Children

Children are very important in Morocco.

There is a big difference in the way children are brought up in urban versus rural areas. In cities and towns girls go to school, wear modern clothing and make decisions that would not have been dreamed of by their mothers. More than a few boys grow up with Play Stations, Game Boys and Nintendo. Parents in urban areas have high hopes for their children and for the opportunities an academic education may offer them. Although this practice is now decreasing, some parents still place young boys into apprenticeships where they may be trained in the skilled craftsmanship of a particular trade.

Rural children generally have a harder life. The government is working to improve educational opportunities for school-age children, particularly in isolated rural settings. However, many parents still prefer to keep their children at home in order to help with the animals, chores, or other younger children. Boys as young as 7 or 8 may be out all day looking after sheep and goats, while girls of the same age do chores and carry siblings or small water jugs on their backs. Rural toys are often broken bits of things patched together by an imaginative child.

Due to the influence of television, radio and books, children and students are often open to new ideas. Many will no longer automatically choose to follow the traditions of their families. Growing numbers have heard at least part of the gospel due to satellite television programs and the Jesus film.

"Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matthew 19:14

• Pray Moroccan children would be eager to know the Truth and would find Him.
• Pray they would reject the evil in society and embrace the good.
• Pray they will hear the voice of the Good Shepherd calling them.