As we continue to establish our young roots in Morocco, we celebrate the pioneering spirit of our first group of volunteers. Their enthusiasm and commitment have been instrumental in laying the groundwork for initiatives that are already making a difference in the local community. We are thrilled to introduce two outstanding volunteers, Mouna and Oualid, whose stories exemplify the commitment and passion driving our mission forward. Their dedication has paved the way for impactful change in this vibrant community.
Mouna Baktaoui, the Sustainability Manager for ST Morocco, holds the distinction of being the first volunteer to join our local branch since the COVID-19 era. Her focus on STEM activities, collaboratively managed with ST, has been key in advancing our initiatives. Mouna’s early involvement and leadership have been instrumental in setting the stage for future volunteers, creating a pathway for transformative community projects. Her dedication has laid the groundwork for impactful change, driving our mission forward.
Oualid Hamzaoui, an STMicroelectronics engineer based in Bouskoura, has been a vital member of our trailblazing volunteer group since 2024. Driven by a deep belief in the importance of sharing and making new technologies accessible, particularly to the younger generation, Oualid passionately supports our initiative to promote and implement digital education programs in Morocco. His commitment to volunteering underscores the transformative impact of technology on education and community development.
Mouna, what is your best takeaway from your experience with the ST Foundation?
One of the most inspiring aspects has been witnessing students who initially lacked confidence rise to the challenge and create real innovations. Some are now participating in national and international contests, while others are developing solutions to improve life in their rural communities. This experience confirmed my belief that each of us can make an impact. It’s my way of giving back and helping build a better future for the next generations.
Oualid, why did you decide to enroll as a volunteer
“I believe it’s crucial to share and make new technologies accessible to our community, especially for the younger generation. That’s why I fully support the ST Foundation’s approach to promoting and implementing the STEM program in my country.”
Mouna, what was the last course you delivered?
I recently participated in the STEM Open Days organized by a local high school in Bouskoura, Morocco, where we reached over 2,000 students aged 12-17. It was an incredible opportunity to introduce them to the world of STEM through interactive sessions and hands-on activities. The STM32 workshop, in particular, helped students explore embedded systems and electronics, sparking their interest and curiosity in these fields.
Oualid, what is your most recent activity?
“I was actively involved at the Ibn Mandour School in Casablanca, where, alongside a team of ST colleagues led by Mouna, we conducted workshops on automation and robotics using the Vittascience kits. These workshops were part of the STEM LAB program at Lycée Ibn Mandour and took place at least once per quarter. They aimed to introduce students to coding on the STM32 platform. The workshops had a significant impact, providing students with hands-on experience and a strong foundation in coding and robotics. By introducing these young minds to the world of technology, I hope to cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers!”
Mouna, where did the equipment used in these workshops come from?
“The equipment, including robots, laptops, and the Vittascience kit, was provided by ST Bouskoura. Meanwhile, the ST Foundation facilitated the setup of the lab and the train-the-trainer activities. This support ensured that students had access to the latest technology and resources needed to fully engage in the workshops.”
Oualid, what is your best takeaway from this experience?
“Volunteering, for me, is about responsibility and meaningful action. It’s my way of making a positive impact on the community and inspiring younger generations.”
Alongside Mouna and Oualid, many dedicated ST colleagues, including Yousra, Alice, Mohammed, Hassan, and others, are significantly contributing to the success of our initiatives in Morocco. Their commitment to sharing knowledge and making technology accessible to the younger generation is truly inspiring. We hope to increase the number of volunteers in Morocco to fulfill the many different activities we have planned!