Photos

Berber children (Imazighen ) from the village near Azilal (in the Ait Bougemez Valley- the High Atlas).The Imazighen, or free men refuse to use the term Berber. The level of illiteracy of the Imazighen in rural area is extremely high. The area is poverty-stricken. People live in really harsh conditions - they lack not only access to education but also basic health care. Harrowing.
This extremely difficult social situation of the Berbers in this part of Morocco is caused by various factors. I have learnt for example that many inhabitants of villages high in the mountains persistently refuse to pay taxes thus condemning themselves to living in poverty. It seems to be a vicious circle.