And the Opus Award goes to...

By Driss R. Temsamani

It gives me great pleasure to share with you this historical moment, the nomination and classification of Aïcha Ech Channa to finalist for the Opus Prize.

The Opus Prize recognizes individuals whose work and story can inspire us to tackle the world’s most deeply rooted problems. Aïcha is Founder and president of Association Solidarité Féminine, providing services in Casablanca, Morocco, to help unmarried women with children gain the knowledge and skills necessary to ensure their own livelihoods.

During the 1980s, Ech Channa worked in the Moroccan Ministry of Social Affairs, where she was confronted by the ordeals these women and children faced on a daily basis. In 1985, Ech Channa established Solidarité Féminine to assist mothers in similar situations. The association opened a modest canteen where women could work, learn skills, make money and take literacy classes. Programs expanded to teach skills such as cooking, baking, accounting and hairdressing. The mothers also have access to medical services, psychological counseling, legal assistance and day care for their children.

On November 4th, 2009, the Opus Prize winner will be announced at the Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis and our Moroccan community in the USA is invited to be present and show support to Aïcha Ech Channa.
The $1 million Opus Prize, with $100,000 awards going to the other finalists, recognizes unsung heroes who create lasting social change and inspire others to do the same and we wish Aïcha Ech Channa the best in the finals.

The event tickets are free for the public and can be obtained beginning Oct. 1 at the St. Thomas Box Office, the Orchestra Hall Box Office. For more information visit http://preprod1.www.stthomas.edu/irt/matt/opus/event.html.

Wining this prize will be a great honor for our country, our people and the future generation. Please show your support by attending the event.

Share |

sueRabat : Salamu Aleycum,

Where are the fathers in this equation of invisible single mothers and their kids???? Unless we hold the fathers responsible, drag them through the court system, impose child support on them, embarrass them, this issue will not be resolved. I hope we will go in this direction regarding this problem in morocco, in which women remain invisible and marginalized.

Oct.25, 2009

Total Comments:1 Showing: 1-1

Dialogues allows Moroccans and friends of Morocco to express their views on any current issue or situation that could spark a discussion among Wafiners. People from all walks of life are encouraged to submit their views. All submissions must be concise, addressed to a broad audience, and written in good, idiomatic English. Submit all articles to info@wafin.com.

About Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use Advertise on Wafin.com Spread the Word Site Map