I love to travel and could not imagine my life without it. However, it can sometimes be difficult to reconcile this passion with the negative impact tourism can have on local communities. That’s why I like to seek out ways to make my travel more ethical and look for organisations that help international travellers have a more positive presence.
This article showcases a brilliant charity initiative hoping to transform every Morocco holiday by channelling resources into Berber families living in remote villages.
The Eve Branson Foundation
Eve Branson – mother of Sir Richard Branson – went on a life-changing Morocco holiday in the 1990s. She visited the villages in the High Atlas Mountains and was inspired to begin a project that would help improve the lives of those who lived in this remote location.
The charity began with just three craft homes, created to give the young women of the village opportunities to make their own money. They could create beautiful crafts and sell them. Now, the foundation works with many different organisations to promote and support community activities which help to enrich the lives of the Berber people. This initiative includes providing healthcare, tackling environmental issues, improving wellbeing and increasing access to education.
The Partner: The Kasbah Tamadot Hotel
One way you could support this charity during your Morocco holiday is with a stay at the Kasbah Tamadot Hotel and participation in their ‘Pack for a Purpose’ scheme.
This hotel is beautiful, surrounded by elegant gardens and has peaceful views over the countryside. Along with luxurious accommodation, they offer guests day excursions to the Eve Branson Foundations workshops in nearby villages. This way, you can see with your own eyes the work carried out by the organisation – training schemes and crafts projects are just two examples.
Pack for a Purpose
The ‘Pack for a Purpose’ initiative is another brainchild of Branson. It encourages tourists to include donations in their luggage, so their visit has a positive impact on the local community. The Kasbah Tamadot Hotel supports this effort to provide the local people with the resources they need.
To discover how you can contribute simply look online. Common donations include clothing and toys for children, as well as craft supplies and healthcare products. The hotel encourages its guests to save a little of their luggage space for these contributions which they will make sure get to the right place.
A Morocco holiday is one you are sure to remember. Whether you are true culture vulture, a foodie or just love the sun, there is something for everyone. So getting involved in an initiative like ‘Pack for a Purpose’ is a brilliant way of contributing to the local community, travelling in a more ethical way and ensuring your trip supports local people and customs.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury Morocco holiday accommodation in Italy, as well as holidays in Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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