Society

King Mohammed VI Launches Ambitious 'Ramadan 1445' Aid Initiative

Thursday 14 March 2024 - 09:45

In a remarkable demonstration of unwavering dedication to social welfare, His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco, accompanied by representatives of the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, inaugurated the ambitious "Ramadan 1445" initiative in Rabat on Wednesday. This expansive endeavor aims to provide essential aid to one million underprivileged households, encompassing nearly 5 million individuals, reflecting the enduring values of shared humanity and solidarity deeply embedded in Moroccan society.

Led by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the "Ramadan 1445" initiative has garnered an impressive 2 billion dirhams (approximately $212.19 million USD) since its inception in 1998, symbolizing a steadfast commitment to collective well-being. With a substantial budget of 347 million dirhams (approximately $36.83 million USD), this year's initiative prioritizes the distribution of essential food items such as flour, milk, rice, oil, and sugar to those in need.

Targeting vulnerable groups, including widows, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, the initiative extends its support to regions affected by the 2023 earthquake, providing vital assistance to over 82,000 households in provinces like Al Haouz, Taroudant, and Chichaoua. The scale of the Ramadan aid operation has grown significantly over the years, with the number of beneficiary households increasing from 34,100 in 1998 to an astounding one million in 2023.

Encompassing 83 provinces and prefectures, the initiative's expansion underscores its pivotal role in addressing socio-economic disparities across rural areas, reaffirming the monarch's commitment to ensuring no community is left behind.

Backed by financial support from the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs, the execution of this monumental operation involves meticulous coordination among thousands of personnel, including social workers and volunteers. Rigorous oversight mechanisms, facilitated by local and provincial committees, ensure transparent distribution processes based on socio-economic criteria, while quality control measures overseen by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection and the National Food Safety Agency guarantee the integrity of distributed food products.

In a symbolic gesture embodying the initiative's ethos, His Majesty King Mohammed VI personally presented food baskets to representatives of ten beneficiary families, underscoring the monarch's profound commitment to alleviating hardship within vulnerable communities and fostering a society founded on compassion and shared responsibility.