The Moroccan NGO Jood was selected among the 50 winners of the Global Innovation Challenge 2024. This global program allocates a total funding of $25 million to encourage innovative solutions aimed at solving housing insecurity. With an envelope of 500,000 dollars, granted by thea Citi Foundation, the NGO will benefit from catalytic support and a learning opportunity on a global scale, said the press release from the NGO jood.
This funding comes in a context of reconstruction, particularly difficult after the devastating earthquake of September 2023 in the Al Haouz region, which marked Moroccan society by the scale of human losses and material damage. In response, Jood is intensifying its actions to strengthen aid to affected families, aligning with national reconstruction efforts. This funded project will allow the NGO to expand its activities, with a particular focus on the most impacted villages in the rural areas of Ouirgane and Imgdal, where 22 villages will benefit from sustainable housing facilities, ensuring a roof over their heads. 197 people.
The program supported by the Citi Foundation aims not only to rebuild homes, but also to offer permanent housing solutions integrating sanitation infrastructure and environmentally friendly facilities. This financial support will also allow Jood to create local jobs, particularly for young people, thus helping to revitalize the local economy while promoting a safer and more resilient living environment, adds the same source.
A united and lasting commitment
Taoufik Rabbaa, Chairman and CEO of Citibank Maghreb, underlines the importance of this support: “We are proud to support the NGO Jood in Morocco. This funding will help build permanent housing for families affected by last year’s earthquake. This initiative reflects the Citi Foundation’s commitment to supporting these communities in their rebuilding and recovery. Every action counts, and together we can make lasting, positive change. »
Hind Laidi, President of Jood, expresses her gratitude to the Citi Foundation: “We are deeply grateful to the Citi Foundation. With this support, we have the opportunity to transform a tragedy into a model of sustainable reconstruction. By offering ecological and sustainable housing solutions, while creating local economic opportunities, we contribute to rebuilding a stronger and more autonomous community. We firmly believe that this holistic approach enhances the dignity of people and builds the foundations for a lasting renaissance. »
Access to a global learning and innovation network
Beyond funding, Jood is joining a learning network run by IDEO.org, a leader in design for social impact. This community provides beneficiaries with an exchange platform to share best practices, experiences and innovations in housing and community resilience. This network opens up prospects for continuous improvement and allows Jood to strengthen its approaches and tools to offer solutions even more adapted to the needs of local populations.
With this initiative, the Citi Foundation and NGO Jood show how strong collaboration can transform challenges into lasting opportunities, offering earthquake-affected families hope for a rebuilt, dignified and self-reliant future.
