Afternoon mellah tours and evening musical concerts are arranged through this nonprofit organisation providing schooling, job training and essential life skills to disabled youth. The association’s director, Mr Hassan Khallaf, speaks fluent English and French and is extremely knowledgeable about Demnate’s mixed Muslim/Jewish heritage (he’s currently finishing his PhD in sustainable cultural tourism). By prior arrangement (one week in advance, with confirmation the day before arrival) he gives wonderful historical tours of Demnate’s mellah, passing through souqs and funduqs and ending at the Attadamoun centre and school. Given at least one week’s advance notice and small groups of five to 10 visitors, Mr Khallaf can also arrange a concert of local Hamadcha-style music with a local musicians’ union.
Proceeds for mellah walking tours and benefit concerts support the association’s efforts to extend essential support services and educational opportunities to all. Donations are on a sliding scale: Dh500 provides one week’s petrol for the school bus; Dh800 offers breakfast to 46 disabled students for two days; or for philanthropists moved by what they see at the centre, Dh3000 sends a student to consult a medical specialist in Casablanca about available treatments. Donations may be left in the front office at the Attadamoun centre, and a receipt is provided. Donations have already helped fund a school bus, and is helping Attadamoun graduates open a boutique selling items made by disabled artisans; look for the ‘Handishop’ sign along the main road.
