By: Youness Boukhal – Al-Qarya News
In the heart of Beni Ouda village, nestled among picturesque natural landscapes, lies a heavy burden carried by its youth. Behind the green scenery hides a reality of deferred hopes — young people caught between a harsh present and a dream of a better future, often sought through migration to big cities or even across the seas.
Crushing Unemployment and Limited Prospects
Unemployment is the most pressing issue facing the youth of Beni Ouda. The absence of investment projects and the weakness of economic infrastructure make job opportunities almost nonexistent. Most young people find themselves trapped between two choices: seasonal agricultural work for meager wages, or complete inactivity while waiting for a rare opportunity.
Forced Migration in Search of Dignity
With no prospects at home, many young villagers are forced to migrate to cities, where they face new challenges such as the high cost of living and the difficulty of integration. Others take greater risks, embarking on irregular migration abroad, carrying with them big dreams and the hope of changing their families’ reality — even if the price is risking their own lives.
Lack of Facilities and Basic Services
The picture is incomplete without mentioning the poor infrastructure and weak social services. Young people complain about the absence of cultural and sports centers to nurture their talents, and the scarcity of activities that would allow them to express themselves. The distance from hospitals and weak transportation further deepen their sense of marginalization.
A Glimmer of Hope Awaiting Action
Despite all this suffering, the youth of Beni Ouda remain clinging to hope for a brighter tomorrow. Their voices rise, calling for fair development policies that invest in the rural population and grant them opportunities equal to their urban peers. Income-generating projects, support for small enterprises, and the development of educational and cultural infrastructure are essential gateways to lift these young people out of marginalization.
Conclusion
The case of Beni Ouda is a microcosm of the struggles faced by a wide segment of Moroccan rural youth. These hardships demand a collective commitment — both official and civic — to restore dignity to rural communities and launch a genuine dynamic of sustainable development that turns the village into a space of life and dignity, rather than a waiting station for migration and despair.
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