King launches ‘Ramadan 1444’ operation for nearly 5 million beneficiaries

On Mar 24, 2023

The national operation “Ramadan 1444,” launched by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan and benefiting nearly 5 million people, was officially launched on Friday in Sidi Moussa, Lamrissa district of Salé, by King Mohammed VI and Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan.

This act of generosity, which is especially meaningful during this fortunate month, symbolizes the ongoing concern of the Royal family for those living in socially vulnerable circumstances and serves to elevate the Moroccan society’s core values of humanity, solidarity, mutual aid, and sharing.
The operation “Ramadan 1444”, which has a budget of 390 million dirhams, is distinguished this year by an increase in the number of beneficiaries, in accordance with the High Royal Instructions, from 600,000 households during the previous edition to one million households, established in 83 provinces and prefectures of the Kingdom, 77% of which reside in rural areas.

On the occasion of this 24th edition, the King additionally issued his eminent directives to include rice and milk to the food aid’s composition.

This national operation, which was set up with the financial assistance of the Ministries of the Interior and of Habous and Islamic Affairs, has grown over time into an annual appointment to offer support and consolation to the most vulnerable social categories, such as widows, the elderly, and people with disabilities.

It is consistent with the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity’s humanitarian policy and strives to support those who are most in need while fostering a culture of solidarity.

At the distribution centers set up across the nation, thousands of people are mobilized to ensure the smooth operation of this operation, assisted by social professionals and volunteers. They will make sure that food aid is delivered to the beneficiaries’ families’ heads and representatives.

The implementation of this project is also subject to regulations, particularly at the level of two provincial and local committees that keep an eye on the distribution of food, the supply of distribution centers, and the identification of recipients. In reality, the local authorities conduct a field investigation to identify the beneficiaries each year, allowing them to assess the recipients’ living conditions and present circumstances in light of socioeconomic factors.

The Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity is receiving assistance from the Royal Military Forces’ social services, the National Mutual Aid, the National Promotion, and the municipal governments to assure the success of this solidarity initiative. The National Office of Food Safety (ONSSA) and the Ministry of Health and Social Protection each take responsibility for quality control of the foods distributed.

Before to sitting for a souvenir photo with volunteers who take part in this solidarity activity, the Sovereign gave food baskets to 10 heads or representatives of families who will benefit from the operation “Ramadan 1444” as a symbolic gesture.

Since its inception in 1998, the national program for food assistance has mobilized a total budget of around 2 billion dirhams, with the number of recipient families rising from 34,100 in 1998 to one million this year.

In order to encourage a culture of cooperation and ensure sustainable human growth, the King has added the “Ramadan 1444” operation to his list of humanitarian endeavors.