The association "Chantiers sociaux marocains" (CSM) – Sidi Bernoussi section – has been organising social actions for the benefit of the population of the Sidi Bernoussi district for more than fourteen years. The latest initiative: free foreign language courses. A hundred young people are benefiting, throughout this month, from the second part of the "Language Site" operation. The first part, which closed on 30 July, targeted more than 240 young people. The second part, for its part, spans the whole month of August, with only 180 beneficiaries, according to Mohammed Laitoussi, delegate of the CSM Sidi Bernoussi association. "The number has decreased because most of the young people are travelling. The first part of this initiative coincided with the month of Ramadan, so the young people stayed at home. After Eid Al-Fitr, they preferred to travel before the start of the school year," he explains to us.

Provided by eight volunteer teachers of different nationalities, the courses are given twice a day for the benefit of two different groups, at a rate of four hours in total per day. French, English or Spanish, students can choose the language that suits their school orientation. "The young people of the Sidi Bernoussi district suffer from major gaps in foreign languages. This is due to the lack of means and the fact that language institutes are located far from the district. These free courses, which we have been organising for fourteen years, have a positive impact on the young people, who will thus be better prepared for language courses for the following school year," explains Mohammed Laitoussi. He adds that contact and cultural and human exchange with foreign teachers develop and strengthen their communication. The association "Chantiers sociaux marocains" – Sidi Bernoussi section – also makes sure to follow the students who have benefited from these courses during the school year. The number of beneficiaries and teachers of these courses has been constantly increasing since the beginning of the "Language Site" operation. The members of CSM Sidi Bernoussi use limited means for the success of this initiative, each participating as they can. The Municipal Library, the Sidi Bernoussi district council, and the association's central office contribute to the initiative by providing premises, transport, and necessary equipment. The volunteer teachers also put their hands in their pockets and agree to be housed with host families in Sidi Bernoussi. As a thank you, the association "Chantiers sociaux marocains" – Sidi Bernoussi section – offers them some outings in the surroundings of the city. "There is always someone who offers to help us. Host families, for example, accept a symbolic sum of money and in return, they open their doors to foreign teachers without condition. Proof of the hospitality of the people of Casablanca!" concludes Laitoussi. About the association: The association "Chantiers sociaux marocains" (CSM) – Sidi Bernoussi section – was created in 1993, and has about a hundred members. Its mission is to promote volunteering, the participation of the local population in social development, continuing education and the supervision of young volunteers. CSM organises annually, by its own means or in collaboration with other organisations, training sites spread throughout the year. These sites focus on the environment, and cultural exchanges between young Moroccans and foreigners.