A group of Spanish professionals explore the opportunities for cultural, social and economic development in the Moroccan Sahara

An interdisciplinary group from civil society in Murcia is visiting the southern provinces of Morocco this September to carry out an activity organised by the Saguía el-Hamra Study and Research Centre in Laayoune, chaired by Mohammed Bailal. 

The group is led by the journalist, sociologist and author of the blog "Islam in Murcia", Paulino Ros. He is accompanied by the political scientist and humanitarian reception technician Sara Cutiopala, and the cultural manager and historian Rosa Franco. The main objectives of the trip are the promotion of intercultural values, the study of the inclusion of the migrant population in host countries, the empowerment of women and youth in 21st century society, and sociological research focused on improving social welfare. 

The Spanish working group, which arrived in the city of Laayoune on Monday 4 September, visited Tarfaya, and in the coming days will visit Smara, Boujdour and Dakhla, among other towns in the Moroccan Sahara. 

In Laayoune he was received by the governor, Abdeslam Bekrate, who explained the political and economic lines set by King Mohammed VI for the social and economic progress of the Moroccan Sahara. In Tarfaya, the reception was given by the governor of the province, Mohammed Hamim, among other authorities. 

The Spanish working group has made numerous visits to public and private institutions to see first hand the socio-economic growth of the Moroccan Sahara: Craft Centre, Conservatory of Music, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Technology, Laayoune Investment Centre, African Institute for Research in Sustainable Agriculture, Institute of Journalism, Tarfaya Energy Company, among others. 

The first impression of the Spanish delegation is that the Moroccan Sahara offers a world of opportunities for the future that Spain should be aware of and take advantage of. 

On the other hand, the earthquake that occurred in Morocco last Friday night caused shock and consternation among the Spanish visitors, who this Sunday, 10 September, went to donate blood at a health centre in Laayoune together with the local population. 

The activity of the group of professionals from Murcia will conclude on 22 September.