Field of intervention :Local know-how
Association : Illy
Project :Aronat
Localisation :Oulmès
Country :Morocco
Supported Group :20 women in difficulty
 
Objective

To enable women of Oulmès to become financially self-sufficient thanks to the region local know-how.

Project holder

Tijania Thépégnier, Director of Human Resources, Accor Morocco.

Association

Illy was set up in 2006 to improve life in rural areas, notably by encouraging the emancipation of women. This association, run by Doctor Hennou Allali in Oulmès, Morocco, focuses on two areas:

  • providing access to school for rural girls aged 7 to 12 (a boarding school was opened in September 2010);
  • enabling local women to promote their traditional know-how and generate income from it in order to improve their daily lives.

Project

The project consists of two stages:

  • “Aro”, which focuses on the production of essential oils (picking, drying, extraction);
  • “Nat”, which teaches the weaving of traditional Berber tents from wool and goat hair.

IllyThe project was launched in 2010 and is currently focusing on the first stage, “Aro”, which will benefit 20 women who have already received training. These women will manufacture essential plant oils (notably lavender) and will also make and sell lavender bags.  Accor Foundation’s donation will enable the women to rent a still, which is a vital piece of equipment for the extraction of the essential oil.  Learning this trade will enable the young girls and women of Oulmès to become self-sufficient and will generate lasting income for their families. The project also safeguards the region’s cultural heritage and in the long run will help develop rural tourism in this area.

support €10,000 in 2010