Michaela Creel participated in recovery efforts in Morocco after a major earthquake through the High Atlas Foundation, a nonprofit focusing on sustainable development. Her co-op involved communications, community engagement, and support for local farmers, enriching her understanding of Moroccan culture and traditions amidst her contributions to rebuilding efforts.
After a significant earthquake struck Morocco last September, a Northeastern co-op participant, Michaela Creel, engaged in recovery efforts with the High Atlas Foundation, a nonprofit based in Marrakesh. This organization, established by former Peace Corps volunteers in 2000, is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Morocco, particularly in farming communities severely affected by the earthquake. Creel, a third-year student majoring in international affairs and cultural anthropology, initially did not intend to pursue a co-op abroad. However, she was drawn to the High Atlas Foundation’s mission, which aligned with her interests in cultural engagement and international relations. The High Atlas Foundation operates on three main pillars: agriculture, women’s empowerment, and water management. The organization has notably planted over five million trees and produces two million saplings annually, supporting over 15 provinces. Additionally, it conducts workshops to empower women and designs water systems for clean potable water and irrigation. During her co-op in early 2024, Creel focused on communications, where she assisted in distributing saplings, meeting local farmers, visiting markets, and supporting the reconstruction of water canals impacted by the earthquake. She created content for the organization’s website, documenting their programs and outreach efforts, and crafted an interactive tour for one of their nurseries in celebration of International Forest Day. Living in Medina with other co-op students, Creel embraced the local culture, building relationships within the community and fostering a deeper understanding of Moroccan customs. By the conclusion of her five-month experience, she formed strong connections with her neighbors and participated in local traditions, significantly enriching her understanding of the region.
The High Atlas Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to sustainable community development efforts within Morocco, especially in rural and underserved areas like the High Atlas mountains. Established by former Peace Corps volunteers, the foundation focuses on agricultural sustainability, women’s empowerment, and access to clean water. After the earthquake in September 2023, the foundation intensified its initiatives to assist local farming communities in recovery and reconstruction, providing critical aid and resources to rebuild livelihoods affected by the disaster. Many farmers in this region have relied on traditional agriculture for generations, underscoring the intertwined nature of community recovery and sustainable practices in the face of natural calamities.
In summary, Michaela Creel’s co-op experience with the High Atlas Foundation allowed her to contribute significantly to the recovery efforts in the wake of the earthquake that struck Morocco. Through her work, she engaged with local farmers and communities, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and women’s empowerment. Her role not only provided her with invaluable field experience but also fostered a profound cultural immersion that enhanced her understanding of the region and its people.
Original Source: news.northeastern.edu
