There is no economic development without development of a human being

Alter Forum
Alter Forum was established in 2002 by Bachir Edkhil, founder and president of the Association to aid in social and economic development of the Western Sahara region. Our main focus is on eliminating illiteracy, providing job skills training, creating economic opportunity for small businesses and working with youth to promote personal growth. Association begun in the city of Laayoune and is now working in Essmara, Tarfaya, Boujdour, Dakhla, Aousserd, La Plage, TanTan and Guelmim. Alter Forum conducts Annual Conference for the leaders from all the cities to come together and share their challenges and accomplishments and discuss future goals.

History
The people of Western Sahara are mainly a nomadic society with rich and colorful culture that spreads over the centuries. In the aftermath of the Spanish colonization and ongoing political disputes, the people have been suffering. Education has been neglected and future opportunities have dwindled to practically nothing. Regional schools contain incomplete curriculum, untrained teachers and a plethora of negative behaviors among the student population. Fifty percent of parents remain illiterate and unemployed. Children grow up without direction, focus or confidence in their abilities. This helplessness leads to a dramatic increase in both crime and extreme poverty. In order for future generations to continue into the next century, they desperately need to be given new tools. Education is the key to the future of the Western Sahara . Education opens opportunity and empowers people to direct their own lives.

Our Mission
Our mission is to provide education and develop the social economy of the region through personal development. We believe that each person has something to contribute to the society and we focus on helping individuals to discover and develop their talents and realize their full potential. Our main focus is on the women and children and the most disadvantaged to give them opportunities to learn and become successful in life. The objective of Alter Forum is to encourage the social development by eliminating illiteracy in women, providing job skills training and creating opportunities for small businesses. We believe that everyone should be able to have the chance to improve and prosper.

International Activities
Alter Forum International works with partners from the United States, Spain, France and worldwide. We have developed these relationships to promote international exchange between different cultures. In cooperation with our foreign partners we are able to provide educational seminars, business administration and job skill training. Thanks to this work we now have a better mutual understanding beyond our cultural differences. We believe that international solidarity is necessary to build a better future for us all.