Autumn session of the 47th Cultural Moussem: The inhabitants of Assilah in the spotlight

The Zaïlachis who distinguished themselves by their achievements and actions in various fields were rewarded. Ceremony: This event featured the traditional award ceremony, such as those for the model mother and the working woman, as well as for the best baccalaureate students of the previous academic year 2025-2026. As every year, the autumn session of the 47th Assilah Cultural Moussem concluded on Sunday, October 18th, in a festive atmosphere, celebrating the inhabitants of the city. This closing ceremony saw the presentation of awards to Zaïlachis who distinguished themselves by their achievements and actions in various fields. "I feel joy and true pride in the success of the 47th edition of the Assilah International Cultural Moussem, in its various spring, summer, and autumn stages and with a rich and varied programme of cultural and artistic activities," said Hatim Betioui, Secretary General of the Assilah Forum Foundation, the initiator of the moussem, while taking the opportunity to praise the commitment of the young Zaïlachis and their success in the scientific, cultural, artistic, sporting, and entrepreneurial fields. This reaffirms that "Assilah is full of capabilities and skills capable of producing excellence and contributing to the development and prosperity of the city," said Mr. Betioui. Furthermore, this closing ceremony included the presentation of the model mother award to Najat Chetouani. A French teacher since 1982 at Imam Assili College in Assilah, she has distinguished herself since her arrival at this institution by her commitment and dedication to improving her students' performance and their development. This has earned Mrs. Chetouani "the respect of students and their families as well as the esteem of the city's population," according to the organisers. The working woman award was given to Halima El Bjioui. A native of Ksar El Kébir, she married over forty years ago a young small shopkeeper who chose to come and work in Assilah in the early 90s. Known for her courage and love of work, Mrs. El Bjioui decided to accompany her husband to help him in his business in the city's Souk. Despite her work, considered the most difficult and arduous for a woman, "she continued to fulfil her role as a mother and wife, combining her work in the market and raising her children for the love of work and dignity," said the same source, noting that Mrs. El Bjioui was not just a woman who "buys and sells" throughout her work in the city market, but a living symbol of the Moroccan woman who transforms her suffering into strength, her silence into will, and her responsibility into pride. The child of the year award went to Haïtam el Jabali, who has been attending classes for autistic children at the Sabah House of Solidarity, affiliated with the Assilah Forum Foundation, since he was eight years old. By celebrating the success and courage of this child, who, despite his disability, has learned to read, write, draw, and paint, "we honour the different components of the Sabah House of Solidarity: the staff and the children," it was reported. It should be noted that this event was also marked by the presentation of other awards, such as those for the best baccalaureate students of the 2025-2026 academic year. Receive the latest news from Aujourd'hui Le Maroc directly on WhatsApp