“Everyone should learn early on about personal boundaries and consent.”

“I’m managing a community engagement project called “Ambassadors de Quartier” in the north region of Morocco,” says Omar. “We support twenty young girls and boys who have left school, sometimes with degrees, but have not yet found employment. We hold team-building activities and we connect them to local NGOs, schools and politicians in their communities. One of the training courses we gave them was on sexual and reproductive health and rights together with AMPF.” 

“AMPF supports young people in Morocco and the MENA region by helping them look after their sexual health and enhance their understanding of puberty, STIs, and sexual consent through training, awareness campaigns, and advocacy. When I started as a peer educator with AMPF, I saw their vision matched mine. It’s amazing how we have created a lasting coalition of people and organisations working on sexual and reproductive health and rights. When I eventually stop, other young people will carry it on. I feel like I was lucky to get this information myself when I was in school, now others will be.” 

“Young people in the Arab world, like Morocco, would benefit from sexuality education that is evidence-based, age-appropriate, and culturally sensitive. There are some specific aspects that I believe should be addressed, such as a better understanding of intimate and private body parts, up-to-date information about sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships, consent, and communications skills. When I talk to other young people, they have a lot of questions about these topics. But also, misconceptions and false understanding of virginity, gender equality and diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, and the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual health, like self-esteem and body image.” 

Lasting impact on young people in the region and beyond

Omar is one of the young people who has helped inform and update a curriculum for sexuality education toolkit, called, ‘It’s All One Curriculum’. “My role involved researching the latest evidence, discussing and testing culturally sensitive approaches, and incorporating feedback from experts. Together we created a comprehensive and accessible resource, with activities that address the needs and challenges faced by young people in our region.”  

“Working on the toolkit allowed me to better understand the latest evidence, best practices, and trends, which I can use in my work as a social worker and peer educator. I was invited to work with a diverse group of advisors from different countries and backgrounds. This helped me establish valuable connections and made me feel proud and fulfilled. This knowing work will have a lasting impact on the lives of countless young people in the region and beyond.” 

Healthier and more empowered individuals and communities

“In the future, I would like to manage a programme that promotes sexuality education. In Morocco the numbers of people who don’t have awareness about sexual and reproductive health and rights is scary. There are misconceptions in the community that I would love to change. This work will allow me to continue advocating for important cases such as a sexuality education and contributing to the sense of belonging of young people in Morocco and beyond.”