Nestled in the Mid Atlas Mountains of Morocco, beneath the cedar forest sits the small village of Ait Yahya Oualla, near the town of Azrou. The village is home to less than 3,000 Moroccans rooted deep in Amazigh culture.

 

In the center of town stands Arkhabil Association and Cultural Center, an active Moroccan-led NGO established in 2007. Abdelhaq, association founder and president, leads the association in advancing economic, social, and cultural development for youth and women in the village and surrounding rural area.

 

The Association is also home to three women-led cooperatives specialized in baking, sewing, and weaving. Over the past 16 years, this local NGO has helped over 400 local women, children, and youth. They offer training for women and high school dropouts, from life skills to trade skills. To further their mission, they have partnered with United States Peace Corps. 

 

After a four-plus year professional partnership between Abdelhaq and Audrey, US Peace Corps Volunteer, Amalna Maroc was formed to complement and expand existing Association programs.