Most Inspirational Moment
Walking in the Atlas mountains. The visit to a local household in the village and the kids we passed who never failed to make us smile. Scenery was incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
10 out of 10. He was knowledgeable, experienced and always worked hard to make sure everyone was okay and getting the most out of their trip. Helped members of the group out in countless ways. The minibus driver also needs to be commended, he drove confidently and as safely as he could on roads that were difficult and coped well with other road users.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the Exodus equipment list and try to follow it as best as you can. Don't moan about lack of creature comforts. Appreciate where you are, who you are with, what you do have, and what you are doing.
Reply from Exodus
It is very unfortunate to hear these comments regarding our Responsible Tourism project in Morocco, especially when I have worked with the village for many years. Please note first and foremost that although Exodus project work started at the school 10 years ago, our focus is now with the Tjihza Village Association and not the school.
This misunderstanding started when the schoolteachers changed a few years ago – they did not turn up regularly for school to teach the children and were upset that Exodus were providing money for a water tower in the village (so all villagers could have running water) rather than buying laptops for the teachers. We have completed a lot of work at the school but it is not well maintained by the teachers so this would explain why it looks so out of place with the other buildings. Over the years, we have installed new windows, painted classrooms, paid for goalposts, built a sanitary block and provided a computer for the school amongst other things. However we always work alongside the villagers on all requested work so the doors and windows we have bought for the school are waiting to be installed, yet the teachers need to first complete their duties (clearing rubbish from outside, keeping classrooms clean etc).
When Exodus get involved in Responsible Tourism, by no means do we consider ourselves a charity. We simply choose to give something back to the communities we visit. It is extremely regrettable that the teachers cannot support our efforts in the same way the rest of the village has and we are trying to resolve this relationship to help the children of Tijhza (rather than the teachers who are not from this village).