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, will have a strong presence at the 3rd International Children’s and Youth Book Fair (SILEJ 2025), taking place from November 8 to 16 in Casablanca.
On this occasion, the Foundation will showcase 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 creations 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 of Transmission” brought together several educators engaged in the Foundation’s educational program.
The participants presented their teaching methods and emphasized the central role of schools as the first place for introducing students to heritage. Integrating heritage into educational practices indeed allows for a connection between learning and local histories, collective memories, and cultural legacies.
The Teacher as Cultural Mediator and Key Transmission Actor
The meeting highlighted the importance of the teacher as a cultural mediator, capable of stimulating creativity and enhancing students’ interest in heritage.
The speakers reminded attendees that Moroccan heritage — including architecture, traditional arts, craftsmanship, music, gastronomy, and intangible heritage — serves as a remarkable source of inspiration, cultural openness, and identity formation for younger generations.
A Structured Educational Program for Students
According to Salma Moulanaychouf, the Foundation’s educational program coordinator, this roundtable is part of a series of workshops held during SILEJ to honor the participating teachers.
The “Discovering My Heritage” program, developed in partnership with the Ministry of National Education, the Ministry of Youth, Culture, and Communication, and UNESCO, is built upon a cultural, artistic, and contextualized approach.
Since its inception in 2022, it has raised awareness among over 16,200 students regarding the importance of valuing the cultural heritage of their cities.
A Creative Workshop to Connect Youth with Heritage
The Foundation will continue its activities on Friday with the interactive workshop “Cultural Heritage in Everyday 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 promote creativity, discovery, and the transmission of heritage values.
