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Learn more about the project team and how to become part of the change
Joudour Sahara comprises a diverse local and international team dedicated to creating positive change at the grassroots level in southeastern Morocco, across Morocco, across North Africa, and throughout the world
Our approaches are driven completely by local needs as identified by local community members, whether they be our young music students, farmers, community elders, or anyone who shares aligning goals
Scroll down to meet our team members and learn how you can participate in the change
Meet our team of local and international specialists dedicated to making positive change
Director & Co-Founder
Halim has more than 20 years experience as a cultural, environmental, and tourism leader in Morocco. He cofounded the acclaimed music festival Taragalte, and acted as director from 2009 – 2018. He also cofounded the trans-Saharan Cultural Caravan of Peace to build solidarity among Moroccan, Malian, and Mauritanian populations
Traditional Music Coordinator
Aicha is from M’hamid El Ghizlane and been practicing traditional music and dance from the Chamra and Guedra customs for most of her life. She joined the Joudour Sahara team in 2018, after participating herself in Joudour Sahara activities since 2016. Along with Safae Radouani, Aicha also oversees gender development programming
Adminstrator
In addition to administrative responsibilities, Safae’s presence on the Joudour Sahara team, as well as Aicha’s, have allowed us to greatly expand girls’ participation in cultural and social arenas in M’hamid El Ghizlane. Safae also helps produce content for Joudour Sahara
Architect & Co-Founder
An award-winning Moroccan architect, professor, and cultural and environmental activist, Aziza has designed the innovative Joudour Sahara Music School facilities currently under construction. Aziza has engaged international experts to support this project
Environmentalist & Co-Founder
Wanda has been working with Halim in the region since 2005, planting trees and piloting anti-desertification techniques, including the innovative Groasis Waterboxx. She is helping to lead the agriculture and environmental aspects of Joudour Sahara, along with Halim, Aziza, and Habib
Environmental Coordinator
Habib is the land manager of the pilot farm where we are piloting permaculture and anti-desertification approaches. Habib has helped turn a previously barren plot of land into a thriving green space
Support Joudour Sahara
All donations will go directly to programming
Support a specific project or collaborate on creating positive change
Our international partners
Playing For Change Foundation is an American INGO and founding partner of Joudour Sahara. PFCF supports 15 music programs across 11 countries. A Polar Music Prize laureate, in 2020 PFCF organized the 'Peace Through Music: A Global Event for Social Justice' virtual concert in partnership with the United Nations
Based in The Netherlands, Sahara Roots Foundation has been leading environmental initiatives in collaboration with Joudour Sahara director Halim Sbai since 2005. A founding partner, SRF identity and environmental philosophy are embedded into Joudour Sahara's identity and philosophy. 'Joudour Sahara' in fact means 'Saharan Roots', named after SRF.
Aziza Chaouni Projects is an award winning architectural firm who takes on projects of which often combine architectural innovation and cultural activism. Led by renowned architect Aziza Chaouni, ACP has designed the Joudour Sahara Music School, a state-of-the-art cultural campus in the initial stages of construction.
