Neighborhoods Association Idmaj was created in a very critical period of time, highlighted by the International economic crisis, conflicts in the Middle East, the struggle for power in Africa and Asia, starvation in Sub-Saharan Africa, the outbreak of deadly diseases such as Ebola,   and, mainly, the rise of extremism in different parts of the globe, and the increasing number of terrorist acts to inflict pain and destruction into our communities and nations.

Morocco was no exception to all these crises.  The suicide bombings in Casablanca were an awakening call to tell us that we were not as safe as we thought to be.  Idmaj emerged as a youth association engaged to respond to some of the above mentioned challenges. It was formed by young citizens, the majority high school and university students, determined to foster change.  As most of the members of the newly created association were from modest or poor neighborhoods, we decided to focus our struggle for dignity, social justice and opportunity, in marginalized, poor, underserved and underprivileged neighborhoods.

We organized several workshops on citizenship, leadership, volunteerism, life skills and social mediation techniques. Once I created the first Cultural Center in Sidi Moumen in 2006, we established an ambitious educational, cultural and artistic program and organized countless activities which you will read about in this newsletter.

IDMAJ grew out of a desire for youth to help other youth. It was first created to empower youth and help them instill their own positive values in their peers who come from the underserved and marginalized ranks of society. Its members are trained to become leaders in their societies and positive citizens in their countries.

Through workshops on leadership, team work, volunteerism, citizenship, mutual respect and tolerance, members are prepared to work with at risk and vulnerable youth in their own communities and neighborhoods. More than 90 percent of IDMAJ members come from disadvantaged circumstances in underserved, modest or poor neighborhoods. They know intrinsically the needs, preoccupations, hopes and frustrations of the young population in these neighborhoods. They serve as examples to all the kids. They can show them the way and help them differentiate between good and bad. Through action, passion and patience, they lead the way for others to follow, convincing them that with education, hard work, perseverance, dignity and faith they can leave misery behind and pave the way for a prosperous future.

IDMAJ gives the youth opportunities and hope for the future and helps them to maintain a positive, goal-oriented attitude to become good citizens and future leaders who will be able to contribute to the development of their community and country.