Fondation Orient-Occident

Created in Morocco in 1993 by Yasmina Filali, the Fondation Orient-Occident (FOO) is a family-run, non-profit organisation conceived as a bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean. Its mission is to empower migrants, refugees and young Moroccans who come from disadvantaged neighbourhoods, offering them social and psychological support around education and employment.

With a presence in Rabat, Oujda, Casablanca, Marrakech, Tangier, Fes and Larache, as well as in Italy, the Foundation has developed an original approach to issues around migration, receiving recognition and numerous international accolades. Thanks to its welcome centres, which provide much-needed counselling and training, the work of the Foundation assists migrants wishing to permanently return to their countries of origin, simultaneously working to ensure the successful integration of those residing in Morocco.

Over the years the Foundation has developed expertise in implementing new community development projects in rural areas, aimed at improving the lives of local people from a holistic point of view. An example of this is ‘Migrants du Monde’, a sewing and embroidery workshop in Rabat which supports the integration of migrant and refugee women into Moroccan society. It has been in operation since 2010.