Child Sponsorship Background from Marrakesh, Morocco

SOS Children's Village Aït Ourir, near Marrakesh

The SOS Children's Village Aït Ourir lies at the foot of the Atlas mountains, around 40 km east of Marrakesh on the road to Ouarzatate and was officially opened in March 1985.  The Children's Village was built in a typically Moroccan style and consists of 14 family houses which is home to 140 children, a village director's house, an aunt's house together with the administration and service buildings.

A small and simple farm contributes towards meeting the individual's needs for fruit, vegetables, meat, etc.  Any agricultural surpluses are sold on the market.

Other SOS Projects in Aït Ourir

Two SOS Youth Homes in Marrakesh and Mohammédia also form part of the SOS Children's Village: two flats with six dormitories, living/dining room, kitchen, office and sanitary facilities are available for the boys; girls are in a flat of their own with five dormitories.  Since the beginning of 2005, young people in Aït Ourir have also had the opportunity to learn to be independent at the Youth Facilities.

An SOS Nursery School and an SOS School are also affiliated to the SOS Children's Village.  The SOS Nursery School has been in operation since 1985 and is attended by around 100 children (also from areas nearby), who are cared for in four group rooms.  A large multi-purpose hall is available for them.  The SOS School was opened in September 1999 and consists of six classes, where 150 primary school children are taught as well as in three work shops.

Background to Marrakesh

Marrakesh is the thrid largest city in Morocco.  It is sometimes referred to as the 'Red City'.  It has a cosmoploitan population of over one million people. Located near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, it's name probably originates from the words which mean "Land of God".