Mint Tea, Couscous, and Cross-Cultural Connections: A Day of Service-Learning in Meknes

After a wonderful and touristic visit to Casablanca, I am back in Meknes with my homestay family! Today my homestay made delicious pastries served with low fat yogurt and the usual mint tea, or typically known as Moroccan tea. On top of breakfast they made me and my roommate a yummy lunch! Lunch consisted of tuna and rice mixed with some special spices that I could not defer, and on the side was lettuce, sliced oranges, and a small baguette. Bread is very common with every meal within Morocco, and I am starting to adapt to the large consumption of bread on top of the large, tasty meals. 

Today was especially special because it was a service-learning opportunity day. The day ahead of us had planned for us to travel to this organization called Al Amal Association and to have fun with more Moroccan students. Around 10 AM, the coach bus took the Horizons group to the Al Amal Association to learn more about the organization and its involvement in the communities of Meknes. The important role that it serves in the community is supporting vulnerable women, families and children, and those with cancer. Learning about the services they provide makes me happy to know that services such as these are available in emerging countries like Morocco and encourages me to make a difference in my community too. 

The Horizons study abroad showing their support for Al Amal Association!

At the Al Amal Association service-learning opportunity, it was 2 PM and we were served couscous which everyone on the trip had tried except me. Moroccan hospitality is something I dearly appreciate while I am on my first study abroad experience, let alone traveling outside of the country for the first time. My homestay has yet to make couscous, but it certainly lived up to the hype that everyone in the Horizons study abroad group was putting on it. The meal consisted of chicken, yams, rice, potatoes, soup for more flavor, and more that put flavor to the next level. I cannot wait for my homestay to make it to see their spin on couscous!

Sharing delicious couscous among a table of 7 including me!

Before meeting Moroccan students in middle and high school, we got them sports equipment. We arrived at a Moroccan public school, and there were many aspects of it that were different from the American schools that I am used to. For one, it was interesting to see they have to go outside to go to their next class. Of course I go through this now at Purdue, but in middle and high school our classes were in one giant building and never got their own separate building. After seeing the schools and their classrooms, it was time to meet the students. 

Me and Horizons playing a basketball game with the Moroccan students at their school!

It was 4 PM, and it was an awesome experience meeting Moroccan students younger than me. They were so curious about us and asked us a lot of questions, and of course playing basketball with them was a whole other story with their unmatched energy. Teaching the Moroccan students a few games we commonly play in America like horse and knockout were a favorite of mine especially since I am a Boilermaker basketball fan. Following this event, it was time for dinner at the homestay at 7 PM and they served pizza with tuna as the topping. Interesting choice, but better to try it than not. 

One quick group selfie with Moroccan students after playing hard and before we head out.

Signing off,

Rilynd B.