On the evening of June 13th, the High Atlas Foundation hosted a reception and book signing at the residence of H.E. Aziz Mekouar, Moroccan Ambassador to the United States. Over 100 guests joined together to honor Tim Resch, President of Friends of Morocco, and to celebrate 45 years of Peace Corps service in Morocco.

It was an honor to have with us so many Returned Peace Corps Volunteers (RPCVs) and Peace Corps staff, including Peace Corps Morocco’s first director in 1963, Reuben Simmons, and the incoming director Dave Lillie. Jay Katzen, Peace Corps Regional Director for Europe, Mediterranean, and Asia addressed the crowd and spoke about the impact RPCVs have beyond their two years of service. RPCVs ranging from Group 1 (the first group to go to Morocco) to some of the most recent – including someone just returning from her service in Morocco five days before the event – joined the celebration.

Elizabeth (RPCV 1983-1986) and Ali Alalou signed copies of their new children’s book The Butter Man – a story set in the High Atlas Mountains.

HAF was founded in 2000 by former Peace Corps Volunteers as a way to build upon professional relationships and knowledge gained during their years of service for the continued benefit of the Moroccan People. HAF is an affiliate of the National Peace Corps Association.

Proceeds from the evening will benefit HAF’s community development projects in rural Morocco.

If you missed us this time please save the date for October 15th – HAF will be hosting its fourth annual NYC reception. More soon!