A 6.8 magnitude earthquake rocked the historical city of Marrakech, Morocco September 8. The aftermath of the earthquake affected thousands of families across over 55 miles of land, according to pbs.org. People had to flee their homes, and 5,674 individuals suffered major injuries, according to The New York Times. In response, international organizations, including a group of students at Sacred Heart Greenwich, have sent aid. Mrs. Souad Malih, Upper School World Language Teacher and Upper School Coordinator of Student Activities, spoke about the global nature of the relief efforts.
Moroccan authorities have accepted limited aid. The United Kingdom, Qatar, Spain, France, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have all sent teams of rescuers. Numerous non-governmental organizations have also extended help from all over the globe. These organizations include the International Medical Corps, High Atlas Foundation, and CARE. Most of the organizations have given fresh water as well as time and effort to support Marrakech. Mrs. Malih has a personal connection to Marrakech, as she is from Morocco. Though she does not know every victim of the earthquake, she shared that she still feels a duty to aid the members of her community struggling with the aftermath of the natural disaster.
“We didn’t help only because we know people, but out of compassion that people are all our acquaintances,” Mrs. Malih said. “Whether we know them by blood relation, people are people. It’s not like we have to know someone to help.”
Mrs. Malih, along with some of her family members, is involved in two organizations called Red Goes Faster and Taymat Association. The organizations have provided money, tents, food, and blankets to families suffering in the aftermath of the earthquake.
The Taymat Association began January 1, 2005. It is an individual, non-governmental organization situated between Tafilalet and Tangarfa in Morocco. The organization’s ideals are built on culture and development. The Taymat Association sets up school-like activities for young children and promotes their learning, according to taymat.org.
Red Goes Faster is an organization based in the Red City of Marrakech. After six years, Red Goes Faster joined with the Australian organization Project for Awesome to donate wheelchairs to children and injured individuals, according to youtube.com.
The Sacred Heart community supported the victims of the earthquake in Marrakech by donating to the Taymat Association. During spring break, 21 students and three faculty members traveled to Morocco to immerse themselves in the culture and make connections. Those students held a bake sale to raise money September 22, collecting $350 in one day. Due to donations from numerous organizations, the people of Marrakech have started to rebuild their lives and gain back what they have lost. Mrs. Malih shed light on the importance of recognizing our shared humanity with the victims of the earthquake.
“You know them because they are like you,” Mrs. Malih said. “They are human beings, and that is what you need to see to act with a compassionate heart.”
Featured Image by Casey Smith ’26
