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The Moroccan capital hosted this Wednesday the award ceremony of the Civil Society Prize in its seventh edition, organized on the occasion of World Volunteer Day, in the presence of political, intellectual, artistic and media personalities as well as civil society actors from different regions of the Kingdom and abroad

The ceremony was chaired by Mustapha Baytas, Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for Relations with Parliament and government spokesperson, who underlined the crucial role of citizen initiatives in national development. During this annual event, seven associations and five civil personalities were honored in several categories: local, national associations and organizations, Moroccans residing abroad as well as national and foreign civil personalities

In the category of local associations, the Elite Association of Tiznit Initiatives won first prize thanks to its innovative project aimed at strengthening citizen participation through a digital platform in Tiznit, while the Association Génération Technologie et Robotique de Midelt received the second prize for its initiative to supervise students from rural areas in technology

At the national level, the Aji Nt3awno Association for Social Actions of Berrechid stood out with the first prize for its project “Restoring hope through the installation of ocular prostheses and artificial limbs”, which aims to improve the quality of life of people in disability situation

The second prize went to the Thamont Association for Maternal and Child Health of Ifrane for its initiative to welcome pregnant women from mountainous areas before and after childbirth, offering a healthy environment and local services. In the category of Moroccans of the World associations, the Moroccan Association of Perth in Australia was awarded an award for its initiative “Moroccan cultural awareness in Australia”, which promotes Moroccan heritage through cultural events. The second prize was shared between the Moroccan Association of Alberta in Canada, for its project to promote the mental health of young people, and the Al Yusr Cultural Association in Spain, for its support of Morocco’s candidacy for the 2030 World Cup through the organization of the Espoir tournament

Among the Moroccan civil personalities, Hassana Bouachma from Casablanca received the first prize for his integrated program of comprehensive care for cancer patients in vulnerable situations, while Boubker Hamdani from El Aaiún won the second prize for his initiative to strengthen citizen monitoring of elections

Among the Moroccans of the World, the first prize went to Ahmed Bousfedi from Qatar for his support for the social integration of the local Moroccan community, while the second prize went to was shared between Hamo Amkoun from Portugal, for his project of teaching Portuguese to Moroccan migrants, and Soufiane Othmani from the United Arab Emirates for his project “Caravans of kindness and rural development” aimed at improving the living conditions of rural families

In his speech, Minister Baytas insisted on the importance of civil society in the development dynamic initiated under the leadership informed by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, emphasizing that associations are today essential partners in reducing territorial inequalities and strengthening social justice. For her part, Meryem Nacer, president of the jury, affirmed that this prize has established itself as an essential national platform to recognize the efforts of civic actors and promote their initiatives

She also underlined the exemplary participation of Moroccans around the world during this edition, reflecting the high level of associative mobilization abroad and their role in the influence of Morocco. This seventh edition is part of a renovated legal framework, having benefited from a revision of decrees and internal regulations, which opens new perspectives to further encourage innovative citizen initiatives on a national and international scale.