L'Heure Joyeuse has launched a three-year plan (2014-2016) for the redevelopment and layout of living spaces in rural schools. This operation is carried out in partnership with the Moroccan subsidiary of Mondelez International, a world leader in chocolates, biscuits, etc. The pilot action focused on the redevelopment of the canteen of the "Aïn Harouda II" primary school, which welcomes 600 children. After the launch of the work on April 30th, the canteen was finally inaugurated this week in the presence of representatives of the association, the company, the authorities, and the Ministry of Education. L'Heure Joyeuse, with its experience in the field, especially in rural areas, coordinated all the steps between the local association that took over and Mondelez International. "The redevelopment and layout of the canteen of the 'Aïn Harrouda II' school constitute the pilot stage of a civic action plan in which both our company and our employees are committed, and which aims to provide well-being to children within their schools," declared Saïd Moudafî, CEO of Mondelez International in Morocco. The company intends to invest 1 million dirhams to contribute to the upgrading of various living spaces in a dozen schools located in rural areas. Twenty volunteer employees of the company in Morocco participated in the upgrading of the "Aïn Harouda II" school canteen by carrying out painting, carpentry, and electrical work. They also participated, on April 30th, in hosting an afternoon dedicated to children and thus sharing moments of joy with them. The launch of this action plan coincided with the "Hello Joy" programme established by Mondelez International in several countries around the world. It is a programme that declares the month of April as the "Month of Joy". As a result, the Moroccan subsidiary decided to share this joy with the community by trying to bring a smile to children schooled in rural areas. The director of the "Aïn Harouda II" school welcomed this initiative and expressed his joy regarding the work that was carried out in the canteen. The latter, which will welcome the school's pupils from the coming days, has been completely redeveloped and equipped with an oven, a refrigerator, and a batch of equipment necessary for its operation.

The company has been committed alongside L'Heure Joyeuse for more than 4 years. Moreover, their last joint action focused on the redevelopment of two classrooms within the rural school "Oulad Malak", located in Bouskoura, last October. As part of its three-year plan and with its partner, L'Heure Joyeuse, the company intends to redevelop two canteens in two other schools in other regions of the Kingdom by the end of 2014. As for the 2015-2016 actions, they will focus on the upgrading of various living spaces, such as playgrounds, sports fields, or classrooms, depending on the state of the premises and the needs of each school. A commitment to childhood: L'Heure Joyeuse is a non-profit association committed to the fight against social and professional exclusion. It has been active since 1954 and is involved in multiple activities in both rural and urban areas, with the main objective of allowing all those who are currently excluded to find a dignified place in society. Located in the Belvédère district in Casablanca, L'Heure Joyeuse today brings together 41 employees and more than 30 volunteers who act in a concerted and effective manner in order to maintain its objectives of fighting against exclusion, and above all of promoting the social and professional integration of the most destitute populations.