Thaqafat Association is a non-governmental Moroccan organization (NGO) dedicated to fostering cross-cultural respect and appreciation within Morocco as well as internationally. Providing opportunities for people of various backgrounds to exchange their ideas, perspectives, and projects in mutual respect is at the core of Thaqafat’s philosophy. The eagerness of Thaqafat members to teach and learn, their motivation to work for a better future for all, and their openness to diversity has gained them the respect of their community and that of partner organizations.

Since 2002 Thaqafat has been working with Experiment in International Living (EIL) in Morocco and was designated a full member in May 2007. It was a great honour for Thaqafat Association to hold the General Assembly of the Federation Experiment in International Living from April 20 to 25, 2009. Delegates from 23 different countries, Thaqafat Association members, and volunteers from different countries joined into an exploration of Morocco – its wonders and its challenges. The General Assembly Meeting provided an opportunity for new and old discoveries and Thaqafat is looking forward to see friends and colleagues at the next GA which will be held in Paris, France.

The High School Summer Abroad program for the American branch of EIL is planned and hosted by Thaqafat Association each year. Thaqafat works on recruiting volunteers prior to and on hosting, assisting and guiding international volunteers upon their arrival to Morocco. Those volunteers then engage in social work, either organized by Thaqafat Association directly or by local partner Non-Governmental Organizations working in different fields that need new ideas and help in education such as English, French and computer science teaching, community development, women rights, social welfare and the environment. Thaqafat also arranges language courses and homestays with Moroccan families for participants.

During the year, Thaqafat additionally coordinates and executes short-term thematic sessions and multinational programs including a children’s summer camp and trainings for young Moroccan graduates in the field of intercultural learning and teaching languages to non-native speakers. All of these programs are designed to encourage efforts in the field of cultural understanding and crossing cultures.

In cooperation with its main Moroccan partner, the Center for Cross Cultural Learning (CCCL), Thaqafat organizes a variety of community activities in order to promote cross-cultural dialogue and encourage diversity and learning from each others’ differences as a way to go beyond hatred, misunderstanding and conflict. The CCCL provides both professional and physical facilities for several of Thaqafat’s programs. Thaqafat and the CCCL hope that their efforts will help reduce the misunderstandings between the diverse people of Morocco and instead create an environment of sharing and learning among Moroccans and international visitors.

In order to be up-to-date with non-formal educational methods used in different parts of the world, Human Rights education, youth development and intercultural learning, Thaqafat members participate in training sessions in Morocco and abroad within the framework of e.g. Euromed partnership and the Center for Cross Cultural Learning as trainees and trainers. Thaqafat Association also wishes its staff to continue growing personally and professionally through these various trainings.