Field Train Students, CSOs & Officials in Morocco

The strategic partnership between academic institutions and civil society organizations, as embodied in the collaboration between the Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences at Ibn Zohr University in Agadir (FLSH Agadir) and the High Atlas Foundation (HAF), represents a pioneering model in activating the university's role as a catalyst for sustainable development and youth empowerment.

The third interactive workshop, held on 14 April 14 2025, with the participation of 124 students, was a pivotal point in the process of transforming student ideas into tangible community initiatives that serve the university and its surroundings.

The tree-planting activity that preceded the workshop, with the active participation of university students and professors, reflects a deep understanding of the importance of linking words and actions in the field of sustainability.

This initiative aligns with global trends that emphasize the role of universities in raising environmental awareness and contributing to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 15 concerning life on land. 

Numerous studies have indicated that student-led environmental activities contribute to enhancing their social responsibility and developing their sense of belonging to their community.

Building on the outcomes of the previous two workshops, which focused on community mapping and group prioritization, the "Library" project emerged as a student priority. This choice reflects the students’ recognition of the pivotal role of knowledge and educational resources in individual and collective development.

Libraries, in the age of knowledge, are places for the exchange of ideas and the promotion of research and culture.

The ideas put forward by the Library Group transcend the traditional concept of a university library, encompassing an innovative vision that combines the digital world and community interaction:

• Expanding Horizons of Digital Access: Through partnership with national libraries, the group seeks to provide easy and flexible access to digital knowledge resources, which aligns with modern trends in higher education that emphasize the importance of integrating technology into the educational process. These partnerships can contribute to bridging the digital divide and providing equal opportunities for access to information for all students.
  
  

• Promoting Knowledge Solidarity: By establishing a solidarity-based community library, the principle of shared responsibility is activated, and a culture of giving among students and members of the local community is encouraged. This type of initiative strengthens social bonds and creates a supportive and sustainable learning environment.
  
  

• Revitalizing Cultural Dynamics: Collaboration with reading clubs and cultural associations contributes to enriching university life and enhancing cultural awareness among students. These activities work to develop critical communication and creative thinking skills, which are essential competencies for effective community leadership.The formation of specialized working teams during the workshop reflects a practical understanding of the importance of organized planning and the division of tasks in the success of any project. The Proposal Drafting Team works to transform ideas into actionable plans, while the Partnership and Funding Research Team seeks to secure the necessary resources to ensure the project's sustainability. The Institutional Liaison Team plays a vital role in overcoming administrative obstacles and building bridges of cooperation with various entities within and outside the university.

The practical steps identified at the end of the workshop, which include the completion of tasks by the specialized teams, holding follow-up meetings, and communicating with potential partners, underscore the serious transition from the stage of thinking and planning to the stage of actual implementation.

This shift highlights the importance of activating the role of students as leaders capable of taking responsibility and initiating positive change in their communities.

The initiative of the FLSH Agadir and HAF embodies a strategic vision that places the student at the heart of the sustainable development process.

By empowering students and providing them with the necessary tools and knowledge, a new generation of community leaders capable of facing contemporary challenges and contributing to building a more sustainable and prosperous future is being prepared.

The university's openness to its social environment, through supporting such initiatives, strengthens its role as a beacon of science and knowledge and a center for community outreach.