Casablanca – The second British Moroccan Society (BMS) Gala dinner in Casablanca brought together prominent sponsors and members from both the UK and Morocco in support of a new learning center project in Talatast, a village in Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains.
Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN), the BMS President Mike Wood said “We’re here in Casablanca with a wonderful group of friends old and new, members flown in from London, and local members and sponsors.”
Wood added that the evening was dedicated to fundraising for a new expanded learning facility in Talatast, where the society has maintained a presence for over 15 years.
“We’re now able, with the help of our supporters, to build a larger and better-equipped learning center which will also act as a community center, complete with a pharmacy and dispensary,” he explained.
On Sunday, the BMS launched the construction of the new Talatast learning center, as part of the society’s long-standing efforts to support communities in the region, particularly in the Al Haouz province, which was impacted by the 2023 earthquake.
Speaking at the event, British Ambassador to Morocco Simon Martin pointed to the project’s significance not only as an educational project, but also in strengthening the bilateral ties between the two countries.
Morocco-UK relations have recently witnessed an unprecedented boom in trade, infrastructure, education, and diplomatic ties.
“Just yesterday in Talatast, we were able to see the construction and unveil the BMS plaque at the new learning center,” Martin noted, adding that the facility would serve a community of approximately 1,500 people.
Notable BMS sponsors included GT Bicycles, represented by renowned car racer Helen Tate Wright, Christie’s Kensington Real Estate from Marrakech, the Traveling Foundation, and the British Education Group.
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Their contributions were acknowledged by Ambassador Martin, who commended their “instinctive and enthusiastic support” for the society’s efforts in supporting people in the region.
The evening ended on a high note, with an auction and dancing.
The room was filled with “an immense amount of warmth,” Martin remarked, thanks to the efforts of BMS.
The UK diplomat noted that the “people to people links” fostered by BMS are what “really touch your heart” and form the foundation of the broader bilateral relationship between the two countries.
“Whether we’re thinking about football or rap music or girls’ education or earthquake response, we’re there for each other,” he said.
