Michaela Creel, a student at Northeastern University, participated in a co-op with the High Atlas Foundation following a major earthquake in Morocco. She contributed to recovery efforts focused on sustainable agriculture, women’s empowerment, and water system improvements while gaining hands-on experience and deeply engaging with the local community. Her work included distributing saplings, documenting activities, and creating an interactive digital tour for the foundation, ultimately enriching her cultural understanding and professional skills.
After a significant earthquake struck Morocco in September 2023, the High Atlas Foundation, a non-profit organization, mobilized to assist farming communities in the affected regions. Michaela Creel, a third-year international affairs and cultural anthropology student, undertook a co-op position with the foundation, immersing herself in the recovery process while enhancing her understanding of sustainable community development in the High Atlas mountains. The High Atlas region, known for its agriculture, had historically cultivated olives and almonds. However, the recent earthquake severely impacted these communities that were already striving for sustainability. Founded in 2000 by former Peace Corps volunteers, the High Atlas Foundation focuses on three primary areas: agricultural development, female workforce empowerment, and water system improvements. Ms. Creel’s role involved supporting these initiatives by communicating progress to stakeholders, forging relationships with local farmers, and documenting on-the-ground efforts. During her time with the foundation, Ms. Creel actively participated in the distribution of saplings to farmers, engaged with local artisans in traditional souk marketplaces, and collaborated on the reconstruction of vital water canals damaged by the earthquake. One of her notable achievements was the creation of an interactive digital tour for a nursery connected to the foundation, enhancing public engagement and awareness regarding forestry initiatives. Living alongside fellow co-op students in Medina, Ms. Creel experienced the culture and community firsthand, forming meaningful connections with the locals. Through invitations to share in Ramadan meals and daily interactions with neighbors, she discovered the warmth and hospitality of Moroccan traditions, which enriched her understanding of the country’s societal fabric. In summary, Michaela Creel’s co-op experience with the High Atlas Foundation served not only to support recovery efforts from a devastating earthquake but also to deepen her knowledge of community engagement and sustainable development. Her work illustrates the vital intersection of humanitarian efforts and educational pursuits, showcasing the impact of collaborative international engagement.
The High Atlas Foundation, established in 2000 in Morocco, aims to promote sustainable development through community-focused initiatives. The organization engages in agricultural projects, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure improvements, making significant strides in supporting local communities. Following the earthquake in September 2023, the foundation intensified its efforts to assist those affected, particularly in the rural farming communities of the High Atlas mountains. Internships and co-op programs, like that of Michaela Creel, provide students with practical experience while benefiting local populations in need.
Michaela Creel’s internship with the High Atlas Foundation exemplifies the integration of practical experience in international humanitarian efforts. Her contributions to recovery initiatives in Morocco not only aided the local farming communities but also facilitated her professional development in cultural anthropology and international affairs. Such programs bridge academic knowledge with real-world application, fostering a greater understanding of sustainability and community resilience within a global context.
Original Source: news.northeastern.edu
