AIWA

American International Women's Association of Rabat
Mission Statement:
AIWA has a dual mission. The first is to support and encourage intercultural exchange and understanding. The second mission is to provide humanitarian assistance to those in need in the Rabat community. AIWA members are women of several nationalities who are motivated and dedicated to help the needy. Most of AIWA’s funds for humanitarian assistance come from organized fundraising events. The proceeds from these events go towards purchasing medicine, food, clothing, supplies for school children, and educational equipment for people who have no resources, in hospitals, shelters, and orphanages. AIWA also encourages women and girls to seek education and aids in their training in developing income-generating activities.
http://aiwarabat.com/about/mission/

The picture above is of Jamil and me before the annual AIWA gala.

For quite some time, it has been one of my goals to get involved with a program that gives back to the community.  As the boys are getting older, I have found more windows of time available throughout my week.  AIWA offers a wide range of charitable events and opportunities to lend a helping hand.  The organization also has leisurely programs, such as tennis, belly dancing, and book clubs to help build relationships.  Although AIWA was started by American women, there are more Moroccan women members today, which creates great cultural exchange opportunities.  I have only been involved in a few activities but am looking forward to what the next year has in store.

So far, I have had the pleasure of visiting with families and playing with the patients at the local children's hospital.  Most of the families speak Darija, so I try to communicate as best I can.  However, as you can imagine, language barriers come down very quickly in situations such as these.  I have always had a heart for children with special needs and devoted 5 years to teaching struggling preschoolers and teenagers.  However, as I witness the facilities and care provided in a developing country, I have found myself to be much more vulnerable as a mother of two small boys.  Overall, I am certain that I am receiving much more than I am giving through these visits, and I am thankful to Jenny who has run the program at the hospital for over 15 years.

Another program I enjoyed being a part of was a charitable fashion show put on by students of a local college, HEM.  The school sought AIWA's help in promoting their event, and it turned out to be a hit!  The proceeds from the event went towards building a new children's diabetic center in Rabat.  The show highlighted three designers who create both traditional and modern caftan evening dresses.  Nabyla Maan, whose songs are heard on the radio in Rabat, performed at the event along with many other talented groups.  My friend, Nesma, played a huge roll in putting this together, and I am very proud of her!

AIWA is an organization under the FAWCO (The Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas) umbrella.  Please check out this link to find out more about AIWA or other women's clubs in your country.