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Casablanca – Yesterday marked the end of an era for Dar America at its long-standing location, hosting its closing ceremony ahead of its official closure this Friday. But its story does not end here.
A new chapter is set to begin at Casablanca Finance City (CFC) starting May 5, where Dar America will continue to grow and strengthen Moroccan-American cultural exchange.
Located in Casablanca’s Gauthier neighborhood, the current building carries decades of memories and stories. For five decades, Dar America has opened its doors to generations through diverse cultural programs.
Ever since its creation, the cultural hub has hosted workshops, events, and fairs, bringing together people who dream, act, and connect with like-minded individuals. Yesterday’s ceremony brought together alumni, community leaders, educators, former staff, and members to honor the center’s legacy in fostering Moroccan-American relations and its lasting impact.
Over the years, Dar America has become a lasting bridge of understanding between Morocco and the US. What began in the 1940s as the residence of US consular officers evolved in the 1970s into a space for cultural exchange, STEM education, and EducationUSA advising.
Speaking to Morocco World News (MWN), Marissa Scott, US Consul General reflected on the significance of this day.
“This is a poignant time for us because it is the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of something beautiful. Know that Morocco and the US already share extensive relations, almost 250 years,” Scott explained to MWN.
“This year also, Dar America celebrated its 50th anniversary. So in this time of anniversaries and birthdays, it’s a fitting time for us to just remember what made us happy in our moments here and what we’re going to do to honor Dar America in its new space.”
A new era for Dar America
The move marks yet another milestone for Dar America. While the building is changing, its mission and spirit remain the same, continuing the vision it has carried since its foundation.
“It’s just been a real privilege to be able to share America with people who love the United States as much as I do. And I hope that everyone who walked through Dar America’s doors will come and visit us at our new location in Casa Finance City in the very near future,” said E. Rose Custis, Director of Dar America, to MWN.
The new location will build on the foundation of the original space, offering expanded resources, modern facilities, and dynamic programming to further promote American culture, values, and educational exchange.
A home beyond walls
The closing ceremony was especially emotional for longtime members and younger generations alike, many of whom consider Dar America a second home. Among them is Yahya Echattoui, teacher and International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) Alumnus, who sees the center as a defining part of his personal and professional journey.
“I work with the Ministry of Education in the province of Mediouna, and I work as a high school teacher, but I am taking care of a center with my team,” Echattaoui also told MWN. .
“We lead many activities, and I couldn’t do this without my experience with Dar America when I was a university student, coming all the way from Benmsik to here. Attending events, having memories with every single corner of this dar that we took as our home of informal education and non-formal education, and also formal education.”
“I’m very thankful for all the opportunities and people. I’m very thankful for you for taking my voice to the public so that they can join the new venue and they can benefit from it for more memories,” he concluded.
