about Americans and the US".

The conference helped present the real image of Morocco and the country's progress in advancing volunteerism and social service, 18-year-old Ilyass Boujnane said.

"We met tolerant American youth," he told Magharebia. "Contrary to what we see on TV, they are people who want to live in peace, just like we do. Despite some challenges incurred by the difference in culture and religions, we managed to overcome that barrier and communicate freely," Ilyass added.

Another student, Khadija Agnaou, had misgivings before the trip about how other young people in the US would react to her as a veiled young woman. She was delighted to see their warm response to her and their acceptance of her ideas. The Moroccan delegation's easy interaction with peers from many cultures was noted by participants in the Sister Cities International Youth Conference.

Many found the performance of the Casablanca teenagers at the concluding ceremony to be very moving. Dressed in traditional Moroccan clothing, the ten high school students went onto the stage at Rockhurst University with their national flag held high to sing Morocco's national anthem.

Representing more than 2,300 communities in 127 countries, Sister Cities International aims to increase global co-operation at the grassroots level. Bringing together youth from around the world, the exchange program promotes peace through mutual respect, understanding and co-operation by focusing on sustainable development, youth and education, arts and culture, humanitarian assistance and economic growth programs.