Salé, Morocco – In a powerful demonstration of compassion and national unity, His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, officially launched the annual National Ramadan 1447 Solidarity Operation in Salé. This monumental initiative, spearheaded by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, stands as a beacon of hope, extending crucial aid to millions of vulnerable citizens across the Kingdom during the holy month.
A Lifeline for Millions: Scale and Scope
Now in its 28th edition, this year’s campaign is set to reach an astounding 4,362,732 beneficiaries. With a substantial budget of MAD 305 million (approximately USD 30 million), the operation will facilitate the distribution of 34,550 tons of essential food products. These vital provisions include staples such as flour, milk, rice, oil, sugar, tomato paste, pasta, lentils, and tea, meticulously assembled to provide comfort and sustenance to those most in need.
The core objective remains unwavering: to alleviate hardship for Morocco’s most vulnerable social categories, particularly widows, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This commitment underscores a deep-rooted culture of solidarity that defines Moroccan society.
Precision and Transparency: The Unified Social Register at Work
For the second consecutive year, the operation leverages the sophisticated Unified Social Register (USR) to ensure unparalleled efficiency and equitable distribution. This data-driven approach, implemented under royal instructions, meticulously identifies eligible households living in precarious conditions across 1,304 municipalities.
Targeting Vulnerability: Key Demographics
The USR’s insights are crucial, revealing that a significant 74% of beneficiary households reside in rural areas, highlighting the initiative’s focus on underserved communities. Among the one million heads of household identified, the breakdown includes 432,092 elderly individuals, 211,381 widows, and 88,163 people with disabilities, collectively representing 731,636 individuals within these categories.
Coordinated closely with the Ministry of the Interior, the continuous updating of beneficiary lists based on the USR’s socio-economic indicators has established a robust reference system, enhancing both transparency and the precise mapping of aid allocation.
A Nationwide Effort: Collaboration and Oversight
The “Ramadan 1447” operation is a testament to collaborative governance, receiving financial backing from the Ministry of Interior (General Directorate of Local Authorities) and the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs. Its execution is a massive logistical undertaking, mobilizing thousands of dedicated social workers and volunteers at distribution points spanning the entire national territory. Their tireless efforts ensure that food aid reaches the hands of beneficiary families efficiently and respectfully.
Ensuring Quality and Accountability
Rigorous control mechanisms are in place, with local and provincial committees diligently monitoring the supply chain, beneficiary identification, and foodstuff distribution. Furthermore, a broad spectrum of governmental and public institutions lend their invaluable support to the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, including the Royal Armed Forces, Royal Gendarmerie, and various ministries covering agriculture, education, and infrastructure.
Crucially, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, alongside the National Office for Food Safety (ONSSA), plays a vital role in upholding the highest standards of quality control for all distributed food products, safeguarding public health.
A Legacy of Generosity: Impact and Growth
The symbolic act of King Mohammed VI, accompanied by Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan, personally distributing food baskets to 10 beneficiary families, underscored the deeply personal commitment behind this national endeavor. This gesture, followed by a commemorative photo with the dedicated volunteers, highlighted the spirit of community and service.
Since its inception in 1998, Morocco’s national food aid operation has invested over MAD 2.5 billion (approximately USD 250 million) in solidarity. The program’s reach has expanded dramatically, growing from 34,100 beneficiary families in its inaugural year to a remarkable one million families annually since 2023, reflecting both persistent need and the Kingdom’s unwavering dedication to social welfare.
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