The Moroccan Children’s Trust Welcomes you to our Fundraiser Gala Dinner 6pm, 2nd February 2013, Thistle City Barbican A Warm Welcome Contents Ahlan wa sahlan! We are delighted to welcome you to the Moroccan Children’s Trust’s Annual Gala Dinner 2013. Tonight we are celebrating our fourth anniversary since we began working in Morocco and it is our pleasure to share such an important moment with you. It is thanks to you that MCT can continue to run projects in partnership with Moroccan NGO Group Maroc Horizons – projects that are transforming the community of Taroudannt. Together we can brighten the future of some of Morocco’s most vulnerable children. On behalf of over 100 children at the Afaq Centre, we would like to thank you for all your kind support. We hope that you enjoy the evening. 2 WELCOME 2 PROGRAMME 4 OUR WORK 5 RAFFLE ITEMS 10 AUCTION ITEMS 11 THE EVENING’S CONTRIBUTORS 13 MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED 15 3 Programme Social Work RECEPTION & WELCOME Our team of three social workers at the Afaq Centre engages with street-connected children and their families at the drop-in centre, in their family homes and on the streets of Taroudannt. They also visit neighbourhoods at night where they can be available for crucial interventions on the street. They offer practical and emotional support to children who face challenges in their daily lives such as neglect and physical abuse and who encounter obstacles in accessing healthcare and education. The social workers aim to build community support for this group of stigmatised children through their links with local schools and medical centres. DINNER Starters Beetroot Carpaccio & Feta Cheese Served With Mixed Salad Leaves and Toasted Pine Nuts Salad of Hot Smoked Salmon With Dill Crème Fraîche and Toasted Brioche Bread Mains Grilled Halal Chicken Fillet With Mediterranean Couscous Served With Potatoes, Leek and Plum Tomato Pumpkin and Wild Mushroom Risotto with Parmesan Cookies Dessert Lemon Tart with Raspberry Coulis and Clotted Cream SPEECHES FROM ANDY WILLIAMS MBE & DR CHRIS HANDS RAFFLE & AUCTION LIVE MUSIC & DANCING 4 Over the past year the Moroccan Children’s Trust has continued its vital struggle to assist children in obtaining formal identification papers. Without this documentation the children have no guaranteed access to basic social services such as education, healthcare nor to future employment. Between 2011 and 2012, the in-country social workers secured ID papers for 16 children with 14 cases currently in progress. In November the Ministry of Education issued a directive advising all educational institutions in Taroudannt to seek the help of the Afaq Centre in sourcing papers for unregistered children in schools across the region. The announcement reflects official recognition of the quality of our work and the pressing need to address the issue. MCT is now looking for ways to enlarge the project’s capacity in order to deal effectively with the recent surge of cases since the Ministry’s announcement. We will carry out research into the needs of the wider provincial population and expand our programme to reach as many children as possible. 5 School Support & Preschool The school support programme has continued to flourish this year, with 38 children attending by the end of 2012 compared with just 28 in 2011. The Afaq Centre offers a wide variety of educational activities to help children and teenagers perform well at school. For many children, home is not a suitable environment in which to study and so the centre provides an accessible and supportive place for children to learn. The flexible programme is based on the students’ school schedules and allows children to come with any concerns or requests for help. This enables our teachers to address the needs of each individual directly. The preschool class of 15 students has recently celebrated its first birthday with the graduation of four young pupils into public primary school. This represents a huge success in a country where most preschools are private and often too expensive for families with whom we work. These children are therefore excluded from public education until they are six years old, by which time they are at a serious disadvantage compared to their peers. Shashoua Sports Centre The Shashoua Sports Centre has continued to deliver real change for the lives of streetconnected children in Taroudannt. It is always bustling with activity and the shouts of “GOAL” can often be heard from the office on the second floor of the adjacent drop-in centre! There is a structured programme of daily classes lead by a sports teacher that includes activities like football, full contact martial arts and Tagine-Tagine-Couscous (the Moroccan version of Duck-Duck-Goose). The pre-schoolers use the centre to play and to discover sports for the first time. It is also used by some of the mothers in the women’s group to provide opportunities to do such activities as aerobics and basketball. It is a place for the entire team and the children at Afaq Centre to come together for celebrations and special activities. MCT is developing plans to increase the suitability of the facility as a sports centre by installing washing facilities, locker rooms, lighting system, and office and spectator spaces. This proposal aims to meet the needs of a regular daily programme with boys and girls at the centre, including improved hygienic conditions for the very hot summer months. 6 7 The Women’s Project Volunteer Project Attended by 20 women since its inception in September 2011, the Women’s Project aims to provide a safe space for women to share their daily problems and concerns as well as learn from each other. The Volunteer Project identifies and recruits international volunteers to spend a minimum of two months in Taroudannt helping at the Afaq Centre. Over the past year we have welcomed ten independent volunteers who have worked on a variety of projects depending on their skills and interests. The project was set up to enable the mothers of the children with whom we work to address important issues that confront them and to look for solutions through participatory group discussions that are led by one of our Moroccan social workers. In 2012 the Women’s Project has continued to provide some of the most marginalised women in Taroudannt with an environment in which they can find support and build their confidence. Regular meetings have been running at the centre, as well as occasional outings that allow women the opportunity to gain new life experiences, such as visiting a swimming pool. The group is currently developing an income-generating strand of the Women’s Project, as the women have showed a keen interest in starting up a catering project to supply breakfasts and lunches to office workers in the local area. Recent highlights have included circus skills workshops with professional clowns, an art project to paint a large mural on the centre’s terrace and a series of local football tournaments. The Moroccan team is also supported by a number of local volunteers who generously give up their time. This summer we hope to welcome a small group of these volunteers to London to help strengthen cross-cultural understanding between the UK and Morocco. As we move into 2013 an exciting new phase of the project is beginning. We are now responsible for a large volunteer house in Taroudannt which can accommodate up to eight volunteers at a time. The house has undergone extensive refurbishment and has already welcomed its first occupant in the form of a new in-country volunteer coordinator. We watch with anticipation as the house becomes a hub for future MCT volunteers in Taroudannt. Al bayt baytak - my house is your house! 8 9 Raffle Auction Two pieces of original calligraphy from Taliouine. The calligraphy is of proverbs written in Tamazight (the Berber language) using saffron ink. They have been kindly donated by award-winning Moroccan artist and poet Moulid Nid Ouissadan. Selection of Three Small Boucherouite Bags Ladies handbags made using the boucherouite technique of weaving together pieces of fabric to create colourful and unique designs. The bags were produced by the Anmoon Women’s Co-operative in Taroudannt which includes mothers of children attending the Afaq Centre. Two bottles of wine kindly donated by Mr & Mrs Hands. Deli hamper donated by Mr & Mrs Hands from the Deli-icious Deli in Nottingham and includes a delicious selection of gourmet treats, conserves and relishes – all rounded off with a bottle of full-bodied French Cahors wine. Two tickets to see Complicite’s new show ‘Lion Boy’ about an 11 year old boy who can speak to cats. With the help from a floating circus he goes on an adventure to Morocco in order to save his kidnapped parents. A voucher for any three computer games from Free Form Games in Ipswich (www.freeformgames.com) which includes some exciting dinner party murder mystery games. An exquisite beauty hamper including a Dr Haushka body care gift set, natural candles, a Burt’s Bee’s gift set, essential oils and a complementary therapy gift voucher from the Natural Medicine Centre in West Wickham. Two magnetic therapy bracelets in beautiful purple and turquoise hues also donated by the Natural Medicine Centre. Signed children’s books by Brighton-based author Nicky Singer, who began her writing career at 15 years old. Her first book ‘Feather Boy’ won the Blue Peter Children’s Book Award and has sold in eighteen countries. Red Letter Days have kindly offered a twenty percent discount on a vast range of activities for an adventure day. Enjoy a day of zorbing, driving, indoor skydiving, bungee jumping or paint-balling! A small handmade Boucherouite rug woven by the Anmoon Women’s Co-operative in Taroudannt. Some of the members of the co-operative are mothers of children attending the Afaq Centre. 10 Boucherouite Maroon Rug These rugs are specific to Berber people and each is unique in appearance and character. They are woven from scraps of discarded fabric into fabulous decorative creations. This rug was also designed and weaved by the Anmoon Women’s Co-operative in Taroudannt. Dinner for Two at Couscous Darna Dine out at the Couscous Darna Moroccan restaurant in South Kensington. Feel yourself transported to Morocco at this authentic outpost of fine Moroccan cuisine and sumptuous decor! This gift certificate entitles you to a three-course meal of your choice for two people including drinks. ‘Bastards: Sex and Single Mothers In Morocco’ Documentary A copy of a contemporary documentary called ‘Bastards’ produced by ex-BBC producer Deborah Perkin. The film explores the social, legal and political issues faced by Moroccan children born out of wedlock and the single mothers that fight for their rights. The film is currently in the final stages of production and Deborah Perkin has guaranteed us a copy upon completion. Moroccan Jewellery from Taroudannt Exquisite jewellery donated by London and Taroudannt resident Irina Laski. 3 bangles, 1 ring, 1 pipe, 1 heavy silver bangle, 1 coral necklace, 1 multibead necklace, 1 large fibula. Leather Tote Bag Green leather tote bag designed by Stuart Gladstone, a luxury accessories brand that combines quality and glamour. 11 Mountain Bike The Brighton Coptic Church has kindly offered an unused men’s bicycle for tonight’s auction. It is a dual suspension, deep-tread, blue and white mountain bike for twelve years and above. With 18 gears and 26 inch wheels, it is suitable for commuters and mountain bikers alike. Hot Air Balloon Experience Virgin balloon flights have kindly offered us a voucher for a hot air balloon flight. Choose from hundreds of launch sites all around the country where you will be swept off your feet, quite literally. Ben Dawson Furniture Piece An original creation by leading Scottish designer and independent furniture manufacturer for architectural interiors. Ben Dawson has previously designed furniture for the Scottish Parliament and the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Three Nights in Marrakesh A three-night stay for two people at the exquisite Riad Porte Royale in the heart of Marrakesh! The stay includes airport transfers, breakfasts and one meal for two. Situated in the medina, the riad has been featured in ‘The Daily Telegraph’ (Will Young’s Marrakesh), ‘Budget Travel’ (US), NBC’s ‘Good Morning Program’ (US), and selected as one of the six most relaxing riads in Morocco by ‘Footprint Guide.’ No doubt it will be a memorable stay! Kindly donated by owner Philip Brebner, whose daughter volunteered with MCT in Taroudannt. Various Artworks 1. ‘Serendipity’, canvas of a black and white tree set against mountains and a lake by F. Malik. Donated by Shaheidah Wanyek. 2. An elaborate piece showing deer by a blue waterfall in the middle of a forest. Acrylic on canvas. Donated by Shaheidah Wanyek. 3. A triptych of three abstract pieces with gold, black, silver and blue patterns. Acrylic on canvas. Donated by Shaheidah Wanyek. 4. ‘The Biginning’, 100cm by 120cm, acrylic on canvas, 2013. A modernist visual pun on Michealangelo’s ‘Creation’ in the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, by Indonesian artist Dadi Setiyadi. Donated by the artist himself. 5. Hunting for Imagination’, 110cm by 100cm, acrylic on canvas, 2013. A surrealist exploration of the idea of inspiration and the search for originality, by Indonesian artist Suryadi Suyamtina. Donated by the artist himself. 6. Two pieces by celebrated Moroccan artist Moulid Nid Ouissadan. The pieces are made using traditional techniques incorporating Moroccan proverbs in Tamazight calligraphy written using saffron ink. 12 Evening’s Contributors ANDY WILLIAMS MBE Andrew Williams is co-founder, former CEO and President Emeritus of Retrak which enables street children in Africa to realise their potential and discover their worth. He gained an MA in Religious Studies at Edinburgh University and an MSc in Applied Social Studies at Oxford University before qualifying as a probation officer. He toured throughout the UK and overseas with a theatre company and worked as a youth director in Brussels prior to moving to Uganda with his wife, Katina in 1996. He established a widely respected social work organisation and worked with government departments to promote best practice and protect children’s rights. To enable Retrak’s expansion into Kenya and Ethiopia he relocated to Nairobi in 2005 and was awarded an MBE in 2006 for services to children in Uganda. Now based in the UK, Andrew is a registered social worker and combines an acting career with consultancy, training and advocacy for NGOs and networks as well as teaching in universities and colleges focusing on international social work practice. His first book, ‘Working with Street Children – An Approach Explored’, was published by Russell House Ltd and released in October 2011. Andrew’s association with the Moroccan Children’s Trust began with a chance meeting in the House of Commons and had led to joint training in London and a week observing and working alongside the team in Taroudannt. The social work of the Street Children Project has been transformed since the Moroccan team took part in a two-day training with Andrew in London. Tonight he kindly returns to share some of his experiences and observations as our special guest speaker. Copies of his book are also available this evening for purchase. 13 THE SHASHOUA FOUNDATION The Shashoua Foundation, established by Roger Shashoua, supports the Al Ihssane orphanage in Casablanca and the Shashoua Sports Centre in Taroudannt as well as MCT’s work in London. The Foundation also encourages promising artists from Morocco by exhibiting and investing in their work. We are particularly grateful for the Foundation’s support over the past two years and for its sponsorship of this evening’s event – it has been instrumental to our success. SHAHEIDAH WANYEK Shaheidah is a Singaporean exhibition manager and art curator. She is the founder of the For Maroc With Love Fund, which raises money for development projects supporting young people in Morocco by selling original artwork. She has graciously donated two paintings from her own collection as well as identified artists in Indonesia and Morocco who have donated to the auction. She is planning to volunteer with MCT in Taroudannt for six months this year. More Ways to Get Involved CONTRIBUTE TO FUTURE EVENTS Moroccan Hafla -- 9th March - Tooting (South London) Come join us for a Moroccan-style evening with traditional Moroccan food & music to celebrate the inaugural catering event of the Klevis Kola Foundation’s Women’s Project. This is a group of refugee and migrant women from across the world sharing their home recipes and starting a catering business. Proceeds will go to both KKF and MCT! THE GROOVE GIANTS Toubkal Trek -- 19-27th April - Atlas Mountains (Marrakesh, Taroudannt) A group of 12 trekkers need your support as they endeavour to meet the challenge to trek North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, and to raise £2000 each in support of MCT’s work. The Groove Giants provide everything from a jazz quartet to a full 8-piece soul covers band for weddings, parties and other events. Please get in touch by email at [email protected] or via our website www.groovegiants.co.uk. Art Exhibition -- Early Summer (London) Contribute your expertise or love of art to encourage artists from southern Morocco and the UK to display their work together in a multicultural exhibition that MCT hopes to organise! GARY LOWE Fundraiser Concert -- November (London) This year’s concert in Paddington was a tremendous success and a lot of fun with many skilled musicians from the Royal Academy of Music. We are making it an annual event and hope to see you there next year! We would like to thank Gary Lowe for being the Gala’s official photographer for the second year in a row. Gary has a keen interest in nature and his love of photography was sparked during a school trip to a scientific research station in Honduras. His portfolio includes a trip to South Africa in order to make a short film in which he discussed the implications of keeping lions within a reserve. To keep up-to-date with all MCT’s news and events please sign up to our e-newsletter by visiting our website and clicking the ‘subscribe’ button. THE USUAL DESIGN AND CREATIVE AGENCY We would like to thank The Usual for designing tonight’s programme. The Usual are a creative agency based in Woking, Surrey. They specialise in designing and building websites but also enjoy designing for print. Visit theusual.co.uk or email [email protected] for more information or a copy of their PDF portfolio. 14 15 VOLUNTEERING If you would be interested in spending 2 months or more in Taroudannt or in helping our UK team to support our projects in Morocco, please e-mail us at [email protected] with ‘volunteer’ in the subject line. DONATING To make a donation please either: Write a cheque payable to ‘Moroccan Children’s Trust’ and send it to Trident Business Centre, 89 Bickersteth Rd, Tooting, London, SW17 9SH. Make your donations go further using Gift Aid. In order for MCT to claim Gift Aid, please fill in a Gift Aid form which are available from MCT staff and on our website under the ‘Donate’ tab. Or consider setting up a standing order to contribute to the sustainability of our work in Morocco! USEFUL LINKS @marocchildtrust Moroccan Children’s Trust www.moroccanchildrenstrust.org