A bridge between the two shores of the Mediterranean: we work for the protection of diversity and the promotion of all cultures
Founded in 1994 by Yasmina Filali, Fondation Orient-Occident (FOO) has established itself as a leading Moroccan NGO dedicated to supporting vulnerable populations through intercultural dialogue, education, and community development. With centers located in Rabat, Casablanca, Oujda, Marrakech, Tangier, Fez, and Larache, the Foundation addresses the complex realities of Morocco as both a country of transit and destination for migrants—particularly from sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region—while promoting social inclusion and integration.
At its core, the Foundation focuses on two main areas: migration and community development. Over nearly 30 years, the FOO has developed strong expertise in community development, partnering with international organizations and collaborating with countries such as Paraguay, India, Senegal, and South Africa. Inspired by the holistic, people-centered model of Tostan International in Senegal, the Foundation implements integrated approaches addressing local needs in sectors like water, hygiene, education, health, and employment. Through participatory diagnostics and co-created sustainable action plans, the FOO empowers communities to shape their own futures.
In the field of migration, the Foundation applies a comprehensive and inclusive approach, offering psychosocial support, legal assistance, education, and professional training to migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Special attention is given to vulnerable groups including unaccompanied minors, women, and people with disabilities. The Foundation also actively engages in advocacy, participating regularly in high-profile international forums such as the World Economic Forum, where it champions policies that protect migrants’ rights and promote social cohesion.
Expanding its global footprint, the FOO has established Friends of Orient-Occident Foundation in the United States (since 1996, with a branch in New York City opened in 2023), which promotes its projects internationally and supports research on migration and interculturality in Africa. In Europe, the Foundation’s experience has been extended through the launch of Cooperativa Oriente-Occidente in Italy in 2016, focusing on adapting its innovative approaches to migrant integration within European contexts.
This multifaceted presence, rooted in grassroots action and enriched by international partnerships, enables Fondation Orient-Occident to contribute meaningfully to the complex challenges of migration and sustainable community development.
Recognitions
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2017 – Yasmina Filali wins the Elissa-Didon Prize within the Med21 network, in partnership with Fondation Tyr and the Prix Didon d’or of Tunisia.
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2016 – Yasmina Filali receives the “Social Entrepreneurship of the Year 2016” prize by the Schwab Foundation, in partnership with the World Economic Forum of Davos.
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2014 – Intercultural Performance Award from the Embassy of Austria.
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2013 – Euro-Mediterranean Prize for the Dialogue between Cultures (for the project Migrants du Monde).
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2008 – Award for Human Rights by the French Republic.
