The Foundation for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage at SILEJ
The Foundation for the Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Rabat, presided over by Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Hasnaa, makes a strong showing during the 3rd edition of the International Children’s and Youth Book Fair (SILEJ 2025), held from November 8 to 16 in Casablanca.
On this occasion, the Foundation showcases its flagship educational programs, including “Discovering My Heritage,” “Drawing My Heritage,” and its educational magazine “Roya,” a creative space that highlights Moroccan cultural heritage through the contributions of young people.
The Roya Magazine at the Heart of an Educational Roundtable
As part of the fair, a roundtable discussion titled “Heritage in Children’s Words: The Roya Magazine as a Bridge for Transmission” brought together several teachers engaged in the Foundation’s educational program.
Participants presented their teaching methods and emphasized the central role of schools as the primary place for introducing heritage. Integrating heritage into educational practices indeed connects learning with places, collective memories, and cultural legacies.
The Teacher as Cultural Mediator and Key Transmission Figure
The meeting highlighted the importance of teachers as cultural mediators, capable of stimulating creativity and enhancing students’ interest in heritage.
Contributors reminded attendees that Moroccan heritage—encompassing architecture, traditional arts, craftsmanship, music, gastronomy, and even intangible heritage—serves as a remarkable lever for inspiration, cultural openness, and identity building for younger generations.
A Structured Educational Program for Students
According to Salma Moulanaychouf, the educational program coordinator at the Foundation, this roundtable is part of a series of workshops organized in conjunction with SILEJ to honor the committed teachers involved.
The “Discovering My Heritage” program, designed in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, as well as UNESCO, is based on a cultural, artistic, and contextual approach.
Since its inception in 2022, it has helped raise awareness among over 16,200 students about the value of their cities’ cultural heritage.
A Creative Workshop to Connect Young People with Heritage
The Foundation will continue its activities on Friday with the interactive workshop “Cultural Heritage in Daily Life,” aimed at middle school students in Casablanca.
Participants will create an artistic fanzine inspired by the “Roya” magazine, reflecting their experiences, perceptions, and visions of heritage. This initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mission to encourage creativity, exploration, and the transmission of heritage values.
