Elbiya Association For Development
Elbiya Association for Development (EAD) is a non-profit humanitarian charity and non-governmental organization (NGO) working in Morocco and the United Kingdom.
Elbiya Association for Development was founded on February 25, 2006 by members of a local community in Meknes,Morocco and Mr Tarik Oumazzane (Managing Director), resident in the UK, in response to King Mohammed VI speech that highlighted the problem of poverty in Morocco and called for local communities to realize the potential of self-reliant development projects. Elbiya's mission is to empower poor people to build better lives for themselves. Projects: Mint tea is a Moroccan tradition par excellence. Moroccans consume mint more than any other nation worldwide. Many farmers live on the profits they make from selling mint.
In an effort to support mint farming, Elbiya initiated a mint farming scheme by providing farmers with tools, seeds, fertiliser, packing materials and watering utilities.
Elbiya has enabled a number of poorer families to become self reliant and to generate a sustainable income to help towards living, housing and education.
Orphans & Street Children
Children and young people who find themselves alone and abandoned is still sadly a feature of life in Morocco. Death of a parent or family breakdown is traumatic event and can be accompanied by emotional distress, poverty, the loss of shelter, social networks, lack of access to schooling as a result of cost for example of books and uniforms. More and more young people forced into the labour market at a young age, faced with a life on the streets, struggling to feed and clothes themselves.
As part of its work Elbiya aims to aid and facilitate:
• The Prevention of the factors that lead to children and young people becoming orphaned and fending for themselves on the streets.
• The Protection of children and young people through the development of community based initiatives that provide support, shelter and health care for street children. Partnership work with local agencies and orphanages to promote the welfare and interests of children and young people.
• The Rehabilitation and inclusion of children and young people in the wider community by providing education and school equipment, access to training and qualifications and the creation of social and community activities.
Laylato Al-khader Orphans Night 2007
Laylato Al-khader is a very important date in Morocco. Children remember the joy and attention they get from their parents on that day. Sadly, children who are orphaned miss out on such celebrations.
Elbiya Association for Development organised a dinner party for over 180 orphans At the Sidi Said Orphanage. The orphans prepared a play and chanted songs. Elbiya team joined orphans for a meal. Zainab, a 6 years old orphan said “I am very happy tonight. I will pray when the sky opens…” Elbiya is hoping to continue to organise Ramadan Iftar (breaking of the fast) this coming year.”
Emergency action in the community: The 2007 winter was severe in the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. The temperature dropped way below zero.Sadly, as a result many people suffered and died.