Morocco is an ideal country to volunteer in; it has the mixture of past and present vibes!
I wanted to deal with adults, whether males or females, because in such age range it is easier to communicate with them; adults need a mentor, someone to inspire them.
I worked with them in developing their own life strategy based on their preferences and how they will achieve it!
Well, they arranged my homestay and my placement with a Moroccan center, provided me with full information about the program and the country during the orientation. Offered me a 24/7 support.
From my side, I prepared my volunteering plan and what I will be discussing with students, booked my own flight to Casablanca, then took the train to Rabat, where my accommodation and placement were. I went exploring the city after the volunteering hours and visited the plage, chellah, Mohammed V mausoleum and other historical and tourism areas in Rabat.
Always prepare your plan before traveling, be strategic by knowing why your are willing to volunteer and what kind of contribution suits you more and aligned with your personality and capability; once you volunteer, you are responsible to add value to the beneficiaries, use untraditional learning tools. Each student is different, so inspire him/her and encourage him/her based on his/her way of thinking. Moroccans are smart and willing to learn and always appreciate your efforts; look at them as your human assets and believe in them.
Also, remember that volunteering is different that tourism, so try your best to look simple and engage with locals as much as you can.
Waking up early at 8.00 am (yeah, you will have a busy day where you operate to your maximum!), having your breakfast at homestay then walking to your placement, which is an advantage as you will have an opportunity to explore the area on daily basis.
After that, starting your volunteering activity by attending the class until you finish, and going to explore during your free time and, finally, yes: it's time for - after dinner- relaxing and having a good night!
Well, as a female who was traveling solo to a place that I was not familiar with for the first time, I had some concerns regarding my safety, but I was surprised by how safe is Morocco for me. I was at ease during the whole trip, specially by using common sense; I became more confident about my capabilities and felt happy that I succeeded in organizing my time and tourism activities and came back home in one piece, haha.
Traveling is the way to free your mind; it is healthy and enriching for your life experience. Living in one limited space won't build your capabilities and won't make you different.
It is enjoyable to travel with friends, but don't depend always on others; travel solo sometimes and discover new things about yourself and how you can beat challenges all by yourself! Engage with locals, exchange knowledge with them - volunteering is always an ideal way to develop, it is a win-win situation where you teach and learn in one time.
Many people around the world are willing to learn and develop, so don't hesitate and free them by enriching their knowledge; you are alive, you are valuable you can do alot more than you think and you deserve happy moments, so don't think twice and start your journey.
Go and dive in the ocean: there are lots of drowned hidden treasures waiting for you to discover and seize!
So reward yourself!