Association Anwar for Equality and Citizenship is a grassroots Moroccan civil society organization working on community participation, social inclusion, and local civic engagement, particularly among women and young people. The organization brings together civil society actors, educators, volunteers, community leaders, and young activists engaged in local initiatives related to education, culture, citizenship, and community wellbeing. In Youssoufia, Anwar initiated a collective community effort with local associations and volunteers to rehabilitate part of the neglected Laarouk forest through clean-up actions, reading activities, children’s workshops, educational games, and environmental awareness sessions for local residents. Anwar believes that protecting shared natural spaces also strengthens community connection, participation, and collective responsibility.
Project story
Restoring the Laarouk Forest: Where Nature and Community Heal Together
The Laarouk forest in Youssoufia is one of the few remaining public natural spaces where generations can still gather and reconnect with nature. We believed regeneration had to work both ways: healing the forest means healing relationships.
Association Anwar partnered with local volunteers, youth, and families to transform part of the forest into a living classroom. Rather than organize another cleanup, we created an immersive community experience where people could truly belong.
Children, youth, and adults gathered beneath the trees to read, share stories, and engage with nature together. Families participated in environmental discussions, artistic activities, and collective reflection, exploring what citizenship, care, and shared responsibility truly mean.
Books nestled among branches. Conversations happened on forest floors. Participants reconnected—to nature and to each other.
This approach honors our entire ecosystem: the forest itself, local wildlife, families and youth, volunteers and associations, and the collective memories woven into this place.
In an age of abandoned public spaces, we know that restoration begins with rebuilding belonging.
This is our starting point. We envision the forest as an active community hub—animated year-round through education, culture, and ecology led by local residents themselves.
Because true restoration isn't just about trees. It's about restoring connection, care, participation, and hope.
Project updates
Team
Rebuilding belonging in Youssoufia's Laarouk forest
Association Anwar for Equality and Citizenship is a grassroots Moroccan civil society organization working on community participation, social inclusion, and local civic engagement, particularly among women and young people. The organization brings together civil society actors, educators, volunteers, community leaders, and young activists engaged in local initiatives related to education, culture, citizenship, and community wellbeing. In Youssoufia, Anwar initiated a collective community effort with local associations and volunteers to rehabilitate part of the neglected Laarouk forest through clean-up actions, reading activities, children’s workshops, educational games, and environmental awareness sessions for local residents. Anwar believes that protecting shared natural spaces also strengthens community connection, participation, and collective responsibility.
Project story
Restoring the Laarouk Forest: Where Nature and Community Heal Together
The Laarouk forest in Youssoufia is one of the few remaining public natural spaces where generations can still gather and reconnect with nature. We believed regeneration had to work both ways: healing the forest means healing relationships.
Association Anwar partnered with local volunteers, youth, and families to transform part of the forest into a living classroom. Rather than organize another cleanup, we created an immersive community experience where people could truly belong.
Children, youth, and adults gathered beneath the trees to read, share stories, and engage with nature together. Families participated in environmental discussions, artistic activities, and collective reflection, exploring what citizenship, care, and shared responsibility truly mean.
Books nestled among branches. Conversations happened on forest floors. Participants reconnected—to nature and to each other.
This approach honors our entire ecosystem: the forest itself, local wildlife, families and youth, volunteers and associations, and the collective memories woven into this place.
In an age of abandoned public spaces, we know that restoration begins with rebuilding belonging.
This is our starting point. We envision the forest as an active community hub—animated year-round through education, culture, and ecology led by local residents themselves.
Because true restoration isn't just about trees. It's about restoring connection, care, participation, and hope.
Project updates
Team
Location
Morocco