Stranded Moroccan Tailor Joins French Effort to Produce COVID-19 Masks

"I am not in the same situation as my other compatriots who found themselves stranded when they were only here for a short time [...] Moreover, I often come for long periods and I fortunately have my children here," says Ahmed. He has committed himself to an association to support the manufacture of protective masks in these times of covid-19.

"I had heard about the La Provence social center and I decided to contact them to try to lend a hand to the effort already underway. [...] Being a dressmaker, I told myself that I could put my sewing skills to good use," he says.

The fifty-year-old, specialized in the manufacture of Berber tents, is making his first experience in the manufacture of masks. "From the beginning of the pandemic, I decided to make myself a first paper mask by following the patterns already provided by the specialists. I’m lucky to have a sewing machine here. So I got started and was able to develop three models," he says.

When he arrives at the center, Ahmed willingly shares his know-how with the other volunteers who are involved in the manufacture of masks. "Sometimes we are about twenty sewing masks. After that, each at his own pace. But me, I try to go there every day," he explains. The dressmaker hopes to be able to help his country, Morocco, later on.