New semester

We're gearing for an action-packed semester. Tarik is currently in Morocco, creating a partnership with a few other NGOs that are doing similar work. He is also coordinating a tree planting of 2000 trees, which are to be donated by the government ministry on water and forests. Needless to say, dealing with bureaucracy is never a simple procedure, particularly in a developing country, but he's hoping to get things sorted out before he comes home on February 1st. The last project he is simultaneously working on is building a nursery on the school grounds that will be run by the partnership he is creating. They are hoping to provide themselves with a source of trees in addition to operating as a centralized location for awareness and information dissemination.

Back in the U.S. we've got a team of 6 interns that are currently laying out their respective tasks. We are working together to create a program, do the background research, fundraise, write an evaluation study and then go over to Morocco and implement it. There is much to be done and we've got a really good team so far. This is a new model that we're trying out and so far, things are looking really good. Everyone has their goals and projects that they hope to accomplish. You will be hearing about all of them in the months to come.

Danielle

End of the semester - Zach

In my first semester with Anzar Exchange, I was afforded the opportunity to perform many tasks that I have never attempted before, while utilizing my educational background. I wrote two permaculture policy briefs on specific techniques that could be employed in the Middle Atlas Mountain region of Morocco. Writing these briefs, as it was a new experience for me, helped me to sharpen my research and writing skills, while giving me the chance to learn more about permaculture and the importance of sustainability in environmental conservation. During this fall semester, I was able to organize and run a charity soccer tournament. The event, although small, was successful in creating funds, raising awareness, and providing the necessary information to run a second and improved charity soccer tournament. Toward the end of the semester, the groundwork for creating a project to be executed in Morocco was laid out with the help of Danielle, the other interns, and myself. I look forward to the tasks to be completed in the spring and I will strive to continue the good work that was done over the course of the fall semester.

Thank you,
Zach High