Moroccan Orphans Face Stark Choice: Marriage or Homelessness at 18

Get married to a man to find a new home or end up on the street. This is the dilemma facing girls who are residents when they reach the age of 18 to be released. One of these two options inspired the Fida Mers Sultan child welfare center. It carries the "marriage integration initiative".

This initiative has already allowed five residents to get married, reports Al Akhbar. Other orphanages like the Nour Association for Charity, manager of the Moulay Driss Girls’ Home, have the same experience. It has already organized the marriage of 65 of its residents.

"The girls are not forced to accept. Faced with a marriage proposal, we inquire about the young woman’s willingness before investigating the social situation, the work and the standard of living of the suitor," said Mohamed Saïdi, general manager of the Nour Association.