Following a preliminary authorization in August, the Moroccan government is expected to grant the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) in that country permanent official association status by early October 2007.

As a government-recognized association, ADRA Morocco will operate for the first time as an official humanitarian agency within the country—not just as part of an international non-governmental agency. That means in addition to private funds, ADRA Morocco can also receive public funding. With the financial boost, ADRA Morocco officials plan to expand preexisting literacy, health and education projects in the country, as well as strengthen regional economic development and emergency response efforts.

“ADRA’s work will change completely now,” said Michael Reich, country director for ADRA Morocco. “This will allow us to become a strong partner for development and humanitarian aid in this country with so many underestimated needs.”

“Having the registration officially confirmed and documented is an important step forward in making ADRA Morocco a fully professional and well governed partner in the ADRA network,” said Joerg Fehr, director for ADRA’s Euro-Africa regional office in Switzerland. Fehr added that full partnership among regional ADRA offices was essential to the success of development and relief projects in Morocco.

ADRA’s presence in Morocco began in the mid-1980s. Today, the country is among 125 around the world where the agency provides community development and emergency management.