QUESTIONS AND FREQUENTLY
About heart of atlas Association and international volunteer programs
QUESTIONS AND FREQUENTLY
About heart of atlas Association and international volunteer programs
The Heart of Atlas Association is a non-profit organization in Morocco that focuses on improving the lives of children and young people in the Atlas Mountains and south east surrounding areas . and work on educational and social projects to provide a better future for the local youth. International volunteer programs often collaborate with such associations to support their.
“How Does the Heart of the Atlas Mountains Association Determine the Specific Requirements for Each Project?”
The Heart of Atlas Association is intimately familiar with the needs of each project because we are comprised of individuals who originate from the same communities as these projects. We maintain ongoing and open communication with all of them, allowing us to stay informed about their specific requirements.
“Why Is There a Volunteer Program Fee?
It may come as a surprise to some that volunteering has associated costs. The volunteer program fee is essential for covering administrative expenses, providing food and accommodation, acquiring materials required for activities, recruiting volunteers, and facilitating the coordination and support necessary for program development and implementation.”
The Heart of Atlas Association allocates the funds received from volunteers to various essential services and support. These include:
Pre-trip orientation and detailed information for participants.
Ongoing assistance during the stay to address any unforeseen events.
Pre-arranged safe accommodation and airport pick-up on arrival.
Financial support for host families.
Financial contributions to the projects in which volunteers participate.
A network of contacts at the destination, including other participants and host families.
Financial contributions for building rent and utilities for schools.
Support for school teachers.
Provision of materials required for program activities.
Certificates of participation upon completion of volunteer activities.
Meals and visits to places of interest.
Arabic and Amazigh language classes.
A farewell party for both volunteers and children.
In summary, the funds contributed by volunteers are used to ensure the successful operation of the programs and provide a wide range of services and resources to participants and the communities they serve.
What do the volunteers who participate in these trips do?
Volunteers on our trips engage in educational, environmental, and healthcare projects, help repair and improve facilities, and offer psychological and social support. Activities vary based on community needs and volunteers’ skills, focusing on making a positive impact.
ABOUT VOLUNTEER WORK WITH heart of atlas mountans ASSOCIATION
How old should the volunteer be?
You must be of legal age to participate (minors accompanied by an adult, consult). All highly motivated and creative people are invited to contribute to the progress of this project.
Do I have to speak Arabic to volunteer?
No, it is not necessary. There will be translators so that the volunteer can communicate with the children
Can I go to work on a project with a friend, family or my partner?
Yes of course. It is usually common to participate in a project with your partner, family or a friend.
Can I arrive later or earlier? Yes, you can arrive before and after the dates provided. In the case of arriving earlier, the association will find accommodation for the participant until the project begins if they need it.
Can I leave the project a day before it ends?
We do not recommend this option, but if for some reason the volunteer has to leave early, they can leave the project. From then on you will be outside the responsibility of the Association.
Will they pick me up at the airport upon arrival?
Yes, the volunteer will be picked up if he arrives on the days set for each project. But if not, the participant will be sent the information and addresses necessary to find the site where the project will be developed. The collection price is 25 euros (to be paid upon arrival). The collection will only take place if there are a minimum of 3 volunteers, in the camping projects.
When do I have to arrive in vilage of project atlas mountans or south east of morocco ?
It is best to arrive a day before the project starts. This will allow you to know more about the activities before they begin and the volunteer is immersed in the action. For example: if the project starts on July 22, you would have to arrive at the airport on July 21 and Errachidia or rich would be arrived on the 22nd (rich is about 6-7 hours by bus from the main airports and Errachidia about 8- 10 hours )
In the project where you work, will there be a person in charge?
Yes. In each volunteer program there will be a person in charge of the volunteers, who will offer you all the advice you need. Part of the time you will work independently. Periodically you will have meetings with the coordinator. This varies, since each program has a different way of working. We will give you all the information about your project and your coordinator’s information before the trip
If I cannot go to the volunteer for any reason, do I lose my money?
In the event of not being able to travel, your financial contribution is saved as a deposit for possible future experience in our association. Without expiration date and without further cost for any time of the year.
In the event of a medical emergency, what types of medical care will I have available? To give the maximum it is necessary to be at the maximum. That is why volunteers must be in good health. We recommend taking out travel medical insurance that will cover the volunteer’s medical care. We suggest making photocopies of this and other relevant documents and bringing them. In each project there is a person in charge who is contacted in case of emergency. In case of emergency, you would be transferred to a medical center.
I want to know more about the accommodation
From September to June, volunteers will reside and share sleeping arrangements with other volunteers in a local family’s residence. This house features various amenities, including a well-equipped kitchen, a modern bathroom, a latrine, and a shower with hot water. It also has two fully furnished living rooms and five bedrooms. During the summer camp, all volunteers typically stay together in the same lodging, which often consists of shared rooms in either a school or a house. These accommodations are equipped with two Western-style toilets, a latrine, and two hot showers. Additionally, there is a dining room, a kitchen, a living room, six bedrooms with mattresses and cushions. However, it’s important to note that volunteers are required to bring their own sheets if they plan to attend the summer camp.
Regarding meals, they are typically Moroccan cuisine prepared by a local Moroccan woman. All volunteers are responsible for cleaning up after themselves, including washing their dishes if they are participating in the summer camp. If you have dietary preferences or restrictions, such as being vegetarian, vegan, or celiac, please make sure to indicate this in your registration.
Is it necessary to know English?
Yes, it is mandatory to have a minimum knowledge of English or French to be able to communicate with the rest of the Moroccan coordinators.
Will I have a work schedule?
Yes. Each project has a different schedule, but you must commit to working a number of hours that can range between 4 and 5 hours a day depending on the activity you are going to carry out. You will have weekends to rest and get to know the country.
How can I exchange money?
You can exchange money (dollars in cash or currencies from other countries) at banks or at different exchange offices.
Can I use my credit card in Morocco?
Yes, Moroccan ATMs accept international credit cards.
What is included and what is not included in the project price?
The price includes food, accommodation, Arabic classes and classes amazigh and project materials. Airline ticket, airport pick-up, medical insurance, excursions and any personal expenses are excluded.
How much do my day-to-day expenses cost in area of south east?
To give an idea of the approximate costs in region Errachidia : a coffee costs around 0.70 euros, a bottle of water 5L/1euro, eating in a restaurant from 5 to 15 euros, a taxi from 0.30 to 0.70 euros and going to the doctor about 10 euros.
What other expenses may I have after my arrival?
The fee covers accommodation, the Arabic course, and amazigh , food and materials. If you intend to arrive earlier or stay longer after the program, additional money will be needed for this period. Other expenses not covered by the fee are the flight, travel insurance, excursions, airport taxes and any personal expenses.
How much do I need for my personal expenses?
It all depends on each volunteer’s spending habits. We recommend around 20 – 30 euros per week (may be cheaper than this).
How much will the excursions cost me? They cost between 10 and 190 euros. This price includes transportation, hotel and meals.
