Sara Toombs

Sara Toombs spent four weeks in Meknes, Morocco volunteering in several organizations through the Experiential Learning Abroad Program, a partner of International Studies Abroad. Sara primarily worked alongside the staff at Initiative pour la Promotion des Droits de Femmes, an associate that provides counseling and legal consultation to women experiencing various forms of marital injustice. She was able to observe client consultations, assist with daily administrative tasks, and facilitate a cooking class for local women to come share recipes and stories. Sara also spent time at Le Nid, an infant and toddler orphanage facility located at the Meknes hospital. There, she cared for infants by feeding, bathing, and providing comfort. She also led art and basic English classes for older children and intellectually disabled adults. Finally, Sara worked at a women's co-op teaching English classes. In exchange, she was able to take a French class at the center and improve her communication skills. During Sara's time with the association, they hosted an international photography exhibit called "Too Young to Wed," which brings visibly to light the realities of child marriage and pregnancy. In Morocco, Sara developed many relationships with local Moroccans. She had the opportunity to attend a family dinner at the home of her close friend Amina, where she learned to make traditional cous-cous and paint henna tattoos. She most enjoyed her time spent sipping mint tea or avocado juice in the café, conversing with friends about cultural traditions, religious practices and developing gender equality.