Another group of Brussels youth visits Morocco

In November 2017, twelve young Moroccans from the Region of Rabat-Salé-Kénitra were the guests of Brussels youth and their families. On Monday 19 March, a group of Brussels youth travelled to Rabat as part of the exchange.

The youngsters came from three different schools (Victor Horta in Evere, the Institut technique Frans Fischer in Schaerbeek Coovi in Anderlecht) and spent one week with their friends at the lycée Moulay Youssef in Rabat. The purpose of this exchange is to give young people the opportunity to discover another culture and its traditions, to become more aware of the living standards and problems that these young people encounter on a daily basis and to promote values such as tolerance and respect for others.

Stereotypes and complex identities

This year, the exchange between Brussels and Rabati youngsters focused on how to combat stereotypes, as well as reflecting on complex identities. The Belgian group enjoyed a highly varied programme in Morocco, with plenty of reflection, leisure and culture. The youngsters experienced the legendary Moroccan hospitality with their host families during a weeklong stay in the spirit offriendship, cordiality and understanding.

Following recent incidents in Brussels, Paris and London, this intercultural project was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on global citizenship and international solidarity. As such, the programme wants to contribute to building a peaceful world and combating hate. Or as Mother Theresa said: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”