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The Cultural Stay program organized by the Hassan II Foundation for Moroccans Residing Abroad is holding its 27th edition from July 4 to August 18, 2026, welcoming 960 children, including 43 Palestinians, at the Foundation's socio-cultural center in Kenitra.
Aged between 9 and 13, this year's participants come from 18 countries: France, Belgium, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Tunisia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, The Gambia, Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire, Gabon and Mauritania.
Speaking during a press visit on Friday, Fatiha Amellouk, head of the Foundation's Arts, Culture and Communications Division, said the program reflects the institution's «ongoing commitment» to strengthening the Moroccan identity of children living abroad while fostering diversity and inclusion among participants from different backgrounds throughout each 10-day stay.
«Bringing them together around a shared bond, their connection to Morocco, is important because it gives them the opportunity to meet one another while discovering the country's historical, tangible and intangible heritage, as well as Moroccan culture, through a rich program of artistic workshops, including dance, singing and theater, and educational outings to emblematic sites in Rabat», she told Yabiladi.
As Operation Marhaba 2026 enters full swing, the initiative also seeks to offer children whose families cannot afford such opportunities the chance to spend part of their summer holidays in their country of origin under professional supervision. The program is divided into four sessions, July 4-13, July 16-25, July 28-August 6 and August 9-18, with 240 children taking part in each.
Forging lifelong bonds
Beyond the artistic workshops, participants take part in sports and recreational activities, cooking and gastronomy sessions, and educational visits. They also explore the Foundation's educational farm, where they learn about plant species native to Morocco while receiving an introduction to basic first-aid skills.
More than a summer camp, the initiative aims to instill «values of solidarity, respect and tolerance» while strengthening ties among Moroccan children living across the world. By living, learning and creating together, participants forge friendships that often extend well beyond the program itself.
The cultural outings include visits to Bouznika beach, the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, the Mohammed V Mausoleum, the Mechouar, the Exotic Gardens of Bouknadel, and the Football Museum in Salé. Participants also enjoy boat rides on the Bouregreg River and guided walks through the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Rabat Marina, and the capital's historic medina.
