Memories to Cherish

For the readers back home, I should explain that our first week in Morocco we spent time in the capital, Rabat, with the entire Teachers for Global Classrooms cohort (14 U.S. teachers). We had tours of schools, met with government officials, and learned of Moroccan culture.Then the second week, my traveling partner Wendy and I left on a ten-hour bus ride to meet our host teacher (Youssef) and school in Nador. Here we met with administration, participated in school activities, observed teachers and classes, and taught our own lessons. The primary objective of the American and Moroccan teachers are globalizing their schools. The pictures that are included here, showcase this aspect of the trip.

What an appropriate theme for this week!  This theme was the first we saw Youssef present in his class on Friday. Wendy and I reinforced this idea when we presented our lessons on Tuesday and Wednesday. Americans and Moroccans are different but equal.

Youssef leading the class our first day of observation. Students often go up to the board to write
their responses to practice spelling.

After school on Friday, the English club had prepared a welcome reception for us. As soon as Wendy and I arrived at the school the girls were so excited to show us their more "dressy" outfits they usually where for special celebrations.

Here, the "groom" (in white)  and the bride's father lead the traditional Amazigh wedding
 procession into the library for the re-enactment.


The women lead the singing during the festivities.

The night before the wedding, the bride's attendants apply henna to her.  The girls also included us!

After the "wedding" we were served tea and cookies, and then it was time for me to share about my culture. I said, when most people think of Morocco they may think of Casablanca, Marrakech, Rabat, but what about Nador?  The crowd cheered. And then I said, when most think of the U.S. they think of New York and California, but what about Michigan?  The crowd cheered.  We are different, but equal!

The English club and staff who participated in the reception. 

Treated as special guests on Monday morning, Wendy and I got to raise the flag while the students  gathered in the court yard to sing the national anthem. We are Moroccan today!

                                        

The students greeting us with figs and milk, a traditional welcome for guests. Mmm...

Here Lahbib, one of the other English teachers at the school, is passing out flowers to
the female teachers to celebrate International Women's Day.

Presenting Youssef with our appreciation. Global connections!

Wendy and I built our lesson around culture and citizenship. American.Moroccan. What does this mean?  What is similar?  What is different?  Then we looked at the rights and responsibilities of a citizen, which may vary in our countries because of our culture. And yet, we are all global citizens. Our similarities is what unites us. Different, but equal :)

My incredible co-teaching partner Wendy passing out candy to the kids our last day.

One of the class photos taken our last day. A great group of global citizens!

Many special students presented us with gifts during our visit. 

Others wanted to take selfies to remember us. I will always remember the beautiful faces of the Moroccan students I met. I truly hope to see them again one day. Inshallah.

Final meeting with administration where we discussed the importance of the connections made here. Thank you Youssef for hosting us. Thanks to IREX for organizing it. The students are excited to learn English. We are in love with Morocco. And, I got a certificate!

The Moroccan students and staff in Soloaune, Nador at Industrial Zone High School accepted Wendy and I as teachers from the moment we arrived. Actually, they treated us like family.  They are in my heart now. We are connected in memory, we are connected as global citizens.  For all of their love and support I say deeply:  shokran, merci, thank you!