Visit to Talataste by Member Helen Tate Wright
BMS Member Helen Tate Wright recently made a visit to the Talataste learning centre, run by Association Assafou.
Talataste is a village south of Marrakech located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains with a population of around 300 people. Through a collaboration between Travel Link and British Moroccan Society, the educational centre was set up in 2010. Since the centre’s opening, over 200 children have been enrolled in the preschool. The pupils, all aged 4 to 6, are taught by 1 teacher in the morning. Another teacher runs extra-curricular activities (computers, reading, theatre) in the afternoon for up to 100 children in groups of 20 to 30. There is also a Literacy programme for 30 women aged 17 to 50. Read more about Talataste and Association Assafou here.
Helen raised money for Talataste through competing in the Rallye des Aventurieres Solidaires. She was generously sponsored by Giti Tires, who have supported Talataste for the last two years. Through her fundraising efforts, Helen was able to purchase backpacks and supplies for the school children at Talataste and make a visit to the centre to distribute them.
The car Helen competed in
Helen says: “it was an absolute pleasure to return to Talataste today to take backpacks to the children joining the class for the new school year, as well as general school supplies. The enthusiasm and warmth of the villagers is always a joy to witness and we are so happy to be able to support this education project with the help of Giti Tires.”
Helen was also accompanied by Sophie Martin, wife of the British Ambassador in Morocco, who says: “it was wonderful to be able to visit the village of Talateste and meet the children and the school teachers today. It was touching to receive such a warm welcome from everyone in the village. The children were very excited to be given new school bags, it was a joyful day for all of us!”
Thank you to Helen and all our members who continue to carry out their own fundraising efforts in support of our charities. In addition to personal efforts made by our members, BMS membership payments and the money raised from our events contributes to our annual charitable giving programme. Read more about the BMS supported charities here.