Sunday brrrr!

[msheesha 548]

For the ladies who are saying they would be fine living in their husband's country, can I ask how many times you've been and how long you stayed? I ask because I had the same thought about Morocco the first couple of times I was there. But as I was there more and saw more and more of the corruption and lack of social/governmental support etc I realized I may have judged too quickly about thinking that I'd be able to live there full time.

[MrsAmera 41]

I've spent quite a bit of time there, probably close to a year in total over 6 years. I completely know what the good and bad aspects of life are there. My biggest incentive is having more time with my children, a lot of family closer to us, and the opportunity to start a non-profit organization that I've dreamed of.

[msheesha 548]

Do you mind if I ask what the focus of the non-profit will be?

[MrsAmera 41]

Not at all. My dream is to open a community home for single and divorced mothers who have nowhere else to go. It would be based on job training and education with childcare. Responsibilities for childcare, house tending etc would be shared amongst the women living there. I don't have all the details worked out but it's a rough concept I've discussed with some folks I've worked with at USAID. The overall goal is to lift the women out of poverty and off the street, allowing their children to attend school and be cared for.

Edited August 30, 2010 by MrsAmera

[msheesha 548]

Have you heard of this woman's work?

http://www.conversationsforabetterworld.com/2009/11/helping-unwed-mothers-in-morocco-through-entrepreneurship/

http://www.opusprize.org/

I leave for Morocco in a couple of weeks, and if I decide I'm brave enough to try the hammam again, I'd like to try the one associated with this organization.