How One Workshop Sparked a Journey of Leadership, Empowerment, and Community Impact
I grew up in a small village near Marrakech Morocco, where opportunities were less and challenges were everywhere But even as a child, I never let that stop me I was always a person who wouldn’t give up until I reached my goal and it’s what still drives me today. When I started university I suddenly felt I had too much free time I didn’t just want to study and wait for things to happen as I wanted to do something positive with my time
One day a friend invited me to join a workshop. I didn’t know it at the time but that moment completely changed my life The workshop was about leadership and since then I realized that I can use my voice, my energy, and my ideas to make a difference. That first step led me to join a program called Youth First Academy where I learned the foundations of leadership and soft skills. Then I had the chance to, volunteer with the same organization. Volunteering gave me a new sense of purpose it showed me how much can be achieved when young people come together to serve their community.
Not long after I wanted to create something of my own That’s when I started Rouayya Initiative and that was my first initiative. Our team worked hard and the first edition was a success we even organized a second edition so we can reach more young people and prove to ourselves that youth can turn vision into reality if we work together That experience gave me the confidence to keep going, to dream bigger.
Step by step, my responsibilities grew starting from participant, volunteer, I became a coordinator, then a project manager, and today I serve as Programme Manager of AFCD Foundation, a youth-led NGO. In this role, I’ve had the chance to lead national projects on youth empowerment, climate action, and digital inclusion.
I also co-founded another organisation, C4D (Chabab for Development Association), to expand spaces for youth civic participation and innovation across all these projects and organizations, one truth stands out to me: Moroccan youth are full of energy, creativity, and ideas. What they need are platforms, resources, and systems that allow their voices to be heard and their impact to last.
What motivates me most is witnessing transformation and feeling satisfied after achieving and witnessing the impact you were part or the reason of it. I’ve seen young people who once doubted themselves step up, lead discussions, and design their own initiatives. I’ve seen communities open up to new ideas because of the courage of their youth.
My journey has taught me that challenges are not barriers they are opportunities. From a small village with limited opportunities, I now have the privilege to work nationally and connect with international networks. What drives me is not only my personal growth, but the belief that when one young person is empowered, an entire community benefits.
