World Challenge Students Embark on Adventure in Morocco
15th November 24
A team of enthusiastic students has kicked off their transformative journey across Morocco, blending adventure, cultural immersion, and community service as part of the DLD World Challenge. After an early start and a long flight from Gatwick, the group embraced the challenges and rewards of their expedition that included a vibrant exploration of Marrakech, a community project and a demanding trek through the Atlas Mountains.
Arrival and Cultural Immersion
The journey began with a 3:00 AM meet-up at Gatwick Airport, where the students gathered excitedly for the long flight to Morocco. After landing in Marrakech, the group was immediately immersed in the city’s bustling atmosphere. “Day 1 has been long but AMAZING!” the team shared on social media, noting their excitement at arriving in Morocco and diving into the rich cultural experience.
The team then transitioned from exploring the vibrant streets of Marrakech to the first phase of their World Challenge: a community project that will see them working closely with a local school to make a meaningful impact.
Community Project Begins in Taroudant
The next phase of the trip kicked off with the start of the team’s community project in the town of Taroudant. Led by Vincent, the group split into teams to work on improving the local school. Their tasks included clearing rocks and rubbish from the school’s sports field, repairing desks for the classrooms, and cleaning out the games hall and changing rooms. Despite the heat, the students were up for the challenge, eager to help in any way they could.
Moroccan Hospitality and Cultural Immersion
As the students settled into their work, they were welcomed with open arms by the school staff, who treated them to traditional mint tea and a hearty meal of bread, pastries, and a delicious Moroccan kebab with rice and vegetable stew.
The group successfully adjusted to the local way of life, including Moroccan bathrooms with cold showers and long drops.
A Tough Trek through the Atlas Mountains
The adventure kicked into high gear as the students began their trek through the Atlas Mountains. With their trusty mule, Margaret, leading the way and local guide Fouad by their side, the group set off on a 17-kilometer hike through rocky terrain, climbing steadily and taking in breath-taking views. By 3:30 PM, the students had covered almost 15 kilometres, reaching their final wild camp spot and taking some well-deserved downtime.
The journey is not just about pushing physical limits on the trail; it’s about embracing new cultures, forging friendships, and making a lasting impact on the communities they visit. Reflecting on the trip, students commented,
“Morocco overall was an insane and unreal experience, I made great friends with everyone and enjoyed scenes of the Atlas Mountains, playing cards in the campsite and renovating the schools for the kids. A big thankyou to Lee and Rachid for the hospitality throughout the trip”.
“Morocco was an insane experience, I made so many memories that I will never forget. I loved the scenes on the trek and helping to renovate the schools”.
Looking Ahead
During the October half term break next year (2025), we will be offering a group of DLD students the chance to join a trip to Botswana, to support the wildlife conservation that is going on there. It is being run by a company called Projects Abroad and you can find out more about it on our trip page:
