Smiling Hospital in Morocco

Together with the Founder of the Smiling Hospital Foundation, Countess Éva Csáky Bornemisza, I went to Morocco for three weeks; one week in Casablanca, one week in Marrakech and one week in Rabat. The objective was to meet with the directors of children hospitals in these three cities and to find out whether there would be any interest in a "smiling hospital entertainment". A very clear and positive response from the hospital-directors in all three cities.
The second step was to find local artists, who will give weekly performances. And the final step is to raise funds in Morocco to pay the artists "charity-fees", which will be much lower than the usual commercial remuneration.

The success of our trip was the result of many kind persons. First of all, the Hungarian ambassador in Rabat, Mr László Pap, who organised a "working luncheon" with 12 important guests from the health sector. Then the wonderful help from the family of the Moroccan ambassador to Hungary, Mr Moulay Abbes Kadiri; especially Madame Assia Alami whom we have appointed our "Ambassador" for Morocco. I think that we could start in Morocco within few months.

It was interesting to note how different in a positive way the young generation Moroccans behave when compared to younsters in the Western world: not much smoking, not much drinking of alcohol, no tatouages or any kind of piercings; even obesity seems not much of a problem for those who could afford to pay. Is this because of values in western world become decadent or because families in Morocco stick together and family-discipline still strong? Or does the Islam have such calming effect contrary to what we read about the motivations of terrorists? Much to think about when one travels through Morocco.

We look back at a splendid time in Morocco and are grateful to all those kind persons, who helped us realising our goal to prepare for "smiling hospital activities" in the local hospitals.

Albert Royaards