June 2007

The following morning, work began.

Morocco, like Jordan, understands the importance of educating girls. We know that if you get girls into schools and keep them there, you can change the course of a nation, because the benefits ripple through society in the form of healthier families, reduced child and maternal mortality, enhanced economic productivity, and greater protection from HIV/AIDS. 

In January this year, I was honored to become UNICEF’s first Eminent Advocate for Children, and delighted to learn that my first working trip would be to Morocco – a country I’ve always loved– to highlight the importance of getting girls into school; explore some of the challenges faced by girls; and shine a spotlight on the excellent partnership between Morocco’s progressive government, local NGOs, and UNICEF. 

Afterwards, I visited Dar Al Taliba and Dar Al Fatat, two girls’ hostels, funded by the King Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity- another of Morocco’s efforts to ensure equity and access to education for all.  For girls from rural areas whose family homes are far away from college, these boarding facilities are often the only way they can pursue their studies.  In Dar Al Taliba, I was touched that the girls had dressed up in traditional clothing from their regions.  They all looked different, and spoke with varying accents, but they had one thing in common: they w