Mohammed V solidarity foundation finances projects for the blind

Morocco's King Mohammed VI chaired Tuesday at the royal palace in the southern Atlantic city of Agadir over the signing ceremony of a partnership accord between the Mohammed V solidarity foundation and the Alaouite organization for the protection of the blind.

Under the accord, the Mohammed V foundationÑwhich is chaired by the king-- will build three education and social institutions in Fez, Marrakesh and Taroudant, to the benefit of the Alaouite organization for the protection of the blind.

The foundation will also finance extension works to increase accommodation capacity at the Abbas sebti institution in Marrakesh and to endow it with sporting and social facilities. The foundation will extend these institutions an annual assistance as a contribution to their operating expenses.

Princess Lamia Assolh, chairwoman of the Alaouite organization for the protection of the blind, initialed the partnership accord on the part of the organization.

Member of the administrative board of the foundation and advisor to the king, Ms Zoulikha Nasri told reporters after the signing ceremony that the foundation will inject 20 million DH ($1.73 million) in the construction of the three centers.

She said efforts will be made to promote projects likely to enable blind persons have a steady income thanks to the skills they will acquire in the course of their education and training.