2025 ANNUAL CEREMONY UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF H.M MOROCCAN PRINCESS LALLA ASMAA

USPA NEWS - The closing ceremony of the 2024-2025 academic year at the Lalla Asmaa Foundation held in Rabat, on 14th June, was a moment of profound significance and radiant hope. Graced and honored by the luminous presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, the event unfolded under a meticulously observed protocol. It gathered an esteemed assembly including six government ministers, distinguished dignitaries, devoted professors and academics, as well as happy few official journalists from the Royal Palace. The families of the deaf and mute children enrolled at the Foundation also stood proudly among the attendees, witnessing this celebration of courage, achievement, and collective commitment. This year’s annual ceremony unfolded as a joyous and inspiring finale to 2025 — a year marked by extraordinary dedication and remarkable achievements. Since its founding by the gracious Princess Lalla Asmaa, the Foundation has consistently marked the closing chapter of each year by honoring the heroes of its mission: the 140 deaf children who are beneficiaries of its unwavering support. This day belongs to them, shining brighter than ever before.

2024-25 ANNUAL CEREMONY UNDER THE PATRONAGE OF HER MAJESTY PRINCESS LALLA ASMAA OF THE MOROCCAN KINGDOM
AWARDEES DEAF STUDENTS SOON AT COLLEGE
This year’s annual ceremony unfolded as a joyous and inspiring finale to 2025 — a year marked by extraordinary dedication and remarkable achievements. Since its founding by the gracious Princess Lalla Asmaa, the Foundation has consistently marked the closing chapter of each year by honoring the heroes of its mission: the 140 deaf children who are beneficiaries of its unwavering support. This day belongs to them, shining brighter than ever before.
An expansive playground, reminiscent of a specially crafted Disneyland, stretched outdoors, meticulously designed to meet the unique needs of these young champions. Here, laughter echoed freely as children reveled in their very own enchanted realm. The air was filled with the festive hum of a garden party, and the little girls, adorned in pristine white dresses, seemed to embody the very essence of princesses.

LIGHTING THE PATH FROM SILENCE TO TRIUMPH: A COLLECTIVE JOURNEY OF HOPE, KNOWLEDE & INLCUSION
The closing ceremony of the 2024-2025 academic year at the Lalla Asmaa Foundation held in Rabat, on 14th June, was a moment of profound significance and radiant hope. Graced and honored by the luminous presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, the event unfolded under a meticulously observed protocol. It gathered an esteemed assembly including six government ministers, distinguished dignitaries, devoted professors and academics, as well as happy few official journalists from the Royal Palace. The families of the deaf and mute children enrolled at the Foundation also stood proudly among the attendees, witnessing this celebration of courage, achievement, and collective commitment.

“Your Majesty, the Foundation’s presidency, whose luminous presence and unwavering dedication to the silent children we honor with heartfelt gratitude — this moment is the culmination of a shared journey,” declared Karim El Skali in a moving tribute to Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa. “Today, we do not merely celebrate a year of learning, but a profound voyage of life, a healing process, and a beacon of hope.”

As the academic year 2024-2025 draws to a close, the Lalla Asmaa Foundation proudly announces the remarkable success of its scholars: ten graduates, many distinguished with honors; eight who have been admitted to universities; and one who has defended a doctoral thesis. Among them, eight hold degrees in computer science and robotics, eleven are enrolled in mathematics, and one continues research at the doctoral level.

“These achievements prove that deafness is a challenge to be met — but only when supported by steadfast guidance,” affirmed Karim El Skali, the Foundation’s president, while paying deep tribute to the tireless efforts fueling positive and constructive initiatives serving the deaf, mute, and hard-of-hearing community. “They have emerged from the shadows into the light through the compassionate gaze, attentive listening, and warm smile of Princess Lalla Asmaa, whose vision has made these victories possible. This year, Your Highness, thanks to your leadership and collective action, we will open three new centers in Fes, Fkir Bensalleh, and Marrakech, and reclaim one in Meknes — each welcoming 200 children for care and training. Our official visit to Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., an emblem of deaf education, inspired us to pioneer a unique African and Arab university dedicated to the hearing impaired.”

The ceremony was a masterful blend of solemnity and celebration, a moment to reflect on the academic milestones achieved and to proudly award diplomas to the deaf and mute students, alongside an uplifting spectacle of artistic performances and interactive workshops. It was a day of collective emotion and joy, a true festival dedicated to honoring the journeys and successes of these courageous children.

Their performance, the fruit of months of artistic labor, traced their path from silence to voice, revealing dreams that stretch far beyond the present. Families, educators, and institutional partners gathered in unity, celebrating not only the progress but the powerful spirit of commitment and hope that defines the Foundation’s mission. This ceremony stood as a vibrant tribute to the strength of the children, the dedication of their educators, and the collective force that propels the Foundation forward, a beacon of inclusion, empowerment, and shared humanity.

The ceremony continued with the signing of strategic partnerships on-site, cementing agreements focused on specialized digital training, professional integration, and health research. In the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, three foundational accords were signed, embodying the Foundation’s commitment to accompany its youth far beyond schooling — by granting access to tomorrow’s digital skills, facilitating their professional inclusion, and deepening academic and scientific cooperation. A clear course lies ahead: preparing deaf children to become fully integrated citizens and professionals in a digital, inclusive society.

SILENT GRACE : THE POWERFUL DANCE OF LIGHT, SHADOWS, AND RESILIENCE ON THE STAGE OF HOPE
"In the quietest moments, the deepest voices are heard — where silence becomes the language of the soul and every gesture speaks of courage."
As the ceremony unfolded, seven deaf and mute children, bubbling moments before with the innocent noise of youthful excitement, swiftly transformed into a tableau of serene focus. At the gentle yet firm sign from their teachers — masters of Moroccan Sign Language, the eloquent Darija dialect — the children hushed, embodying discipline and grace as the regal presence of Princess Lalla Asmaa entered the auditorium. It was a breathtaking sight: these young souls, framed by shadows and light, performed a mesmerizing ballet of body language and movement, their silent world brought to radiant life through the rhythm of their teachers' gestures and the tender narration of the master of ceremonies.

The stage became a canvas where simplicity met elegance, where the interplay of darkness and illumination mirrored their silent universe, and where every movement told a story of perseverance, joy, and hope. This poetic performance was punctuated by a heartfelt musical interlude — the hauntingly beautiful “Ya Baladi, Inni Argaaaek Ya Baladi,” sung by the renowned Egyptian soprano Farah Al Dibani, whose crystalline voice touched the hearts of all present. The audience’s applause spoke volumes, reflecting the profound emotion stirred by this gift of song.

Nezha Boubekri, the master of ceremonies, poignantly reminded the crowd: “This young girl was born in silence, yet through patience, love, and the gift of a cochlear implant, she has taken each step forward with hope. Each moment, each song, is a victory.” The evening’s crescendo saw a tender duet; a young girl softly singing Michel Sardou’s moving “Mes chers parents, je pars, (My Dear Parents I’m leaving”) soon joined by the elegant and classy Manal Shaki, a radiant singer and ambassador for the deaf community. Their voices, one delicate and the other powerful yet respectful, wove together a tapestry of shared dreams and resilience, embodying the very spirit of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation’s mission, a bridge from silence to the symphony of life

A RESONANT FINALE: LALLA ASMAA FOUDNATION’S PROMISE TO ILLUNIMATE EVERY SILENT CHILD’S DEAF VOICE
As the final notes faded and the last shadows danced into light, the gathering stood united — moved, inspired, and forever changed. This ceremony was more than an event; it was a living testament to the extraordinary power of resilience, love, and collective dedication. Through the eloquence of silence and the language of gestures, these remarkable children taught us that barriers exist only to be overcome, and that every silent voice deserves to be heard, celebrated, and embraced.

Under the compassionate gaze of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, the Lalla Asmaa Foundation renews its vow: to open doors, break down walls, and nurture dreams; so that every child, regardless of the challenges they face, may step boldly into a future filled with hope, inclusion, and endless possibility.

This promise is already taking shape with bold new steps: the launch of three new centers in Fes, Fkir Bensalleh, and Marrakech, as well as the revitalization of the Meknes center, each designed to welcome and empower hundreds of deaf and mute children. Inspired by the Foundation’s official visit to Gallaudet University in Washington D.C., a world leader in education for the deaf, these initiatives are part of a broader vision to create a unique African and Arab university dedicated to inclusive learning and innovation.

Further strengthening this mission, three landmark agreements were signed during the ceremony, establishing strategic partnerships with academic institutions to advance specialized digital training, foster professional integration, and promote health research. These accords embody the Foundation’s commitment to accompany its youth far beyond schooling — equipping them with the skills and opportunities to become fully integrated citizens and professionals in a digital, inclusive society.

ECHOES OF IBN BATTUTA : MOROCCO’S JOURNEY AS A BEACO OF SOFT POWER AND DISABILITY INCLUSION
Here, on this luminous stage, the seeds of transformation have been sown, promising a world where silence blooms into song, shadows give way to light, and the journey from silence to triumph is shared by us all.

Rooted in the heart of Morocco, the Foundation Lalla Asmaa’s headquarters stand proudly on Ibn Battuta Street — a symbolic homage to the great Moroccan explorer from Tangier, whose legendary travels across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East were immortalized in the Rihla. Just as Ibn Battuta built bridges across continents in the 14th century, the Foundation today forges new pathways of hope and inclusion, connecting Morocco to seven African countries through groundbreaking cochlear implant initiatives — a vibrant example of South-South collaboration.

In parallel, its pioneering partnership with Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. marks a beacon of North-South cooperation, reversing historical narratives by placing an emerging nation at the forefront of educational excellence and inclusive innovation. With the inauguration of multiple new centers in Morocco and beyond, this initiative exemplifies a paradigm shift — where an emerging country leads with dignity, compassion, and vision.
This inspiring work transcends healthcare and education; it is a testament to the enduring power of soft diplomacy. Through the steadfast leadership of Her Royal Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, Morocco’s legendary heritage of generosity, hospitality, and cultural openness; hallmarks of the nation’s spirit and the legacy of Ibn Battuta himself, continues to illuminate the world.

One can imagine Ibn Battuta, the illustrious explorer from Tangier, looking down with pride from beyond time, witnessing how his lineage has transformed ancient voyages into modern bridges of knowledge and humanity. His timeless legacy lives on, radiating from Morocco to the globe, carried forward by the unwavering dedication of the Foundation and the royal vision that guides it.

In this way, the Foundation Lalla Asmaa stands not only as a beacon of hope for deaf and mute children but as a luminous emblem of Morocco’s soft power; where cultural heritage meets innovation, and compassion shapes the future of inclusive global diplomacy.

AT THE CROSSROADS OF WORLDS: TANGIERS ENDURING CALL FOR UNITY AND PEACE
Tangier, often hailed as the Gateway to Africa, sits at the crossroads of two great waters, caressed by the Mediterranean’s gentle embrace and the vast Atlantic’s powerful rhythm. From its shores, one can glimpse the distant silhouette of Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar, a reminder of how close yet vast the world truly is.

This Moroccan city alone encapsulates a vibrant mosaic of histories, cultures, religions and horizons ; inviting all who visit to walk its ancient streets and sail its timeless seas, embarking together on a shared journey of discovery and unity.
Legend whispers of Hercules himself, who is said to have rested in the sacred Cave of Hercules here in Tangier; a place where myth and reality intertwine. Just as this hero bridged worlds in antiquity, so too does Tangier bridge continents, cultures, and creeds today.

In its very essence, Tangier is a living testament to the beauty of multiculturalism, the harmony of coexistence, and the strength found in diversity and inclusion. In these turbulent times, it stands as a beacon of hope; a city where peace between peoples and faiths is not just a dream, but a way of life.
As we look forward, may Tangier’s spirit inspire us all — to open our doors, cross bridges rather than build walls, and journey together toward a future where the world’s richness is celebrated in unity and respect, especially by embracing the most vulnerable, who so often surprise us with their extraordinary talents — just as the Lalla Asmaa Foundation has so brilliantly shown in its devoted work for the hearing-impaired community…/ Coverage reported in situ, Tangier,.Rabat by our wheelchair user correspondent rahma sophia rachdi