Sotogrande International School trip to the RIF in March 2010

 

Cultural exchange, a fundamental part of RifCom’s philosophy, was recently put into practice during the Sotogrande International School (“SIS”) visit to the Rif in March 2010. This trip, RifCom’s first educational exchange programme, was heavily focused on the amalgamation of cultures at student level involving discussion groups, workshops and community projects.

The first day of the trip saw the SIS students join their counterparts of the Mouley Hassan I school in Chefchaouen, to undertake discussion groups in subjects such as general social issues and environmental concerns and participate in workshops involving sport, music, art and drama. The remarkable hospitality of the Mouley Hassan I school was extended throughout the day but was further demonstrated with invitations for each SIS student to accompany a local student home for a family meal, which was indeed one of the many highlights of the trip.

 

Leaving the comforts of Chefchaouen the following day, the SIS students hiked further into the mountains to the impoverished village of Mechkralla, incorporating a litter collection exercise along the way. Continuously displaying large amounts of energy and enthusiasm, the SIS students carried out their first community project the following day with successfully planting an amazing one hundred olive trees and receiving an invitation to return in three years time to celebrate the plantation’s first yield of olives.

 

Following this, a small group of students split from the main group to undertake a hike which would contribute to a Duke of Edinburgh award, via the small village of Tissouka and included a visit to Tissouka’s local school. Meanwhile, the final community project at the school of Mechkralla, commenced with a presentation of school stationery to the local students followed by school painting and mural design projects whilst organised sports and games got underway outside.This visit to the school in Mechkralla evoked a mixture of feelings within the group, as is usual in these situations. The pity of the miserable sparse school buildings, just managing to keep out the elements and the woeful clothes and footwear of the children is always difficult to witness. However, the excitement, smiles and gratitude of the shy but charming children which attend these schools is something that uplifts and touches everyone, even the toughest hearts. This Mechkralla school visit, a fitting end to an amazing event and a memorable interaction with the gentle hospitable people of the Rif, was a true insight into the hardship of the villagers and a sharp contrast to the lives lead by the students of SIS.

 

At the same time, the SIS students should be proud of their combined efforts, hard work and accomplishments achieved throughout this event and their exemplary conduct making them fitting ambassadors for RifCom. RifCom would like to thank Sotogrande International School and the teachers and students who participated in this event for their dedication, contribution and to making the event the success it was.

 

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