Dar Bouazza

SOS Children’s Villages supports individual children, young people and families so that they can thrive (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Morocco).

Dar Bouazza is located 25km west of Casablanca, the largest city in Morocco with a major port on the Atlantic coast. Casablanca is an industrial and commercial centre that has around 3.9 million inhabitants. The city is characterized by great contrasts: luxurious beaches and villas encircled by shantytowns called “bidonvilles.” Tens of thousands of people live in precarious conditions in the bidonvilles of Casablanca, in sub-standard housing, often without running water or sanitation.

Since 2000, SOS Children’s Villages has been supporting children, young people and families and advocating for their rights in Dar Bouazza.

34,000
Children under the age of 15 are working

Child labour

Due to the harsh social and economic conditions, child labour remains a major problem in Morocco. Many families simply cannot survive without the financial contribution of their children. This is often the case for girls who have to work as domestic servants in the cities. Many children also work in handicrafts, making carpets and other goods to sell to tourists. According to some estimates, 34,000 children under the age of 15 work.

9%
Of the Moroccan population lives in slums

Slums

Despite government efforts, it is estimated that over 9% of the Moroccan population continues to live in slums, especially in Casablanca. Life in these informal settlements is tough: overcrowding, drugs, commercial sexual exploitation and crime are part of everyday life. For children growing up in such conditions, it can be incredibly difficult to break the cycle of poverty, especially if their home life is characterised by instability and violence. Furthermore, children from such backgrounds are stigmatised by society, which can lead to lowered self-esteem and affect the child's life chances

Your support makes a difference for children in Dar Bouazza

SOS Children’s Villages works with local partners and communities to offer a wide range of support that is adapted to the local context. We always work in the best interest of the children, young people and families.
60
Children and young people
Grow up in our care
5
Young people
Are supported on their way to independence
We work hard to make sure that children stay at school for as long as possible (photo: SOS Children’s Villages Morocco).

How your support helps in Dar Bouazza

Caring for children who cannot live with their families
Some children cannot stay with their families, even with additional support. When this happens, they can find a new home in SOS Children’s Villages. Here the children can build safe and lasting relationships. All the children in our care have access to education and healthcare. Wherever possible, we work closely with the children’s family of origin. If children can return to live with their families, we help them adapt to this change.
Supporting young people to become independent
To help young people become confident and independent, our local team works closely with each young person to develop a plan for their future. We support young people and also help them prepare for the labour market and increase their employment prospects. For example, young people can attend workshops and trainings run by SOS Children’s Villages. They also improve their skills through taking part in different projects with local mentors and businesses.