SETTING THE SCENE:

With integrity and humanity, ATS can enable you to really discover the essence of true Moroccan culture. A visit to the small traditional farming community of Douar Oulad Elgern on the Marrakech Plain (30 kms north east of Marrakech and less than an hour away from the city) makes it possible to engage, interact and communicate with wonderful people, well away from the urbanization and clamour of Marrakech.

To the north of Douar Oulad Elgern lie the Jbilat mountains and to the south the High Atlas. Together they form a totally spectacular and uplifting backdrop to the village and its surrounding farmland. Visit in any season and you are assured of a warm welcome and a host of personal memories.

BACKGROUND:

With its close, personal contacts in the village, only ATS can offer you a superb and enriching experience.

In Douar Oulad Elgern people actively keep their Islamic cultural traditions and customs alive in a mix of both Berber and Arab people. Here is found an excellent example of tranquil harmony and peace, where traditions give a distinctive society where generosity and caring for others is at all times to the fore.

Douar Oulad Elgern was founded by three nomadic families 200 years ago. The population of the village today is 225 persons. There is a good balance between age groups with many children, a robust number of strong, hard working adults and a good number of older members.

There is great potential for this village to progress. However, life and survival has always been challenging here and the recent drought years have added to the concern about the village's long term viability. The fortunate rains of late 2009/2010, however, have brought renewed hope to the villagers and their smiles reflect their hope that life can be restored to a sustainable community as before.

WHAT THE ATS PROGRAMME OFFERS:

A day spent with the villagers of Douar Oulad Elgern is a joyous experience and a great privilege. From the welcoming offering of mint tea on arrival, the genuine friendliness and gentleness of the villagers is tangible, right from the outset. From then on, everyone is encouraged to become involved with the villagers as they proceed with their morning activities in the village.

The tasks are many and various:

• fetching water from the well;

• preparing the couscous;

• making bread;

• preparing the vegetables for the tagines;

• collecting firewood for the open fires and clay ovens;

• etc.

Through active participation, a great understanding and appreciation of this lifestyle is gained. The interaction with the villagers is informal but purposeful and is a wonderful opportunity to engage with a lifestyle that is very real, involving hard but one that offers many rewards. This is a sustainable community where honesty and joint endeavour have created a vibrant community.

After a hearty lunch, eaten traditionally (and which you will have helped to prepare and cook), the afternoon can be spent strolling around the village and its environs guided by some of the local people. The primary school, the local shop, the miller, the livestock, the artisanal workshops can all be visited. Throughout your visit you are encouraged to ask questions/enquire/become immersed in all that you encounter; this is an exceptional opportunity.

THE VILLAGE ASSOCIATION:

Douar Oulad Elgern has recently established a Village Association; this is offering great hope to the villagers. Supported by local government agencies and the inhabitants themselves, it is hoped to open a staffed nursery school, to create a walled cemetery, to help students to continue their studies after primary school, to create small projects for the villagers (e.g. the purchase of goats for the women to allow extra income; to encourage artisanal workshops). Such ideas for sustainable development will bring the opportunities for everyone to thrive, young and old and for Douar Oulad Elgern to continue way into the future. You may indeed feel, after your visit, that you would like to contribute in some way to helping the Association to achieve its goals.

WHAT ATS OFFERS:

• Return transport from your accommodation in Marrakech to Douar Oulad Elgern;

• A local Moroccan guide throughout your day;

• Participation in the tea ceremony (and all the tea you can drink!);

• Lunch (which you assist in preparing – see above);

• A truly involving visit.