Northeastern Co-op Facilitates Recovery Efforts in Earthquake-Hit Morocco
Michaela Creel, a student at Northeastern, participated in recovery efforts following the devastating earthquake in Morocco by working with the High Atlas Foundation. Her role involved community engagement, agriculture support, and cultural immersion, resulting in significant contributions to sustainable development initiatives.
The impact of the significant earthquake that struck Morocco last September has led to extensive recovery efforts, particularly in the agricultural sectors of the High Atlas region. Michaela Creel, a junior studying international affairs and cultural anthropology, dedicated her co-op semester to working with the High Atlas Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Marrakesh focused on sustainable development. Creel was drawn to this opportunity as it aligned with her academic pursuits and allowed her to engage directly with communities affected by the natural disaster rather than confining her to a traditional office setting. Through her involvement, she witnessed firsthand the foundation’s three primary initiatives: agricultural sustainability, women’s economic empowerment, and water management systems. The organization has notably planted over five million trees within farming communities and continues to support various local projects. In light of the earthquake’s aftermath, Creel’s responsibilities centered around communications and outreach, which involved distributing saplings, visiting local markets, and collaborating on rebuilding efforts for water infrastructure. One of her significant contributions included the creation of an interactive tour for visitors to engage with a nursery caretaker, thereby enhancing awareness about the importance of sustainable practices in forest management. Living and working in Medina provided Creel with a unique cultural experience; she developed meaningful relationships with local residents, participated in community traditions, and gained a deeper understanding of Moroccan culture.
In September 2023, Morocco was struck by a devastating earthquake that severely affected rural communities, particularly in the High Atlas mountains, which have a long-standing agricultural heritage. Many farms, responsible for growing olives and almonds, faced significant challenges in the face of this natural disaster. The High Atlas Foundation was established in 2000 by former Peace Corps volunteers to promote sustainable development in these regions by working closely with the local population. With a focus on community engagement and long-term sustainability, the foundation addresses various needs from agricultural support to women’s empowerment and clean water initiatives.
Michaela Creel’s co-op experience with the High Atlas Foundation underscores the organization’s commitment to sustainable community development in the wake of the recent earthquake in Morocco. Her firsthand involvement in agricultural recovery efforts, coupled with the organization’s focus on empowering local populations, highlights the importance of community-driven approaches in disaster recovery and sustainable development initiatives.
Original Source: news.northeastern.edu
