We have 5 places for the Morocco Multi Challenge in October 2012.
 The Kingdom of Morocco is the most westerly of the North African countries known as the Maghreb and is bordered by Algeria to the east and Mauritania to the south. The country, which covers an area of 458,730 sq km has a diverse geography with both Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines in addition to a rugged mountainous interior. Although only separated from Europe by the straits of Gibraltar, Morocco is a world away in terms of culture and experience. This is due to the country’s turbulent history. Since the days of the Phoenicians, Morocco has attracted foreign interest, from the Romans, Vandals and ancient Greeks until the coming of the Arabs in the 7th century who brought Islam. Later France and Spain battled for control, until nationalism triumphed and the Kingdom of Morocco gained independence in 1956. The vast majority of Morocco’s 29 million people are Sunni Muslim and their head of state is King Mohammed VI, seen by many as a force for progress and modernisation. It should be noted however that the King is the supreme head of the armies. In addition he chairs the Council of Ministers, chooses the Prime Minister and names the ministers proposed by him. The government is responsible to the King and Parliament.
 The Berbers are an ethnic group indigenous to Northwest Africa whose culture can be traced back at least 4,000 years. The term Berber does not exist in their language; instead they refer to themselves as Imazighen. There are thought to be between 14-25 million Berbers most of whom live in Morocco and Algeria. Before the advent of Islam most Berbers were Christians. Now the majority are Sunni Muslim and most live in the mountains, which can be traced back to the days of Arab conquest when the Arabs took control over the cities, but left the countryside to itself. There is a tendency in Morocco to regard the Berbers as backward, partly because their culture is strongest in the less-developed rural areas. Many of the children in these regions drop out of school because they are taught in what to them is a foreign language - Arabic. The Berber language is still not officially recognised.
The project is based in Marrakech and there are many activities you could be involved in during your time
helping there. They provide shelters, education, social integration and legal assistance to hundreds of street
children in the area and it is anticipated that the group could provide assistance such as helping to paint or
decorate one of the shelters or schools, build a playground, or other such activities. Your help will go a long way
to improving the lives of the local people and you will leave feeling as if you have really made a difference.
Depart London for Marrakech. On arrival you will be met by your local guide and transfer to a central hotel for
a welcome dinner and overnight stay.
Transfer to Imlil (approximately 1.5 hours drive) which is located in the Toubkal National Park. Immediately after
arriving set off for a one day trek, returning to the Guesthouse for the night. Your trek will take you around 6
hours and through juniper forests, villages and up to high passes of 2500m for spectacular views of the
surrounding peaks before returning to Imlil for an overnight stay and hearty dinner.
Today we will spend a full day mountain biking in the national park, going on a round trip from Imlil and back
via Berber villages and other local sites of interest. Overnight at the Guesthouse.
Transfer back to Marrakech and freshen up at your hotel. This afternoon you will have a visit to the project for a
briefing and introduction.
Spend two full days assisting at a local project. Specific activities will be confirmed closer to departure but it is
expected that you will be involved in decorating and improving the shelters for the children, or possibly
constructing a play area or garden for the children to play in. Your work will be invaluable.
A free day in Marrakech for sightseeing and shopping (optional excursions can be arranged). Enjoy a farewell
dinner at a local restaurant tonight.
Transfer to the airport to fly back to London.
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