The Franciscan Brothers of the White Cross have been doing charitable work in Tangier for over 40 years for the benefit of persons who are mentally or physically handicapped, for the aged, for deprived people, and for others who are facing hardship.

The "Nazareth House" is located in the centre of the old town of Tangier. It intends to be a "family house", a refuge for those who need help and shelter.

Currently, the focus lies on three main activities:

1. Medical outpatient’s clinic

Every afternoon, the free-of-charge outpatient’s clinic opens its doors to those who cannot afford any other health care. It offers basic medical services such as the treatments of injuries, combustions and infections. Approximately 50-60 persons are being consulted every day.

2. Project “Al Basma“ (the smile)

Al Balsa was founded in March 2007 as consequence of the increasing problem of minors living on the streets of Morocco. Al Balsa aims at supporting these children aged 9 and 18 by meeting their basic needs such as providing proper nurtition, hygiene, health care, clothing and laundry.

At the same time, the aim is to is to identify and eliminate the reasons why the children are living on the streets. Their families are being contacted and the Franciscan Brothers try to get the children into the educational system (public schools for the younger children and vocational training for the older ones). The goal is to reintegrate the children into a family structure and into society. At the moment, one social worker is in charge of 24 minors and their families.

3. Residential home for strongly disabled persons

There are currently 12 persons living at the residential home "Nazareth House", who are both mentally and physically disabled and need 24-hour care. Another 33 disabled persons attend the center during the day but are residing with their families. The Franciscan Brothers run a workshop for the disabled where they make candles. Some of the patients also participate in occupational therapy projects which are taking place at other institutions in Tangier.

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The team of the "Nazareth House“ consists of Franciscan Brothers who are all Spanish. They are currently employing 10 Moroccans who are educators, nurses and social workers. Additional assistance is provided by foreign volunteers on a regular basis.

The institution is looking for volunteers of relevant fields, such as nursing (especially with experience in emergency treatment), psychology, nurses who have experience with mentally and physically disabled, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, educators and teachers.

Due to the center's strong commitment to high quality of care, it is expected that all volunteers have completed their studies or vocational training and have practical work experience in their profession. As a volunteer, you are going to get a comprehensive introduction to your placement by the Brothers. Foreign physicians are however not allowed to work independently as physicians in Morocco due to the regulations of the health ministry.

Working hours are usually from Monday to Saturday. Saturday morning and tuesday afternoon are typically off.

As a volunteer you should be able to communicate in French, Spanish, English or Arabic.