Welcome to Mirleft, Morocco! Our hub is run by Aliyah Santos, Hafid Sabir, and Omar Rgaibi.
​Hub Creation: Aliyah first came to Morocco in December 2018 and fell in love with the people and the culture. The Santos family lived in Morocco from December 2018 to March 2022 and again from June 2023 onwards. Most of this time was spent in Mirleft, making connections and learning more about Morocco. Aliyah’s entire family met Hafid in November 2019 and quickly fell in love with his family and his easy-going, happy demeanor. The idea of a hub was born in March 2020, but was not possible at that time due to Covid and tight restrictions in Morocco. We came back together in March 2023 to start work on our first (but not last) hub.
Join us at this project that not only provides educational opportunities for worldschooling families, but also business and growth opportunities for youth and women in the local community! Our hub aims to build partnerships with local organizations by aiding them in their work on sustainable development goals.
Meet the Team
Director
Aliyah Santos
Aliyah is a single mom of 4 children (20g, 16b, 11g, and 5g), who has been worldschooling full-time for 6 years. She holds a Social Work degree, has partially completed a Business Management Master’s Degree, and has dabbled in Early Childhood Education, Freelance Writing, Bookkeeping, Human Resources, and Payroll.
Co-Director
Hafid Sabir
Hafid is the quintessential “beach boy” with extensive knowledge of the local beach environment, fishing, and other sea life. He has grown up on the beaches of Mirleft and is a wealth of knowledge for all outdoor activities, including surfing and freediving.
Staff
Omar Rgaibi
Omar is a former lifeguard whose family has lived in the villages surrounding Mirleft and in Mirleft itself for generations. He brings his extensive knowledge of the local atmosphere and local customs to the hub, including connections with just about anyone you might want to know. He has a love for dance and traditions, as well as learning about different cultures.
Staff
Kaoutar Bouaskioune
Kaoutar has lived in Mirleft her entire life. She has a passion for working with children and hopes someday to become a teacher. Her enthusiasm for children has led her to become a sweet friend to our younger group.
Mission Statement
"Our mission is to create meaningful cultural experiences that connect children and families to the richness of Moroccan heritage while fostering job opportunities for local Moroccan people, particularly women. Through our group activities, we aim to promote cultural sensitivity, build long-term friendships for our families, and build bridges between traveling families and locals."
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Values
Empowerment: We are committed to creating job opportunities and promoting financial independence for local Moroccan people, with a specific focus on women, providing them with a platform to enhance their business skills and contribute to their communities.
Cultural Sensitivity: We respect and appreciate the diverse Moroccan culture. We strive to provide immersive experiences that celebrate traditions, values, and customs, while ensuring our activities are respectful, educational, and mutually beneficial.
Responsible Travel: We believe in responsible and sustainable tourism practices that minimize the negative impact on the environment and maximize positive social and economic outcomes for local communities. We aim to create a positive footprint while preserving Morocco's natural and cultural heritage.
Cross-Cultural Exchange: We foster meaningful connections and understanding between Westerners and local Moroccan people. We encourage authentic interactions, mutual learning, and the exchange of ideas, aiming to bridge cultural gaps and promote a sense of global citizenship.
Education and Empathy: We value the transformative power of education and aim to cultivate empathy and cross-cultural understanding among young participants. Our program provides opportunities for personal growth, global awareness, and a deeper appreciation for diversity.
Sustainability and Future-Proofing: We are committed to equipping local Moroccan people both with physical devices such as computers, laptops, or tablets and with digital skills that will enhance their future employability and entrepreneurial endeavors. By embracing technology and innovation, we strive to create sustainable opportunities that prepare communities for the challenges and opportunities of the digital age.