The Azilal Centre, dedicated to homeless people, stands as an eloquent example of projects born from the third phase of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH), offering more than just a shelter but a living environment imbued with humanity.
In the current context of a cold snap severely affecting the mountainous province of Azilal, this sanctuary, far from being a mere roof over their heads, is a haven of warmth and a refuge for those who, burdened by life's difficulties, are exposed to the rigours of winter.
Through this gesture, the INDH, a pioneer in protecting vulnerable people, works to restore their dignity by offering them hope for reintegration and the possibility of a new start in society.
This centre, with its social and humanitarian character, was created thanks to the INDH and its social partners, offering accommodation, meals, and meeting the essential needs of people in difficulty.
At the heart of this structure, which stands as a regional model, fully embodying solidarity in all its facets, several dozen people find refuge and an ideal living space to rethink their lives. The homeless find not only a place of rest and respite but also comprehensive support, meeting their most essential needs, whether medical, nutritional, or psychological.
Every aspect of their daily lives is carefully managed, offering them a conducive environment for healing, stability, and inner peace.
In a statement to MAP, Issam Benaassou, Head of the Social Action Division of Azilal, stressed that this Centre, initiated within the framework of the 3rd phase of the INDH, particularly the Programme related to supporting people in precarious situations, is distinguished by its objective of assisting people in precarious situations, especially the homeless. He recalled that the creation of this Centre required funding of 3 million dirhams to provide a conducive environment for the residents.
In partnership with a local association responsible for its management, the Centre is committed to providing comprehensive social, medical, and psychological support, meeting the immediate needs of vulnerable people, Mr. Benaassou stated, noting that during cold snaps, it becomes a vital place for the homeless due to the drop in temperatures in this predominantly mountainous province.
For his part, Hicham Ahrar, president of the Noor Association for the Protection of the Homeless in Azilal, recalled that the Centre is equipped with a significant bed capacity for men and women, a kitchen, bathrooms, sanitary facilities, and several lounges for the comfort of the residents. He also mentioned that the Nour Association, responsible for overseeing this Centre, continues its field interventions to transfer people in difficulty from the streets to the Centre.
He added that the Centre pays particular attention to the moral and physical stability of the residents, within a humane and supportive framework that fully aligns with the priorities of the 3rd phase of the INDH, which aims to sustainably improve the living conditions of the most vulnerable.
Following the resounding success of the first and second phases of the National Initiative for Human Development, the third phase of this major project appears to be moving towards a new vision that brings hope and is indeed structuring, as it is based on four coherent and complementary programmes.
The INDH, it is recalled, targets all social categories, with a focus on people in difficulty, in a logic of equity and equal opportunities, with the aim of reducing social gaps and territorial disparities at the national level, all within a participatory approach based on governance and good management.
