Of Voice and Stone

Cultural excursion to Abderrahman Slaoui Museum

The touring exhibition “Of Voice and Stone” celebrating the 200th anniversary of the US legation in Tangier and more than two centuries of friendship between the Moroccan and American peoples came to Casablanca. We took advantage of the opportunity for our students to discover valuable historical items that represent the strategic, economic and cultural ties between the United States and Morocco.

This excursion was so successful we received special permission from the US Embassy to use their cultural grant to fund a second visit.

Of Voice and Stone Museum Trip

Event details:

December 4, 2021

December 25, 2021

Trip Feedback:

The trip to the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum ; organized by the American Language Centre - El Jadida location, was held on two seperate days : December 4th and 25th 2021. Due to Covid restrictions, the museum only accepted a limited number of thirty visitors. Thus, about twenty junior students participated in each of the one day excursion.

The program followed a sequence of five major stages. First was the grouping of students at the center. Second was their transfer to the transportation mean. Third was the departure at around eight in the morning and the arrival at around ten. Followed was a museum tour and a workshop while the last stop was for lunch.

During the visit, juniors discovered and explored the different floors of the museum, each reserved to a specific collection. This was full filled with the help and guidance of a group of guides, each conversant of the pavillion she/he is in charge of. The tour gave the center’s students a moment to discover not only their local culture, but also its intersection through history with the American one. They had the chance to take a close look at concrete evidence which testifies the history of the Moroccan American relations. Some of the items they were exposed to are artisanal designed by Moroccan craftspeople from different regions and ethnic backgrounds of the land. For example, old gold jewelry, silver Jew and Berber jewelry, and pottery pieces descending from the cities of Safi and Fes. Some other items were diplomatic and artistic. For instance, old Moroccan and American currency coins, an insignia, and pictures and posters depicting the history of the American legation building in Tangier. Juniors also familiarized with the personal items of some American artists. The latters either got the chance to visit Morocco or work with national or international Moroccan artists.

During their interaction with the guides and the workshop’s instructors, students got the opportunity to better their listening and speaking skills. The language used was mainly English which allowed students to improve and utilize the language. They also got the opportunity to use their critical thinking trying to guess the usage of no longer existing tools. Besides, they got the occasion to use their cognitive construct to relate to a story told during one of the workshops. Meanwhile, they practiced their writing skills through composing their own stories.

This would not come to an end without mentioning special thanks to the American Language Center and its Community Service Club volunteers who made the two trips a success. Students benefited immensely in a joyful, fun way.