The Extended Hands Organization affirmed its firm and permanent commitment to the residents of the regions affected by the devastating Al Hoceima earthquake, especially the Taroudant region, stressing that since the first hours following the disaster, it has mobilized, in cooperation with its various partners, all efforts to provide assistance and support to those affected by this natural disaster.
The aforementioned institution explained, in a report on the occasion of the first anniversary of the Al Hoceima earthquake, that it distributed food, clothing and basic equipment to meet the immediate needs of the victims of the disaster. It also worked to provide electricity to the villages, as well as to dig wells and equip solar-powered pumps and water supplies, in addition to redeveloping water castles and installing public facilities (toilets), as part of restoring basic services.
The same organization added that, in the context of securing homes, it carried out demolitions of homes threatened with destruction, to ensure the safety of residents and to reopen and develop roads leading to remote villages, to facilitate movement and access to services.
Regarding improving the infrastructure, the same source stated that cleaning the irrigation canals and channels helped restore crop irrigation, which helped farmers return to their fields.
In relation to educational school support, the Extended Hands Foundation confirmed that it provided support courses, along with the rehabilitation and development of approximately 12 educational institutions, including secondary schools, preparatory schools, and primary schools, in addition to the rehabilitation of a student house and its public facilities.
The same institution expressed its pride in providing robotics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity lessons to middle school students in the Oulad Berhil district, noting that an agreement had been signed in this regard with various partners from the public and private sectors.
The Foundation concluded its statement by extending thanks and appreciation to the local authorities, the regional directorate of the Ministry of National Education and Preschool Education, and its partners and funders who were behind the realization of these efforts on the ground.
It is worth noting that the Extended Hands Foundation was one of the first civil society organizations to respond to the cry of the Taroudant region after the earthquake, and after a year it is still present to support reconstruction efforts and consider sustainable regional development measures.