The Bernard Mejean Fund for Girls' Education

Last week, from December 23 to 29, 2024, the High Atlas Foundation organized a caravan of dentists in partnership with her partner Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS) in the High Atlas village of Tadart in the municipality of Moulay Ibrahim of the Al Haouz province.

This initiative was part of HAF’s commitment to support areas affected by the Al Haouz earthquake, addressing urgent needs while fostering community recovery and resilience.

This medical caravan was not the first time that HAF served this village, as together we earlier planted trees in the school. The atmosphere was a mixture of anticipation and hope, reflected in the children’s concerned gazes (as children often are before visiting a dentist), contrasted with the adults' welcoming and joyful expressions. We provided much-needed dental care to a community with limited access to medical services.

The team included both Moroccan and international dentists, fostering a dynamic collaboration that combined expertise with spirit of volunteerism and cooperation.

This dental caravan marked a continuation of HAF’s ongoing partnerships with local associations. However, it also introduced a new and meaningful collaboration with Association Pulpe d’Espoir des Médecins Dentistes Casablanca (APEMD) and the Kuwait Dental Mission (KDM).

Together, these partnerships brought a fresh wave of resources and specialized care, ensuring the community received not only treatment but also education on maintaining long-term oral health.

The dentists not only treated the children but also prioritized educating them. Sessions focused on proper teeth-cleaning techniques and the importance of regular check-ups, which were warmly received by the children, accompanied by their giggles and smiles.

The first days of the caravan were dedicated solely to raising awareness, emphasizing the principle that prevention is better than cure.

We recognized that dental issues that had accumulated over years could not be resolved in just a week or a single session.

With this understanding, the medical staff concentrated on educating the children about the vital role dental health plays in maintaining overall well-being. Using mouth-shaped models, they demonstrated the complete structure of teeth, the correct way to brush, and the recommended frequency of brushing each day.

To reinforce these lessons, the children were provided with toothbrushes and toothpaste and were guided in practicing the techniques they had just learned.

This hands-on approach helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, making the sessions both engaging and impactful.

After the awareness sessions, dental examinations began. These evaluations allowed the doctors to assess the condition of the children’s teeth and determine the necessary treatments.

This comprehensive approach—blending education with treatment—ensured that the children left not only with healthier smiles but also with the knowledge and tools to maintain their dental health in the future.

The experience was as much about connection as it was about health. I met Fatima, a spirited 10-year-old, who shyly admitted it was her first dental check-up.

Watching her courageously sit through the treatment made me realize the profound impact of these caravans—not just on physical health but also on building trust and raising awareness about oral hygiene.

During this period, approximately 780 children received both education and treatment, marking a significant impact on the community.

These children were not only given access to essential dental care but were also empowered with knowledge about maintaining their oral health.

The educational sessions were interactive and engaging, ensuring that the children understood the importance of proper hygiene and preventive measures.

The treatment aspect addressed immediate dental concerns, while the education sessions laid the foundation for long-term health improvements.

Each child left with practical tools, toothbrushes and toothpaste, along with a better understanding of how their oral health connects to their overall well-being.

This holistic approach ensured that the impact of the caravan extended beyond the week-long initiative, planting seeds for healthier habits and brighter futures in the community.

The caravan has come to an end, leaving behind not only healthier smiles but also cherished memories etched in our hearts. The community, filled with gratitude and happiness, expressed their joy in their unique and heartfelt way.

Among the most touching moments was the performance of Ahwach, a traditional Amazigh dance that serves as a vibrant symbol of celebration and appreciation.

The rhythmic beats of drums and the harmonious clapping of hands brought the community together, showcasing their deep gratitude for the efforts of the dentists and HAF.

This heartfelt expression of joy was a reminder of the strong bond between the community and those who came to serve them, turning the caravan into more than just a medical initiative, it became a cultural and emotional exchange that will be remembered for years to come.

I spent four days in a village that I will call “Bright Hope,” where I was part of the psychological support team tasked with helping children overcome the difficulties caused by the Al Haouz earthquake. My mission was to provide psychological and social support to these children, with the aim of helping them adapt to the consequences of this natural disaster.

During this period, I found myself faced with an interesting challenge. There are twin girls in the village who look similar but are completely different in personality and behaviors. This marked difference between the twins sparked my curiosity and pushed me to understand more about how different factors influence personality development in childhood.

The first girl – let's call her Sarah – is very active and always on the move. She can only be described as an energy storm. Sarah was moving around the village quickly, playing with all the children, making everything around her lively and alive. She prefers active games such as cycling and playing soccer, loves challenging other children to sporting activities, and is always the first to join in any activity.

The second girl – let’s call her Lena – is remarkably calm. Lena represents calm and serenity. She prefers to stay in one place for long periods and likes to listen and observe rather than actively participate in games. She loves quiet activities such as reading books and drawing pictures and shows a special interest in artistic matters. She spends long hours drawing pictures and creating various artworks.

In addition to their personalities and behaviors, the two girls have clear differences in their thinking patterns and preferences. For example, while Sarah enjoys constant movement and loves interacting with others, Lena prefers to stand to the side and observe things closely. She can concentrate and think deeply and enjoys activities that require creative thinking, such as solving puzzles and assembling smart toys.

These personality differences between the twins raised many questions for me and led me to be interested in understanding the factors that affect personality formation in childhood. Is the difference in personalities caused by genetics? Or are the environment and experiences the main factors in shaping personality? Could the difference in personalities result from how parents deal with each child? These questions during this special time pushed me to delve deeper into the world of child psychology.

My work with Sarah and Lina helped me understand the extent of individual differences in personalities, even in childhood, and my experience with them taught me how to deal with children individually and provide support and assistance according to their needs. I am always looking for new ways to motivate each child, support them in developing their abilities, and provide them with the tools to help them grow and develop in a healthy and balanced way.

My understanding of these two contradictory personalities led me to think more deeply about the concept of the influence of environment and genetics on personality development in childhood. This experience motivated me to further explore the concept of “personality influencing factors.” Of course, factors that may influence personality in childhood formation are upbringing, education, social relationships, and personal experiences.

My experience with Sarah and Lena was not limited to providing them with psychological and social support but was also an opportunity for me to explore many scientific and psychological concepts related to personality development in childhood. My work with them has helped me understand how different factors can influence children's development and shape their personalities.

Through my experience with Sarah and Lina, I have become more convinced that personality is not fixed but is greatly influenced by the environment and experiences. My experience with Sarah and Lena was a fun and interesting educational journey into the world of personality and its development. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with them, learn from their experiences and discover many new aspects in the world of child psychology.