My father, Mohammed, was born on a crisp January day in 1962 in the Moroccan capital of Rabat. His life has been a tribute to resilience, hard work, and a love of learning. At five years old, his family moved to the city of Sale, where he would establish his roots for the rest of his life.
My father honed his intellect during twelve years of schooling, earning his baccalaureate. Driven by a love of language and a thirst for knowledge, he embarked on a two-year academic sojourn, eventually becoming a French teacher in the southern region of Morocco, Taroudant province. After that, he and his spouse relocated to the city of Settat. His professional journey there was marked by various struggles, difficulties, and relocations until he entered the educational administration field as a principal.
My father's career spans academia and journalism, each role shaping his cultural and intellectual identity. He contributed to both literature and cultural dialogue. His deep love for reading molds his worldview, fostering empathy, respect, and humanity. Despite the stress and pressure work and life bring, my father's heart remained tethered to his roots.
My grandmother's home in Sale served as a sanctuary, a reservoir for memories from childhood until maturity. Father found comfort and inspiration in this altar of laughter and dreams. The bond between them transcended mere filial ties; it is filled with love, respect, and support. "Daily visits to her side and sharing meals and secrets were not mere obligations but dear rituals that fed my soul." As time passed, my father's life blossomed with gratitude and strength. Returning to Sale after 38 years of adventure and labor wasn't just a homecoming; it reignited his love for family and community. Such is my father's life: devoted to learning, community, and love.
How does it feel to be 72?
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
For me, loving a profession and dedicating oneself to it meant embracing it sincerely and committing to it for a lifetime.
Since my elementary school days, my peers aspired to be doctors, engineers, or police officers, whereas I deeply admired teaching. I saw it as a vocation that not only helps the country's prosperity but also nurtures its citizens.
After completing high school, I pursued that childhood dream. Soon after passing the teaching profession exam, I was appointed in Taroudant, southern Morocco, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting my pupils and instilling love, honesty, and devotion in their educational journeys.
Throughout my journey, boredom never seeped into my soul, for my love for my country surpassed all else. For myself, teaching was a sacred, altruistic calling, not just a career. I love to teach, therefore, even in retirement, I would gladly volunteer to give free support courses.
After two decades of teaching, I moved into educational administration while still stressing student well-being. Even while substituting for an absent teacher, I made certain that the student's requirements were always satisfied. As Ahmed Chawqi expressed it: "Stand for your teacher and exalt his rank, for a teacher is almost a prophet."
What do you look forward to?
What is your biggest concern?
Life expectancy 2023
