News and Activities

In March 2010 Raid Solidario has launched a new project to deliver the equipment (truck, diapers, powdered milk, clothes, etc) to the NGO Alter Forum for the orphanage in Layounne. In collaboration with the NGO Alter Forum, Raid Solidario brought a shipment of aid for projects developed by them in this disadvantaged region of southern Morocco . The supplies were transported in a truck that was donated to them for this project and in turn they donated it to Alter Forum for the use and service for the projects they undertake. Thank you all for your help and support.

In February 2010 Motera Twin Africa Association of Spain visited Alter Forum delivering humanitarian aid to the orphanage facilities in Daura, Tah, Amegriu and other centers in the region of Laayoune. This partnership collaborates with Alter Forum and is committed to continue helping in various socio economic projects of the association. At the end of the visit they attended a meeting with a group of local associations and a discussed the challenges of the socio economic development and the vision of civil society in the Sahara . They spent the night at Taste of the Sahara , which was greatly appreciated

In January 2010 there was an expedition of the professors from the Universities of Madrid “In the footsteps of Cervera” the explorer who visited the Sahara 1886. The aim of the expedition was a postcolonial critique. With the support from Alter Forum they were able visit Laayoune and its surroundings, Hausa, Smara, Boujdour, Dakhla and Auserd The visitors were also able to visit some of the projects Alter Forum in the respective cities as well as participate in the inauguration of the School of Information Technology in Dakhla. The aim of the visit is the elaboration of a postcolonial study of the area's main idea is to update the scientific information we have of our land

The Association Alter Forum International is concerned with the social development in the region a nd it has developed a strategy of first promoting literacy, then providing the job skill training, especially for women. .E ach year an average of 2500 women complete the literacy program. As of now Alter Forum has about 200 women in various agricultural and educational projects, such as couscous agricultural business cooperative. Alter Forum is also working with various associations and universities in the world in a number of nonprofit activities.

In October 2009 Taste of Sahara hosted first K42 Sahara marathon. The runners form the Canary Islands along with the local athletes ran the 42 km and the 21 km half marathon race. The event was a great success. All together we had 173 participants of the event, which included the runners, organizers and international journalists. The event ended with the festivities Saharaui style, festive dinner in the desert tent with music and dancing and off course the award ceremony for the winners. All of the guests had an unforgettable experience enjoying the desert and visiting the dunes. Congratulations to all the winners and participants

Alter Forum hosted an international youth camp in the Taste of Sahara campground, where 50 catholic scouts from the Canary Islands and 50 muslim youth of Sahara spent 10 days together in the desert. What an incredible experience it was! The youth overcame the language barriers and had lots of fun playing together and getting to know each other. The camp was a great success and huge milestone in the intercultural exchange. It was an eye opening experience as both sides realized many stereotypes they believed .We hope this was a first of many intercultural events to follow that promote tolerance and give youth the exposure to other cultures.