Clinical and Babyfood divisions of Nutricia in Czech and Slovakia Republic decided to set up a local SupportingLives programme to support the SOS Children's Village Aït Ourir in Morocco.

As the first step the units agreed to support a watering system in the village. The main aim was to support an educational project with respect to agriculture, environment and savings.

About Aït Ourir

SOS Children's Village Aït Ourir lies at the foot of the Atlas mountains, around 40 km east of the city of Marrakesh on the road to Ouarzatate and was officially opened on 30 March 1985. The Village consists of 14 family houses for a total of 140 children, a village director's house, an aunt's house and the administration and service buildings.

A small and simple farm contributes towards meeting the individual's needs for fruit, vegetables, meat, etc. Any agricultural surpluses are sold on the market.

The SOS Kindergarten has a capacity of 50 children (also from neighbouring areas), who are cared for by trained kindergarten teachers.

Two SOS Youth Facilities in Marrakesh and Mohammédia also form part of the SOS Children's Village: two flats with six dormitories, living/dining room, kitchen, office and sanitary facilities are available for the boys; girls are in a flat of their own with five dormitories. Since the beginning of 2005, young people in Aït Ourir have also had the opportunity to learn to be independent in an appropriate facility.