In a joint efforts to revive and strengthen ties between Moroccan students living abroad and their culture, Morocco’s Al Akhawayn University and the Ministry Delegate in Charge of Moroccans Residing Abroad (MRE) will organize a three-day Winter Academic Program for the benefit of MRE students.

The program will take place in Al Akhawayn University in Ifrane in collaboration with the State Secretariat in Charge of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

Under the theme “Living Together,” the initiative is based on the experience of summer schools developed by the ministry since 2009. It forms part of a new cultural program set by the ministry for young MREs.

The program aims to gather young Moroccan students at different times throughout the year. It will allow young students to gain a clearer idea of the Moroccan value system that promotes tolerance and respect for others.

“The seasonal university program will span five sessions: Fall University, Winter University, Spring University and two Summer Universities,” said a statement by the ministry.

The programs seeks to increase the number of beneficiaries from 260 to 500 young students per year.

The academic program will be realized through the collaboration of several Moroccan universities, added the statement.

“As such, a framework agreement will be signed between the ministry in charge of MRE and that of Scientific Research during the official launch of the Winter University in Ifrane on December 21.”

This program aims to preserve the Moroccan identity of the new generations living abroad. It aims also to reinforce their cultural bonds with their origin.

According to the same statement this program has many other objectives: the evolution of the Moroccan community abroad, which is marked by intergenerational changes, differences of the host societies, and the current political context characterized by the rise of extremism, particularly in Western countries.

“All these changes have brought new concerns, needs and expectations, especially among Morocco’s new generations around the world,” said the statement.

The program will take place from December 21 to 23.

More than 100 young Moroccans worldwide will participate in this program. These students were selected based on the basis of their exemplary student careers. The participants will be aged between 18 and 25 years old, 66 percent of whom are women.

The event will be a platform to further promote intercultural exchanges.

Throughout the three-day event, the young participants will be invited to take part in conferences and debates led by eminent figures, researchers, and Moroccan experts.

Several panel discussions will take place during the three-day academic program. The list of discussions include: the concept of coexistence in the religious, political, and social context in both countries of origin and host countries, the interculturality and role of Morocco as a land of dialogue and coexistence, the role of youth in strengthening the image of Morocco and Moroccans living abroad.

The program’s workshops will be platforms for exchange and discussions through which participants will share their experiences to discuss initiatives and actions to be taken to deconstruct stereotypes.