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Saturday, 20 Mar 2010
 
 

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Moroccan American Kids Seek the White House E-mail

tweeter rss



It is afternoon and I am at the Mclean Community Center in VA to attend an event.  As soon as I set a foot in the room, I am already exchanging hugs with faces I had not seen for months if not years, and hellos with individuals I meet for the first time.  In the middle of the room, there are tables lined up with about 32 kids, age ranging from 2 to 14 years old, who are drawing with crayons.  Some of them are demanding that their parents check on their work for approval while others are adamant that their parents do not even peek at their crafts.  MBTV was busy interviewing kids and capturing these moments.  On the far left corner of the room, there is a table with juices, water, and various types of cookies.

On the wall to my right, I can see Moroccan and American flags and some posters hanging.   As the afternoon progressed, I got the chance to mingle with few parents who were spread out in various small groups. Topics varied from discussing which airline to take this summer to travel to Morocco, to sharing information on various local schools kids attend, to the fast rate at which kids grow.  It was pleasant to also hear parents compare and contrast the habits and ways of their children.
 
Such was the setting at the second “Youth Art Contest”, part of “My Morocco” event series.  This particular event was chaired by Mrs. Annalissa Essaadi, and the theme this time around was "Welcome the Obama Family to the White House."  The aim was to bring community members and their families together yet again and to “press on with the Obama to Speak in Morocco Campaign” said Hassan Samerhouni.  who is proving to be the quintessence of persistence in this campaign.

After all these aspiring young Picassos had completed their pieces, they were given the opportunity to talk about their works of art. Then, they each received an honorary certificate in recognition for their participation and as a token of encouragement. Art supplies, certificates, and snacks and refreshments were sponsored by event organizer  Washington Moroccan Club whose members, Abdessamad Nhairy and Aicha Bensaid were instrumental in making this event a success.

Organizers are planning to select three to four paintings and organize a trip to the White House with these kids to present the paintings to the Obama family.  Since we live in a land where anything is possible, attempts at making it official by presenting the selected works to Malia and Sasha Obama in person are underway.  It would be quite a tail to tell for these kids if this were to materialize.  And who knows, may be this will inspire some of them to want to seek the presidency some day!

Jamal Laoudi

 

 

{gallery}kidsart09{/gallery}


 

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Comments (20)add comment

mohamed_lahlou@hotmail.com said:

remerciement
salam a tous le monde et en particulier le monde islamique et en particulier les marocains et surtout en Amérique,tous le temps ils nous prouvent que malgré tous les crises,ils existent des marocains nous donne l'honneur et la gloire devant les autres nations du monde
06/01/09

boukil younes said:

salut de maroc
salame pour tout les marrakechi et tous les marocain
04/13/09

Abderrahmane Sakkaki said:

...
As I mentioned before, the initiative is enormously beneficial and equally informative..But I suggest parents take their kids to Morocco at least once a year, and let them interarct with their families..At first, you will notice a clash between two cultures..At this juncture, the parents' role is to explain the differences, and let them embrace the diversity..It's a difficult task, but in the long run, it's beneficial for the kids..

Good job


Abderrahmane
04/08/09

Abderrahmane Sakkaki said:

...
the initiative is great, but there is so much work to be done from parents side..the girl who mentioned that there is so much litters in Morocco, and we need Obama to help us clean Morocco.After all, Morocco is very clean...I take my daughter to Morocco every year..She loves people and the culture..She is a high honor student in high school because she is the most cultured student..I am so disappointed to hear from kids that Morocco is dirty and poor..

Abderrahmane
04/08/09

A. Khalouk said:

Thank you Washington Moroccan Club
I would like you guys to move around United states, and demonstrate what you do in the national Capital, I know this is a non profit organization, but, if you can make this enormous effort almost every month , consequently, you can make it at least once year in Boston, Chicago, or even Florida. We do not see much of this programs, they are truly educational for our youth . BRAVO

Ms. Khalouk : Mom of 3 kids
04/06/09

abdelssamad attif said:

الفاعل الجمعوي الجاد تدمر طموحاته في موطنه
االسلام عليكم
حقيقة نفرح للانجازات التي تقوم بها الجالية المغربية في بلدان عدة وكل دلك للتعريف اكثر بالكفاءات المغربية عبر وسائل مع الاسف خارج ارض الوطن
مع الاسف الشديد انني اكتشف صراحة ان الفاعل الجمعوي الجاد داخل المغرب تدمر طموحاته من اناس مغاربة لا اعرف لمادا
على كل تحياتي الصادقة وتهاني للجالية المغربية.

فاعل متحسر
04/02/09

Hmimarmad said:

...
To answer your question, I think that we should spare the children from religious indoctrination. The kids were having fun showing their art,let's not confuse them with theology. Remember that Allah knows more than any of us and that's the reason he wants the children to fast Ramadan when they are old enough and he also wants to give them time to be children.
God Bless!
04/01/09

Belghiti M. said:

WMC Objectives
Salamou'alaykoum !

To answer Brother " Muslim"

I have checked out Washington Moroccan Club website and I found out that their objectives follow, and that is why they called themselves "CLUB" not A "Shrine"

WMC's Objectives

To strengthen relations between all members of the Moroccan American community within the united States..
To enhance mutual understanding with other communities and the society at large.
To promote fellowship, harmony and rapport, not only among people of the Moroccan-American community, but also among members of the entire American society, regardless of race, sex, or religion

Peace for our Kids
04/01/09

yasmine hasnaoui said:

Congratulations to Washingtom Moroccan Club Member
Congratulations Washingtom Moroccan Club on the event you have just organized .It is with such joy to see how happy these kids were and how immersed they are in both the Moroccan and American culture. I was even more happier to see my little Illy ,daughter of Hamid Kachmar, taking part of this event.

You continue to be an inspiration to many. Your legacy serves as a reminder that the hard devoted persons can affect the world in a profound way. .
04/01/09

Saida Moussadaq, Chicago, Illi said:

adults and kids events
I salute the Board and the members of Washington Club for their work and "never end" efforts promoting the Moroccan American Community and promoting Morocco in the USA.
Such devotion and hard work requires patience and lots of personal time.
Again, I salute you and thank you.
SM
04/01/09

Muslim said:

Great !
Hi everybody ! Salamou'alaykoum !

That's a very good thing for the cooperation between Morocco and USA; but I've a question : "Will be not beter if we seeding a religious message too ??!! ".
I don't want to create a polemic, but i just ask.

Peace.
04/01/09

Laila Amar said:

...
I am so proud of you guys.I wish i lived in Washington.I think you have the elit group of Moroccans over there.Keeep the good work!!!!!!!!!May be I will join you some day.
04/01/09

Hmimarmad said:

...
My kids are in elementary school and they are planing to showcase Morocco in June International Night at their school. Their are in need of things to show such as brochures, posters, flags. We contacted the ministry of tourism to see if they can provide us with the things mentioned above, and you guessed it. NO ANSWER. I have to add that my son's classmate is from Nigeria, his parents contacted the Nigerian embassy and guess what? they received the goodies.
My Son is a first grader, and he did not understand why his friend was able to get the stuff but not him.
I told him" Son, don't worry, we can always go to Ebay and get the stuff"
My question to you fellow Morocco boarders, is there somewhere other than ebay and the ministry of Tourism to get the staff?
Thank you in advance!
04/01/09

Talib said:

...
Salaam. Could you please define Moroccan-American? Is it full blooded Moroccans who are American citizens or anyone American with Moroccan heritage? And also, what is the intent of the visit? I have invested interest in my questions. Thank you.
03/31/09

Halima B said:

Barbara Ferris at the Moroccan America youth art c
I know I sent the name of my 11 years old boy Adam B. to participate in this great edifying event, but, I did not show up for an urgent situation which accrued at the last minute. I just wanted to snatch this opportunity and thank Washington Club for what you do for The Moroccan American community first generation. on the other hand I was delighted to see Ms. Barbara Ferris among all of you commemorating the history of this new Diaspora. heads up
03/31/09

Mohamed Benfadil said:

Journalist
Original and great initiative as usual, The only thing, I feel bad for my kids who told me their frustration because they could not attend. Once again these kinds of events would have a greater impact if they were more "democratized"...Just a suggestion.
Yes,you can.
03/31/09

Katty Benmassoud said:

Credits
As always. MB TV is doing a great job by promoting Morocco and Moroccan American community. however. it will be nicer if the producer(s) can use background ( Black color) while granting credit to the people who were behind this wonderful community service.
03/31/09

Katty Benmassoud said:

Pictures of heavenly beings,
Catty Benmassoud

I missed the last year event to bring my two kids , and I meant to attend this time , but no luck. in any case . I salute you for the great effort you do for the Moroccan American community youth. and I promise to be at your next event.
03/31/09

Y.T. said:

Great Job !!!!
Amazing job...we need this duplicated in other places as Hmimarmad suggested, and I think adults should act more proactively to advance this cause and make it happen.
03/30/09

Hmimarmad said:

...
This is great. Keep up the good work. I wish such events could take place in other states as well.
03/29/09

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