I grew up in a traditional riad built from scratch by my grandfather and uncle, brick after brick. I also grew up surrounded by women who loved art and craftsmanship expressed in traditional jewelry, handmade kaftans, and interior design.
My aunt’s sewing atelier was a favorite place to experiment with fabrics, yarn, and beads; this love for handmade crafts has stayed with me to this day.
Years later, I remember my young adult self feeling much inspired and eager to learn about Morocco’s history, architecture, and design, which always left me overwhelmed. There are only 24 hours a day, and I already had so much on my plate.
I quit my corporate job and started moroccanzest to learn more about a country I feel a deep love for – the country I left young, before being able to explore all the architecture, mountain villages, and spiritual festivals.
Working on moroccanzest allowed me to acquire the knowledge I would not now have had I stayed in Morocco. Although I’ve had some rocky days working on moroccanzest (thank you Covid!), now that I am a mother, I am grateful for every second spent learning about my country of birth.
I’ve been reflecting on this for the last few days. Here are three reasons it’s very important to teach children about their cultural heritage.