Preschool Project

Jenifer McEnery and her husband, Mark McEnery, are currently serving in Morocco as environment volunteers in the rural village of Touama, located in the Marrakesh Province. For the last year, Jenifer has been working closely with Association Tifaout, training members in: organizational skills, assessing community needs, project planning, and identifying and attaining resources. The following project was realized through the implementation of these skills by Association Tifaout, and their work with the community of Touama.




The Mothers’ Preschool Project
written by Jenifer McEnery

Literacy in Morocco is a real concern especially among women.  According to a 2004 Census, countrywide literacy rates in Morocco are estimated at 39.6% among women and 65.7% among men; however, the female literacy rate in rural areas like Touama is estimated only at 10%. In many cases, mothers in Touama are left feeling helpless because they do not have the education to support their children's education and often even lack the knowledge to keep their children and their families healthy. Only one of the mothers involved in the Mothers' Preschool project has completed high school; the others never completed primary school.


In general, life is difficult for children from poor families, especially those families that depend on subsistence farming for food. Resources are funneled toward basic needs. Toys for children are not a priority and education can seem like a luxury. Education in Morocco is free and compulsory through primary school, though the reality is that many children— particularly girls in rural areas—do not attend school. Many of these children lack the necessary preparation and support at home to succeed in school. Consequently, many leave school early to begin work and help support their families.

The idea to create Mothers' Preschool came from the association, teachers, and community members in response to a growing need for preschool education among families that do not have the resources or education to prepare their young children for success in public schools. The goal is to create a model preschool that will address local family needs and assist other neighboring communities in developing their own preschools.