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Sadik Abdellah's journey isn't just about cheering for the Atlas Lions at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon). This Tiznit native embarked on a remarkable road trip from Agadir, Morocco, to San Pedro, Ivory Coast, spreading awareness about education and Moroccan culture along the way.
Driven by his passion for football and a desire to honor his grandfather's legacy of valuing education, Sadik started his odyssey in August. He navigated the Sahara Desert, crossed into Mauritania via El Guerguerate, and traversed Senegal, Gambia, and Mali before reaching Ivory Coast.
«In Senegal, I traveled North and South, until I reached the border with Bissau», Sadik told Yabiladi Friday from his van parked by a San Pedro beach.
He explained the eastward shift towards Mali, noting the safety concerns for solo travelers. «Travelling through Mali wasn't easy», he admitted, highlighting a challenging 270 km stretch and regional conflicts. «One day, I drove from a region that got bombarded the next day», he shared with regret.
A journey with a goal
Finally arriving in the «land of joy», as he calls it, Sadik spent two months before the Afcon exploring Ivory Coast. He visited schools in each country he journeyed through, advocating for the importance of education.
«I have been visiting schools to talk about the value of education», he declared proudly, adding, «and introduce Moroccan culture, particularly Amazigh culture».
Sadik didn't come empty-handed. He carried books on Morocco and the Amazigh culture and language, sharing them with national libraries and universities on his way to Abidjan.
«My grandfather, who used to be a merchant, also traveled every year to West Africa. He was also an advocate of education», Sadik recalled with pride. «In the 60s, when authorities in my village near Tiznit wanted to build a school, my grandfather offered part of his land for the construction», he recounted.
Today, Sadik is living his dream – promoting education, showcasing Moroccan culture, and attending his third Afcon in a row. His journey reminds us that passion, purpose, and cultural exchange can pave roads far beyond the football field.
