Today, the Moroccan Royal Family and the Moroccan people celebrate the birthday of Princess Lalla Asmaa. This occasion highlights her decades-long dedication to social causes and her unwavering commitment to improving the lives of children with disabilities, particularly those who are deaf and hard of hearing.
From an early age, Princess Lalla Asmaa has devoted herself to the welfare and social inclusion of children with hearing impairments. As President of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation for Deaf Children, she has consistently championed innovative initiatives aimed at providing education, healthcare, and pathways to integration, ensuring these children thrive as full members of society.
For decades, the Foundation has provided specialized education aligned with Morocco’s national primary and secondary curricula, equipping students with digital hearing aids, cochlear implants, and electronic transmission systems that enhance adaptation and help overcome isolation.
In 2018, the first cohort of graduates from the Foundation entered Moroccan universities through partnership agreements with the Faculty of Sciences in Rabat and the Euro-Mediterranean University of Fez, expanding higher education opportunities for deaf students.
The Foundation also stresses vocational training, offering programs in embroidery, weaving, hairdressing, and visual arts. Many of these are integrated into Morocco’s national vocational training centers, allowing students to gain practical skills, achieve financial independence, and contribute to the preservation of artisanal traditions.
Princess Lalla Asmaa’s engagement goes beyond education and health. She is also Honorary President of the Society for the Protection of Animals and Nature, showcasing her broader commitment to cultural, social, and humanitarian causes.
This year, the Princess carried out a series of significant activities. On February 20, she presided over the launch of the third edition of the “Together, We Hear Better” program at Ibn Sina University Hospital in Rabat, reinforcing efforts to improve early screening and support for children with hearing impairments.
On May 2, she visited Gallaudet University in Washington, the world’s only institution exclusively dedicated to deaf and hard-of-hearing education from early childhood to doctoral level. There, she presided over the signing of a memorandum of understanding with her foundation, further advancing inclusive education in Morocco.
On June 14, she presided over the end-of-year ceremony for 2024-2025 at the Lalla Asmaa Foundation in Rabat, celebrating the achievements of students and reaffirming her commitment to strengthening early education for children with disabilities.
Later in the summer, on July 27, Princess Lalla Asmaa welcomed the First Lady of El Salvador, Gabriela Rodriguez de Bukele, at Rabat-Salé Airport.
The following day, July 28, the two women visited the Foundation’s headquarters in Rabat before attending a luncheon at the Royal Guest Palace, hosted in honor of the First Lady by King Mohammed VI and presided over by Princess Lalla Asmaa.
Beyond this year’s milestones, the Princess has also played a role in diplomatic and cultural events. On October 29, 2024, she attended a state dinner in Rabat hosted by King Mohammed VI in honor of French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte, alongside other members of the Royal Family.
Born on September 29, 1965, Princess Lalla Asmaa is the third child of the late King Hassan II and Princess Lalla Latifa, and the sister of King Mohammed VI, Prince Moulay Rachid, Princess Lalla Meryem, and Princess Lalla Hasnaa. She studied at Morocco’s Royal College and later graduated with a degree in political science from Mohammed V University in Rabat.
With her compassion, dedication, and leadership, Princess Lalla Asmaa has transformed the lives of thousands of Moroccan children with disabilities. Today’s celebration not only honors her personal milestones but also pays tribute to her enduring impact on Moroccan society and her legacy as a humanitarian leader.
MWN with MAP
