Rabat – Morocco is mourning the loss of Leila Mezian Benjelloun, an influential figure in civil society and the cultural world, who passed away on Saturday.
Wife of Othman Benjelloun, president of the Bank of Africa group, Mezian Benjelloun was a philanthropist dedicated to a wide range of causes, including in fields as diverse as education, culture, and public health.
Leila Mezian Benjelloun served as the president of the BMCE Foundation for Education and Training, a leading institution in Moroccan education.
The foundation launched numerous large-scale projects under her leadership, including the construction and equipping of schools in remote areas. The efforts provided thousands of children with access to quality education.
Her contributions extended beyond education. A passionate art lover, Mezian Benjelloun founded the Leila Mezian Benjelloun Museum in Casablanca, a prominent space showcasing modern art and historical Moroccan works.
The museum, which bears her name, has become a cornerstone of the Moroccan cultural scene, offering visitors a deep dive into the nation’s rich artistic heritage.
Before fully immersing herself in her philanthropic and cultural pursuits, Mezian Benjelloun had a distinguished career as an ophthalmic surgeon.
For over 25 years, she practiced in Moroccan hospitals and ran her own clinic. Her exceptional service and dedication to her patients earned her the prestigious Officer Wissam Al Arch award from King Mohammed VI in 2016.
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