Al Jazeera World

The Last Nomads of Morocco (2018x11)

Data di messa in onda: Mag 30, 2018

Many of Morocco's nomadic communities living across the Atlas Mountains, like the Ait Atta tribe, are gradually changing their way of life from roaming herders to part settlers - or what sociologists call 'a sedentary lifestyle'. But such fundamental change comes challenges, as well as opportunities. Traditionally, nomads do not receive a formal education. However in the past decade, there have been moves to introduce what they call 'tent schools' to try and equip their children for the modern world. But for them to attend school, their families have to remain in one place all year. It might also mean that the children ultimately leave their parents' traditional nomadic way of life. 'They told us they'd provide education for our children if we settled in a particular place,' says nomad Daoud Ariba. Helping with that adjustment are social activists like Ali El Amine. It was his idea to bring the tent schools to the region, with help from international agencies and the Moroccan government. 'Our goal is to see nomads at all levels of education, in college and even university. We want them to get diplomas and not to stop at the primary level and then return to cattle grazing,' says El Amine who is also the President of Chems Association. In addition to providing tents, the association serves as a liaison between the nomads and local authorities. 'We try to integrate the children into charity groups and obtain financial support for them,' he says. While the tent schools are a first step towards settling the nomads, the schools' remote locations, harsh winters and heavy rains pose challenges for teachers and pupils. 'When I came here, I walked for two hours,' says teacher Abdallah al-Sahraoui. 'I got an idea about the area from the road condition. The road was difficult with dangerous bends. I had to walk up and slide down the mountain. I had to walk for two hours to reach the school.' The tough mountain terrain also poses risks. Teenager Ittou lost her leg after she suff