U.S. Embassy in Morocco Launches Youth Leadership Program in Dakhla

March 6, Dakhla – In its efforts to enhance the already strong U.S.-Morocco relationship, by promoting youth development, the U.S. Embassy in Morocco launched, in partnership with Anoual Association, the Morocco Future Leaders (MFL) program in the region of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.  

The Morocco Future Leaders program takes place over five months and includes a series of in-person and virtual trainings focused on helping 20 participants become effective leaders in their home communities.  

“The goal of this outstanding program is to provide support for the next generation of Morocco’s young civic leaders,” said Davida MacDonald, the U.S. Embassy Cultural Attaché. “By strengthening their communication and leadership skills, they can become even more effective community champions. We are excited this year to work for the first time with emerging young leaders from Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.” 

Ms. MacDonald gave a welcome speech at the opening ceremony of the first training workshop for this year’s cohort of 20 young leaders. The sessions take place on March 5, 6 and 7 in Dakhla, and provide the participants with a comprehensive introduction to the leadership skills critical to leading people and teams.  

By the end of the workshop, the participants will gain a deep understanding of what it means to be an effective leader. They would also learn how to engage youth in civil society and gain insight into their own natural leadership style, preparing them for the next stage of their careers. 

The MFL participants will also learn to design community projects as part of the program curriculum. At the end of the program, Anoual and the U.S. Embassy will organize a competition with prizes awarded to the most promising ideas.  

In close coordination with the U.S. Embassy, and following a general call for applicants, Anoual Association selected the 20 young leaders from the Dakhla Oued Ed-Dahab region based on their leadership potential and commitment to their communities. The participants range in age from 18 to 30. 

The MFL program is now in its third edition; it previously took place in 2019 and 2020. The newest edition, in the region of Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, comes as the U.S. Embassy is celebrating 200 years of friendship between the United States and Morocco, marking the bicentennial of the opening of the American Legation in Tangier in 1821.