Did you know Tifie is an acronym? It stands for Teaching Individuals and Families Independence through Enterprise. On our recent trip to Morocco, we experienced the power of these words firsthand.

Tifie supports a school in Marrakesh for women who are re-entering the job force and are learning skills of cosmetology, IT, childcare and sewing. These women were a collective force of passion and excitement, and were as different from one another as you could imagine: women in every decade of life, married, single, mothers, grandmothers, conservative, liberal, first-time students, in dresses, in pants… But there were two common elements – hopeful smiles and a desire to be independent.

I sat down with several women in the Sewing Program, asking them about their experience at the school and their dreams. Each woman had a unique reason of why she was there:

• “I love to work and I want to be more efficient in my sewing, not an amateur.”
• “Sewing has sparked creativity in me to pursue my dreams and partner with my friends at the school to form a collective. 5 minds are better than 1!”
• “I want to start my own business and provide for my family.”
• “I want to fill my time with something good, and be able to help my husband provide a better life and better school for my children.”

We heard from them that they desired to be independent, to have the resources to provide for their families, to work and create income in a trade they are proud of. We were able to meet their children and celebrate with them when we attended the FIRST GRADUATING CLASS of the school while we were there. We danced, we sang, we clapped, we celebrated with over 40 women who are on their way to their next exciting dream. Be thankful we don’t have the video footage of them pulling us onto the stage to dance with them. 😛

We are thankful and expectant for the seeds of hope that the Grand Atlas Association is sowing and can’t wait to see the exciting businesses, co-ops, and creativity that will come from these bright and beautiful women.

To find out more about the project and how you can help visit the project page here.