Snack Time!

In small towns like Azilal, there is no such thing as a big supermarket. Instead, people buy their groceries and other necessities at little shops called hanuts.

Most hanuts are so small that in order to buy things you ask the shopkeeper, called the mul hanut, for what you want and they will take it from the shelf, bag it up and give you your total.

One of our favorite mul hanut's in Azilal is named Mustapha. He has a hanut with many various snack foods. 

Here he is with his favorite snack, paprika pringles. 

Today with the Access students we went on a trip to the hanut and each student picked out their favorite snack to buy. 

They all asked Mustapha to help them get their favorite things. Lets see what they picked!

Bouchra Taghjanout, 16, decided on a bar of Nestle chocolate. We asked her why and she said that chocolate is more healthy. This big chocolate bar costs 10 dirham, which is just a little over $1.

El Habib Bibih, 16, chose a small bag of M&Ms because he says they are "very tasty!" This treat costs 8 dirhams, which is about $0.80.

Hmad Bahhou, 16, said that he likes spicy food. His favorite treat is a bag of Red Chili Crunch brand chips. At 15 dirham they are the most expensive thing anyone picked, about $1.50.

Finally, Khadija Assou, 16, likes original Pringles the best. "Because I like chips!" she said. $1 is the price, 10 dirham.

Did you notice everyone picked something you might like to eat in America? 

For the American Peace Corps volunteers working in Azilal, the favorite things at the snack hanut are the fresh roasted nuts you can buy. The mul hanut has a big roaster outside and sells almonds, peanuts, cashews, pistachios-- anything you can imagine! You simply tell him how many dirham you would like and he weighs them out for you. Then he wraps them in used schoolbook pages and sends you on your way! 

Brandy likes the salty roasted pumpkin seeds the best and picked a 3 dirham package, $0.30 of snack. Emma likes most the local almonds wrapped in a crunchy, cheesy coating. They taste like almond cheetos! She picked a $0.50, 5 dirham, paper cone of them. 

Thanks for going on a trip to the hanut with us! What is your favorite snack and what kind of store do you buy it from? 

What's new in Azilal?

Morocco, unlike the US, is a monarchy. It is ruled by a king. His name is King Mohammed VI.

Lately there have been rumors he had planned a visit to Azilal, so all around town things were being improved and beautified.

At Lycee Ouzoud, the students painted colorful blocks on some school buildings:

What kinds of things do you think you would do at your school is the President was coming to visit?

They did a great job. You can tell they are proud of their school.

It appears the American contingent will no longer be contributing to this exchange project, but please keep following for more information about Moroccan culture and daily life in Azilal.

If you know a committed teacher who would like to take part in an active exchange next year, please use the email in the sidebar to let us know!

What's happening in Azilal?

Azilal is in the Atlas Mountains, where the mid-Atlas meet the high-Atlas. The high Atlas mountains contain the highest mountain top in North Africa! So even though it gets very hot in the summertime (sometimes over 110*!) in the winter it gets very cold.  Now we even have snow:

Did you know that it snows in Africa? Just like Mr. Leventhal tells you, Africa is a big continent made up of all different climates and landscapes. Morocco has the humid seaside, the soaring mountains, and the dry desert. 

The students in Azilal braved the cold to come out and participate in a competition held by Peace Corps volunteers all over the world called "Write On!" They were given choices of prompts to write about and then wrote for one hour in English about their choice. Here are the students in action:

Have you ever written a story in a language other than English? It can be hard to be creative when you are writing in a second language. For some of the Lycee Ouzoud students English is a 3rd or 4th language! Maybe you can try to sit down and write a story in another language this week and see how you can express yourself differently when you are not using your mother tongue .

The competition is judged on creativity and the students have an option to win prizes for the Azilal region, all of Morocco, and internationally! Good luck Lycee Ouzoud!!

Student Spotlight #28 : Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Hassna

My name is Hassna Waali. I am 15 years old. 

I have one sister and one brother who live with me and my mother in Azilal. I am the oldest. My father works in a nearby city as a waiter. 

I am a student in Abmsira High School. I speak Tamazigh, Arabic, French, and English.

Three words that describe me would be brave, beautiful and confident. 

I love to cook! My favorite things to cook are pizza and couscous. My mother taught me how to make these. I also love to play basketball. I play on the basketball team at my high school. 

Azilal is a beautiful city, it is small and clean. In my opinion we have a lot of places that tourists want to enjoy such as Ouzoud waterfalls and Bin El Ouidane lake. 

Student Spotlight #27 : Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Maryam

My name is Maryam and I am 15 years old. 

In my family there is my father, his name is Mohammed, and my mother, whose name is Naima. I also have 2 sisters and 1 brother. I am the oldest in my family. 

Three words that would describe be would be beautiful, excited, and nervous (because I get nervous about my studies!).

In my life, I love my English teachers and my family.

I think that for Americans to learn more about Morocco they should eat Moroccan food like couscous and tajine, and try to wear some Moroccan clothes like djellaba!

Student Spotlight # 24: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Nawal

Hi everybody! I'm Nawal Ait SiM'hand. I'm Moroccan and I live here in Azilal City. I'm a student in the Access Program for studying English. I'm a hard-working person and I am friendly and kind. But sometimes I become shy when I talk with people I don't know which is what I like least about my personality. 

My favorite sport is volleyball. It is exciting and fantastic. When I am sad, I usually play it with my neighbors. My favorite film is the love story Titanic. I watch it once or twice a month. 

Now I am going to tell you about our culture. It is rich! Moroccan people have a lot of activities like applying henna and eye khol:

In Morocco people wear all different clothes, especially the women. For example.

*In the Sahara, women wear Malhfa

*In the north of our country, in places like Tangier and Titwan, they wear Haik

*In the middle of the country, like where Azilal is, they wear varied types of traditional clothes like djellaba and caftan

Here in Morocco, in a place called Ait Magoun, people celebrate the blooming of the flowers every year in March because there are a lot of different beautiful flowers there. 

Moroccan people are also very kind. They give even if they don't have. They are the most generous people in the world.  All Moroccan people have a sense of cooperation. Despite the different languages and the mix of Berbers and Arabs there is no conflict between these two. Arabic and Tamazigh are our primary languages. Our religion is Islam, the religion of mercy and forgiveness. 

So guys, I hope I have succeeded in showing you some fun information about my country, Morocco. I hope you like our culture as much as we like always reading about your culture because our countries are like brothers. 

And finally I hope you can tell me all about your culture too! 

Student Spotlight #23 : Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Abdelghani

My name is Addelghani Ait Elcadi. I am 16 years old. I speak Arabic, English and French. 

My mother's name is Saida and my father's name is Abdellah. I am the youngest and I have 3 brothers and 1 sister. 

I would describe myself as tall, slim, ambitious and hard-working. My hobbies are reading and swimming. My favorite sport is volleyball and my favorite song is Story of my Life by One Direction. 

I want to share with you that Moroccans are friendly, creative, confident and hard-working people. 

Student Spotlight #22: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Salah Eddine

Hello, my name is Salah Eddine Ait Chitache. I'm 16 years old and I speak Arabic, English, French, Amazigh and a little Spanish. I live with my family here in Azilal. I have 2 brothers, 3 sisters, my father and my mother. I love them so much. They are friendly, kind, and sociable like me. I' m serious, hard-working, friendly, sociable and ambitious. 

My favorite sports are football, basketball, and tennis. I have also practiced karate since 2009 and now I have a brown belt. For hobbies, I usually play chess in the evening with my friends. It has helped me a lot and I have a much better memory now for all the different moves and strategies. I love math and physics, especially space. I have a love of science. I always entertain myself reading science information and thinking and searching for solutions of mathmatic problems and theories. I love space especially and my favorite astronauts are the brothers Kelly- Scott Kelly and Mark Kelly. My dream is to work one day for NASA, inshallah. 

My favorite song is called Sugar and one of my favorite artists is Chris Brown. I also like theater and films. My favorite films are Dirty Harry with Clint Eastwood and Dances With Wolves with Kevin Costner. As for food, I hate fast food and I like everything that is symbolic of Moroccan culture like couscous and tagine. 

Student Spotlight #21: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Fatima

Fatima AitAissa shares with you all this article she wrote for you about Islam and the native people of Morocco, the Amazigh:

In Morocco there are a lot of great things to talk about and learn about. For example, on January 13th Moroccan people, especially Amazigh people, celebrate a great day: Amazigh New Year. On this day Amazigh people make a lot of great things such as couscous and other special food and parties to show their happiness and to enjoy themselves by spending time with their families, friends and other Amazigh people. 

Of course each occasion has its reasons and history. On this day, January 13th, Amazigh people attacked Egypt with their president, Shi Shonge. They occupied it around the Christmas birthday and started to celebrate these days as a new year. 

Amazigh people are in many countries of the world- in America, Canada, Asia, Tunisia, India, Italy... In Morocco, people throw parties and make shows to define themselves and to help the new generation become aware and conscious about their history, to know the value and the worth of Amazigh people. They do this because there are a lot of people who think that they are illiterate and underdeveloped. Of course that is wrong and false! In fact, the secret of who makes Morocco safe and free are those "underdeveloped" people- their resistance, their power, and their pride for their country. They are modest and respected and poor because they do not seek out money and authority, instead they search for happiness and purity. 

But now, unfortunately, the Islamic values are to refrain and retreat. We can find a lot of selfishness, jealousy and tough people- the dangerous thing is that they say they are Muslims. They are why we have all these dangerous rumors about Islam. Unfortunately, I cannot do anything to restore our values and help, but what I want you to know is that Islam isn't like what some people show and do. Islam is a gift, it is a candle that lights your way and your path to win contentment of God. It shows beauty within the darkness. Islam makes you feel happy, safe, and knowing the love of God and its value. So, please do not blow out that candle. 

Student Spotlight #20: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Bouchra

Hello! My name is Bouchra Taghjanout. I'm a 16 year old Moroccan girl and I live in a small and beautiful town named Azilal. I live with my family: my father Said, my mother Rabha, my two brothers Driss and Hicham, and my sister Merriem. 

I study in a technical high school. I speak Arabic, French, Amazight and English too. About my character: I am a hard working student, helpful, and sociable too. In addition I have many hobbies. I love to read English short stories and novels. I also like watching Indian and English movies. I love Harry Potter the best, and action and horror movies.

Now my friends I would like to tell you about a strange celebration in Morocco that is called the Imchil Marriage Festival.

The Imchil Marriage Ceremony takes place in the Atlas mountains near Azilal every year. Two main Amazigh (the native people of Morocco) tribes participate in the festival, Ait Hdiddou and Ait Wazza. Hundreds of young men and women meet and marry at the three-day event. Because the villages are snowbound for most of the year the festival offers an occasion for trade, amusement and matrimony.

Henna, a reddish-brown organic dye, is applied to the bride's hands and feet before the wedding to ward off the evil eye. A tray is made for the bride with a brick of sugar, two raw eggs, and some perfume. On the second day, the dried henna is washed off leaving beautiful patterns that last on the skin for two weeks!

moroccan henna

Hospitality is very important to Moroccans. A host traditionally welcomes guests by offering them milk and dates. During the wedding ceremony the bride and groom share a bowl of milk and feed each other dates, thus symbolically becoming both guest and host to each other.

On the third day of the festivities all the newly married couples must go to the lakes Tslit and Isli for a traditional visit. It is believed that long ago a young man married a young woman whose parents did not approve. The couple ran away and cried all night. Their tears created the two lakes. 

I hope you can visit the wedding festival one day! 

a traditional Imchil bride

Student Spotlight #19: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Nourdine

My name is Nourdine El Hamany. I am 16 years old. I speak Arabic, Amazight, English, and French.

I live with my parents and two brothers, Younes and Zakaria. 

I am honest, optimistic, and (a little bit) hardworking. 

My favorite sports are swimming (in the Azilal pool and the rivers near my house) and soccer. I like to listen to hip hop and reggae music. 

A great memory from this year is a holiday we spent in Bin El Ouidane. I built a campsite with my schoolmates Adam and Amine. We went swimming, and we caught fish that we cooked for dinner. We spent two days there during the summer. 

Something I want Americans to learn about Morocco is that Moroccans live all the way from Tangiers in the north down to La Guera in the Sahara. Also, a nice tourist from China once told me that Moroccans speak all the world's languages just like natives! 

Student Spotlight #16 : Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Khawla

Hi guys, my name is Khawla. I'm happy to talk with you! I am 15 years old and I speak a lot of languages like Arabic, French, English and Berber (Tamazight). 

I live in a small town with a friendly family, including my parents and my two sisters. They are my role models in my life and I take some of my qualities from them. I'm funny like my father's sense of humor, and sometimes I am serious like my mother. I am optimistic like my sister. 

I have a lot of hobbies! For example I like to go cycling on Sundays. There is a beautiful forest near my house where I can go with my bicycle. I like cycling because it is fun and healthy! I also like to watch movies on Friday nights. I recently watched the Hunger Games and Mission Impossible. 

I love it when my mother makes cupcakes for holidays for our family. Cupcakes are not common in Morocco and my mother makes delicious ones! I like Moroccan music, especially Mohammed Rouicha. I also really like acting. It is fun to act in the shows our Access program puts on for Azilal. My favorite actor in Morocco is named Mohammed El Jam.  I like to listen to and play the drums but there are no drums in Azilal! 

I want to say to American students that you are welcome any time in Azilal! We are friendly people and we are excited to meet you. 

Azilal English Presentation for the End of First Semester

Before the holidays the Azilal students put on a presentation completely in English for their community. It was so much fun and the students did an amazing job. Can you imagine memorizing lines in your second language? For most of the students, English is their 3rd or 4th language!

Asmae introduced the whole show.

Some sketches were serious, like this one about the mistreatment of housekeepers.

Some were very funny, like this sketch about a French man learning how to speak English.

 Another funny sketch was this one about a married couple arguing.

Some students gave speeches. These girls gave a beautiful presentation about Azilal.

This speech was about the dangers of smoking.

And of course there was music! These girls treated us to a song. 

There were many more lovely presentations over the 2 hours of the show and I wish I could share them all with you. Good job, Access students! Thank you for all your hard work. 

Azilal

a December sunset over mainstreet in Azilal

Next week the Azilal students are putting on an English show for the community! Check the blog for photos and videos of the event. 

Student Spotlight #15: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Mohammed

My name is Mohammed Lamani. I am 15 years old and I was born in Azilal, Morocco. I speak Arabic, Berber (Tamazight) and English.

Three words that describe me are happy, generous, and smiley! 

In Azilal I have two older sisters and one younger brother. My mother is a housewife and my father is a merchant. He owns a hanut where he sells food and snacks. 

In my free time I like surfing the web on sites like Facebook and blogs. I also like soccer and playing soccer computer games. My favorite singer is Mohambi and my favorite food is couscous and pizza. The Quran is my favorite book. 

The best thing that happened this year is when I played soccer with my class team and we won the school cup! I was so happy to be a champion. 

I think Americans should know that the Moroccan people are gentle, generous and kind, especially here in Azilal. Also we have magical views like our Ouzoud waterfall and beautiful Bin El Ouidane lake! 

Student Spotlight #14: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Chaima

Hello! My name is Chaima and I am 15 years old. 

I speak Arabic, French, English and a Berber language called Tamazight. 

In my family I am the baby. I have two sisters and one brother who are all older than me. One of my brothers is a soldier for the Moroccan army. 

Some words that describe me are shy, beautiful and frank. 

My hobby is travel! The three countries I would most like to visit are the USA, Italy and Great Britain. I hope I can go one day!

My favorite sport is basketball. The book I like the most is called Ki Fahi and it is a historical book about Adolf Hitler. 

I want to share with you that Morocco is a beautiful country and it is full of beautiful nature. It is a good place for tourists because it is calm and the people are good and gentle. 

Class time in Morocco

ElHabib and Khadija helping us write for the blog

ELHabib in Mr. Said's class preparing for an English play. It is very funny! 

Student Spotlight #11: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

ElHabib

My name is ElHabib Bibih. I am 16 years old and I speak English, berber (Tashelhight) and Arabic.

I've got 3 brothers and 1 sister and of course my parents.

I think I am funny, pleasant, and happy. In my free time I like playing soccer and swimming. I also like to listen to pop music like Rihanna and eat couscous. My favorite couscous is made with beef.

My favorite thing about this year is that I get the chance to play with the soccer team at my school. I play all positions.

I think Americans should know that Moroccan people are very gentle and kind. If you want to have a fun vacation you must come to Morocco!

Student Spotlight #10: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Khadija

My name is Khadija Assou and I am 15 years old. 

I speak Arabic, Tamazight and English. In my family I have two older brothers, Youness and Mouhamed. They live in Azilal with me. I also have my parents Malika and Brahim.

Three words I would use to describe me are happy, crazy and generous. 

In my free time I like to read books and play video games. My favorite video games are driving games that I play on my computer. I also like to listen to a lot of music, like classical music and jazz. Some of my favorite musicians are Chris Brown and Eminem. 

My favorite book is Treasure Island. I like to eat pizza. In Morocco we put fish on our pizza sometimes. I also like chicken pizza, and of course couscous. 

My favorite thing about this year is my English classes and my chance to improve my English.

I think Americans should try to learn our language and about our culture. They will see that in Morocco people are generous and kind and fun to visit. In Morocco we have a magical nature. 

Student Spotlight #5: Lycee Ouzoud (Morocco)

Assma

My name is Assma. I am 16 years old.

I speak 5 languages: Arabic, French, English, Tamazight and a little Korean.

I live with my mother and my sisters. My father lives in another house because they divorced 6 years ago. 

Some words that my friends always use to describe me are shy, funny, and sometimes serious. 

My hobbies are reading and writing novels. I had written a whole novel in Arabic! I also like signing and dancing in my free time with my BFF Salma. I want to learn Korean because I love K Pop!

Americans should know that we (Moroccans) are not too different from them and we live a lot like them, but we do have special traditions (like wearing a headscarf). That's it! I want to have friends from America and to learn more about your culture.