SPRING, 2002
A STUDENTS’ MAGAZINE
Editorial
inside... ear student,
Articles Poems Short stories Letters Crossword puzzles Jokes Etc...
IMPORTANT! Students are invited to contribute to this magazine. Best writings will receive prizes. You can submit Your writings to Your teachers of English or send them to the email address at the back cover of this issue.
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Every day, 5.500 children die from diseases caused by consuming water and food polluted with bacteria, according to a new study released recently by three United Nations agencies at the occasion of the 27th UN special session on children (New York 2002). Every day, another number of innocent children (the figure must be more alarming than the previous one) die in wars and armed conflicts they have neither caused nor chosen to be part of. So, whether we accept it or not, children are the greatest victims of environmental degradation and wars, both of which are stupidly caused by adults. This is happening almost everywhere in the world, but the conditions are unfortunately even worse in the heart of the Arab world: Palestine. In the West Bank and Gaza strip, children do continuously face the biggest challenges to survival, health, education and well-being. Death is always round the corner, simply because the barbaric Israeli crackdown on the “stilloccupied territories” refuses to make any difference between babies, children, and adults. Another fact the Israelis refuse to admit is that their atrocities deprive the Palestinians of their basic human rights, and it is known that the denial of these
Rights is the shortest way to sow the seeds of hatred, violence and conflict within and between societies and nations. So in the name of all our students, who contributed to the contents of this magazine with a large number of poems and essays on Palestine, we do firmly denounce this blind Israeli barbarism, and at the same time we call for a world “fit for children” everywhere on our planet, because “a world fit for children is fit for everyone.” We do also insist on the fact that children should not only be seen, but they should also be heard, especially when they raise their voices to tell us: “we are not the sources of problems, we are the resources that are needed to resolve them; we are not expenses, we are investments; we are not just young people, we are people and citizens of this world. You call us future, but we are the present.”* And because we believe that “actions speak louder than words,” we call on our Arab people in general and our students in particular to be more creative in showing their solidarity with the Palestinian people. Finally, we would like to dedicate this issue to the Palestinian children who face the Zionist fighters, troops and tanks with “sweet anger and a revolution of stones.”** * from the children’s statement at the UN special session on children (2002). **from Abdelatif Jwahri’s poem on Palestine
The Regional Board of MATE
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to explore other planets.
SPACE EXPLORATION Although space exploration is very beneficial to mankind, it is seen as a waste of money. In fact, space exploration is one of the marvellous achievements of mankind. It is beneficial to humanity in three respects. First, it provides jobs, and helps solving the problem of unemployment. Second, it improves services. And third, it answers the desire of humans to learn. Thanks to space exploration, scientists have managed
On the other hand, space exploration can be seen as a waste of money. Its biggest disadvantage people’s problems on Earth. For example, people suffer from poverty, illnesses, unemployment and famine in countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. To sum up, money should be spent on Earth first, and then on space. By Khadija Chafiqi
Loneliness … A week had passed, and she still felt lonely. At that rainy night, she stood near the window, meditating on the rain and looking at the street that was lonely and mournful like her. Poor thing! She had lived lonely after her parents’ death, but when she found the person who would break her loneliness, she felt as if she had been born again. Now at that sad night, she lived alone after her husband’s trip to another country on business. What would she do? The sound of the rain broke the deep silence and savage loneliness. She did not know why that night was particularly frightening, but in that fear, there was more tranquillity than the other nights. The rain ceased to fall. Now, she was standing near the chimney, meditating on the fire and listening to the sound of wood being burnt. A voice of a man was heard breaking the silence. She was confused and frightened. “What if he broke into the house and her husband is not there?” She thought. While she was still wondering what to do, a shadow was hurrying towards the front door. When he opened it, she found out that it was her husband. She ran to him and broke into tears. He calmed her down and smiled to her as usual. She stopped crying and went to bed with a big smile on her face. Samira Chaouki / 3LM/Preformation
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To The Rich
Do you forget or ignore That your wealth is given by God? Do you forget or ignore That your money is offered by God? Why are you proud of your wealth? Why are you proud of your health? Don’t be tempted by earthly life, Take Qaroun as a model.
SPRING 2002 SPRING Beware of the wiles of 2002 Satan, And know that money is his weapon. Money’s passing is quick, As rapidly as a blink.
Therefore, don’t forget the faith, And don’t forget death. Give thanks to God, Be obedient to God.
By Abdelmajid Rouhi / 2LM
National Film Festival : The Consecration of Young Talent The sixth National Film Festival, that took place in Marrakech, re-emphasized what was already suspected for sometime, namely that Moroccan cinema has found a new impetus through the work of its young filmmakers. Marrakech opened its doors wide to a cinema that is slowly awakening. This year’s selection of films; however, was some what unusual, and the talent of certain filmmakers was noteworthy, starting with that of Nabil Ayouch. The young director, thanks to his film “Ali ZAOUA”, shot with street urchins, was the grand winner of this festival, which surprised hardly anyone. He was awarded the main prizes for best screenplay as well as that for best dialogue. On French screens since March 21st, “Ali Zaoua” is without doubt one of the best Moroccan films in many years. Another equally talented young filmmaker is Nour Eddine Lakhmari. He won for his short film “In The Talons Of The Night” whose subject was the feeling of exile and loneliness in the depths of prostitution. It won the critics’ and the director’s prize. Ahmed Boulane’s film “Ali and Rbiaa and the Others” was unhappily only screened for a week; it was nevertheless rewarded for its inherent worth. He won the prize for Best first Film, the Press Prize, the prize for Best Editing, and the Best Supporting Actor for Hassan El Fad.
Faouzi Bensaidi, director of “The Wall” and “The Elliff”, received a special mention from the jury for his two short subjects. “The Wall” was presented and rewarded at Cannes last year. Besides the quality of these works, the quantity was worth noting. This year 15 feature films and 17 shorts have been shown. Only 15 years ago, just three films were produced each year. For the last five years, thanks to government support, particularly from the Moroccan Center for Cinematography, the national film industry has experienced an upturn mirroring Morocco today, according to Mehdi Qotbi, director of this festival. He said, “I think we are at an important moment in our history, and this art is a reflection of how a society lives". These films continue to be seen. Some will compete next September in the International Film Festival that will also take place in Marrakech. Participation, there will be a source of pride. As Andre Azoulay recently correctly commented, “we are seeing a renaissance, an emergence and an increased professionalism in the Moroccan cinema”. This 6th Festival is a proof that these filmmakers can accept the challenge of quality and professionalism and is even on an international level. The date is set for next September. Chosen by: Aouis Ouady / 3LM, OLA
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4MARRAKECH EXPRESS4 Do We Really Lack Intelligence And Hard Work? Dear Friends, I would like you to help me find an answer to this question: How can we achieve development in Science and Technology? Don’t you think that intelligence and hard work are what we need?
Pollution Is Every One’s Problem Today, people all over the world are beginning to hear and learn more and more about the problem of pollution, which is one of the most serious issues facing people everywhere in the world. So, why don’t we think about it seriously? The more we buy, the more we throw away, and the more we throw away waste, the worst our environment becomes. More and more people produce more wastes, but this problem is intensified by our throw away technology, which upsets the environmental and the ecological balance. Pollution is often caused by useful goods or services. For example, cars that cause pollution are used by many people. People cause pollution by throwing garbage anywhere. While more and more new goods are produced and made more complex, there will be new and dangerous wastes to
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SPRING 2002 SPRING 2002 time disI have spent a long cussing this issue with my family, friends and teachers, but I have not yet found a convincing answer. If you have any reply to my question, please let me know. Best Wishes to all. Asmae Zrikem / 1Sc
be disposed of. The most important example is the waste products from nuclear power stations. Many people, therefore, see pollution as part of a complex problem, others see the problem mainly in connection with agriculture, where new methods are helping farmers to grow more cereals and vegetables on their land by using fertilizers. Food comes wrapped up three or four times in packages that all have to be disposed of. Drinks are increasingly sold in bottles or tins which cannot be re-used. This, not only causes garbage problem, but is also a great waste of resources, especially glass, metal, and paper. Advertising has helped this process by persuading many of us not only to buy things we neither want nor need, but also to throw away much of what we buy. There’s no doubt that much of the pollution caused could be controlled if companies, individuals and government were ready to make more efforts. In the homes there is an obvious need to control trash and waste. People cannot remove pollution completely because modern people pollute with everything they do. So, we must be aware of all
these things that threaten our health, our happiness, and our civilization. I think everyone should contribute in the fight against pollution. Everyone should begin with himself. For example, everyone ought to put garbage in boxes and not just throw it anywhere. We must recycle all the throw away garbage collector. All those factories that pollute our environment must pay taxes. At least it would decrease the
pollution of the air and the water. Pollution is a problem everyone can help to solve by cutting down unnecessary buying, too much consumption and careless disposal of the products we use in our daily lives. I know that we cannot overcome pollution completely, but at least we can slow down its speed by working together. Chosen by Najat Karj/ 1Sc, OLA
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ISSUE4 Some Spices for atmosphere
Moroccans, friendly to foreigners, have a reputation for generosity and legendary hospitability. When they receive guests at their table, they serve dishes worthy of their reputation in abundance, superb presentation and sure to excite appetites on sight. The serving plate is always large, decorated and matched in color to the food being served. Its presentation is the result of careful attention, the meats and the vegetables are arranged in an artistic fashion and enhanced by the colours of spices, olives, crystallized lemons, peppers on dried fruits. Spices also play their role by adding warmth to the ambience. You know that if everything is not exciting, they are at least euphoriant and inclined to immediately induce a sense of well being for the guests. This well being is further encouraged by our custom of receiving guests at a round table where they
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can lean back on cushions. The circle is the perfect shape to accommodate a flexible number of guests without causing discomfort. Thus, at our homes, an invited friend can arrive with his own friends without causing problems. You can squeeze around the table where you just have to add two or three more cushions or you just prepare a second round table. I have said that our dishes are large enough to serve twice as many expected guests, and we always serve two or three main courses. This spontaneous welcome and this pleasure in being able to arrive unannounced without disturbing the harmony of the dinner party are undoubtedly the things that most impress visitors to Morocco. Aouis Ouady Zerktouni / 3LM
It gives us light at night, By its lamps which are bright. The wind is blowing, The sky is glowing.
Nature I hear the noise of waters, I smell the perfume of flowers, I see greatest things, And wonderful beings.
This world is splendid, It keeps me company as a friend, It makes me laugh, When I get worried or sad.
I hear an awful thunder, I hear the bubbling water, I see a high sky, It’s a glowing sky.
By Abdelmajid Rouhi / 2LM
Duty Duty embraces man’s whole existence. It begins at home where there is the duty of parents towards their children and vice versa. There are likewise the respective duties of husbands and wives, and of masters and servants. On the other hand, outside home there are duties of men and women as friends and neighbours, as employers and employees, and as governors and governed.
Duty surrounds our whole life, from our birth through our whole existence. Duty is due to superiors, inferiors and equals. There is duty towards men and God. Whenever there is power to use or direct, there is duty for we are but stewards appointed to employ the means given to us for our own and others’ good. Khaoula Choukrallah / 2 LM
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Suffering EL Mahdia is a small and poor village where Leila and her father lived. She was 15 years old. She was the prettiest girl in her village. She had a yellow hair and blue eyes. Her father was 56 years old .They lived in a small house in poverty. Her father had a stroke. He couldn’t move from place to place. They didn’t have money to live like other people. This was why Leila decided to look for work so as to help her family and to buy medicines to her father, but she didn’t find work . Two weeks later, Ali, the richest man in the village, invited all girls and boys in El Mahdia so as to work in his new factory. Leila was very pleased to hear that. She worked with great enthusiasm and eagerness although she faced many problems. She was worried by her father’s health condition. Besides, her work was far from where she lived. Thus, she couldn’t look after the father daily. She spoke to her manager about her conditions. In the factory Leila met a lot of friends. She lived with two girls. Their names were Hafida and Mina. They got on well with each other. To lessen her suffering, Leila exposed her problems to her friends. A month later, Leila received sad news. Her father passed away. Quickly she went back to the village to attend the funeral. As the coffin was buried in the grave, Leila felt lonely, sick and afraid. She could not stop crying.
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The innocents’ blood When will the olive branch begin to grow? Oh! What a pity that I don’t know! When will this rough sea get quiet? It’s a rough sea of that horrid fight, Which is led by that despotic vulture Who depends on the arms of fire.
JOKES
* There were three restaurants on the same block. One day one of them put up a sign which said: “The Best Restaurant in the City.” The next day, the largest restaurant on the block put up a larger sign which said: “The Best Restaurant in the World.” On the third day, the smallest restaurant put up a small sign which said "The Best Restaurant on this Block." * What’s the difference between a bird and a fly? A bird can fly, but a fly cant bird. * Three men stranded in a desert found a lamp. The first man accidentally rubbed the lamp and a genie came out. The genie said they could each have one wish. One man said, "I miss my family, I wish I was home." The genie granted his wish. The next man said, "I miss my family too, I wish I was home." The genie granted his wish. The last guy said, "I miss my friends, I wish they were back." The genie granted his wish.
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Jerusalem is occupied and crashed. The Palestinians are punished. They are homeless. They are weaponless. Oh! What’s a despotism That comes from Zionism! But, never mind! I will protect you, I won’t let you alone, I will struggle with the stone, Until the appearance of dawn, Till the return of the pigeon. By Rouhi / 2LM
Experimenting on Animals Experimenting on animals is both positive and negative. It is largely accepted because it has many practical benefits. It enables scientists to develop cures for many diseases. Also, it is not possible to develop vaccines against many serious illnesses without experimentation. If we don’t experiment on animals, we will inevitably have to use humans. However, I consider that human life is much more important than that of a monkey or a rat. I agree that we have to respect the life of animals because it is the creation of God, but when it comes to research in science, using animals is the only resort. Experimenting on animals is also the right way to dispose of the unwanted animals in the street, which are sometimes dangerous for people. There are enough reasons to believe, though, that this suffering inflicted on animals is unnecessary. Even if scientists claim that experimenting on animals is conducted for the welfare of humanity, research sometimes might benefit no one. Hicham Ahyoud / 3LM
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ISSUE4 “Go Intifada”
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Reflections on Palestine We are all angry about what is happening in Palestine. Should we allow Jerusalem to be in the Zionist hands? I’m sure we will not because Jerusalem is the second holy place for Muslims after Mecca. We all know that the United States supports the Israelis. Otherwise, it would have been easier for us to defeat them. Arabs should understand that we can fight the Israelis, not with arms, but through the media. We should show to the whole world what the butcher Sharon and his dirty soldiers have done and will do if we do not stop them. Moreover, we should be cautious about the Zionist ideology, which is based on false ideas, and claims the right for having complete control over all Palestine. We should stop this by force and not by words. I sometimes hope that another Salah Eddine will return to save that land. We are in need of a man like him to say “Go Intifada”. Mustapha Ait Bouallal / 3LM ad enough” “We have h ses, piles of corp , d o lo b f o sques Seas uments, mo n o m , ls o o homes, sch hed. are demolis enough. We have had d everywhere, widesprea rt, The foes are s in the dese like a cactu ts in white, oin like black p kness in a baby. s u ro sic like a dange e had enough. We hav s, forests lants, flower p t u o b a t a Wh that you cut? dorra Ahmed Ed What about led? that you kil u o Arabs? Where are y ranule of sand t a small g Be sure tha rifice. deserves sac ther's tears p of a mo For each dro child's smile for each r man's praye ld o ch a e r fo sacrifice. you have to i soldiers. d Israel e Don't be gla sun of justic One day the
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that you have co vered for a long time will shine over al l Pa le st in e. The blood that you poured from our bodies will be plants an d flowers. And our mothe rs’ tears will irrigate them And Palestine w ill be a paradise . So don't sleep A rabs. Don't forget we are one body. We are a neckla ce if one diamond is lost the others are du ll. We don't ask fo r charity. This is our righ t. Fight for your ri ghts as Muslim s, as Arabs, We have to figh t for the peace of our hearts, for our dignity. Don't be shy an d afraid; you're stronger if you're united And remember that we have ha d enough.
Samira Chaou
ki/ 3LM1
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ÂŤ A war with no title Âť
The crisis in Palestine is a big and complex one. Many people ignore its history and reality. The crisis started in 1917 when Belfore promised the Israelis that they would build their independent country in Palestine with Jerusalem as its capital. As a result, the Israelis began to immigrate from Britain, the United States of America, Canada, Russia, and from all over the world to the Holy Land. As a matter of fact, various violations of the Palestinians' rights were committed. First, the Israelis expelled the Palestinians from their own lands. Therefore, they became refugees in foreign countries such as Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and many other parts of the world. The Palestinian refugees have always claimed their right to return to their homeland, but the Israeli government refuses that
because if they return, the Palestinian population will outnumber that in Israel. Second, the rights to life, and to live in freedom and safety for the Palestinians have also been violated. They have always lived in fear and horror because of the arbitrary killings and explosions performed by the Israeli military forces. Moreover, the Israelis torture and kill the Palestinians and treat them not as human beings, but as animals or even less, which defies the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and all the international conventions and recommendations. The massacres of Jeanine are big evidence showing that the Israeli policy makers are monsters in human's shape. They rape the Palestinian women. They not only kill the people but also burn them and take their bodies far from the area so that they can hide their crimes. They ignore the
basic rights of the Palestinians and those of humanity as a whole. Also, the Zionist soldiers destroy houses, shops and cut off electricity and water. As a result of that, a lot of children suffer in Jeanine and in all the occupied territories from lack of water, food, milk and medicine. The smell of the corpses that are thrown everywhere threatens their health and lives, which makes people round the world predict a human catastrophe. Besides, the Palestinians do not have the right to go to schools or hospitals because the Israeli soldiers ban people from going to schools and also prevent the ambulances to take the injured to the local hospitals. People wonder why Arab leaders are silent about what is happening in the area. Is the blood of the Palestinian children, women and men so cheap? Finally, I would like to say that America is supporting this war against the Palestinians because it is the source of terrorism. Most Moroccan people are disappointed by its policy and especially by its president who compares martyrdom to terrorism and at the same time declares that he understands Sharon's criminal policy as self-defence. Who then will protect the Palestinians' rights and save their lives??? Lamiae Hozal / 3LM1
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A SHORT PLAY
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MAIDS & MAIDS The Cast of characters: Amina Ahmed (her husband) Alhajja (her neighbour) Aicha (the maid) Bouchta (the maid’s father) Najma (Aicha’s sister)
AMINA: Oh no! I’m fed up with all this labour. Everyday cleaning, washing and sweeping. I wish I had a maid .Why not? I should talk my husband. Yes, I should. Once he comes, I’ll try to convince him. (At 12:20 p.m. Ahmed comes back home carrying his bag. He is very tired) AHMED: Amina ... Amina. Where are you? AMINA: Yes, darling. I’m here. What’s the matter with you? You look tired. How was your day? AHMED: Terrible! I had a lot of work. Have you prepared something for lunch? AMINA: Of course. Just two minutes and everything is going to be ready. (Amina takes her husband’s bag to put it on the desk while going towards the Kitchen. At that time Ahmed is lying on the sofa.) AMINA: Ah! Your best meal is ready and it’s waiting for you. AHMED: Oh my God! All this amount of food for me! AMINA: Yes for you…. Just for you. AHMED: Thanks God. I’m lucky to have such a good wife. (While Ahmed is eating, Amina is looking forward to an opportunity to tell him her idea. Suddenly, Ahmed glances at her eyes and says) AHMED: Amina, do you want to say something? AMINA: No. I …I… I just want to tell you that I’m about to have a baby. So I need a maid to help me.AHMED: But where can I find a maid for you? AMINA: Don’t worry. I can ask Hajja Khadija, she has a maid in her house. Hajja can help me. She is so kind.AHMED: OK. Do as you wish.
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(Ahmed stands up to wash hisSPRING hands.2002 Amina goes to clean the table singing. At 13: 40 Ahmed is ready to go out.) AHMED: Amina, it’s time to leave. Where is my bag? AMINA: Here is your bag. Have a nice time! AHMED: Bye bye. AMINA: Bye (happily) (When Ahmed leaves for work, Amina goes to her neighbour Hajja Khadija) Bang. Bang. Bang HAJJA: Who’s there? AMINA: I’m your neighbour, Amina. HAJJA: I’m coming. (When Hajja opens the door, Amina receives her with a hug) AMINA: Good afternoon Hajja. HAJJA: Good afternoon madam Amina. AMINA: How are you doing? HAJJA: Fine. Please come in. (Hajja closes the door and goes to the sitting-room with her guest Amina) HAJJA: Welcome. Have a seat! AMINA: Thank you. I wonder why you opened the door. You’ve got a maid. Where is she by the way? HAJJA: Oh! Aicha! She is reading a book that I gave her last night. AMINA: How come? I can’t believe it! The maid reads and the employer opens the door!! ALHAJJA: Aicha is like my daughter, and what’s more she is a human being. She has the right to read and write as all children. Let’s forget about that!What would you like to drink? Tea? Coffee? Or something else? AMINA: No. Don’t bother. I just want to inform you that my husband Ahmed has agreed on having a maid at home. HAJJA: What good news! Well done! AMINA: Thank you, but I need your help. HAJJA: Yes with pleasure! But what can I do for you? AMINA: I’d like you to find me a maid. (Hajja needed some time to think about that, but Amina thought that Hajja had turned down her request) AMINA: Won’t you help me? HAJJA: No, I was thinking of you. You know, you’re lucky! AMINA: You’ll help me then, I knew that you would not make me upset.
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11MARRAKECH HAJJA: Today is EXPRESS11 the last day of the month andISSUE4 BOUSHTA is coming to get his daughter’s pay. AMINA: Who’s Boushta? HAJJA: Aicha’s father …He has another daughter. She’s called Najma…I’ll ask him to bring her to you. (After a few minutes, there is a knock at the door) HAJJA: I think Bouchta is knocking at the door. Aicha… Aicha. AICHA: Yes madam Hajja. ALHAJJA: Can you open the door? It may be your father Bouchta. (Aicha goes to open the door joyfully. It is her father. They hug each other) BOUSHTA: Sweet little girl. I missed you so much! AICHA: me too father. BOUSHTA: How are you doing with this nice family? AICHA: I’m so happy…. Come in first (Once he sees Hajja, he kisses her hand.) BOUSHTA: Good afternoon madam hajja. Good afternoon madam, (He says to Amina, then he asks Hajja:) BOUSHTA: How are you with Aicha? HAJJA: She is quite good…. How are you and your family? BOUSHTA: They’re very happy, thanks to you. HAJJA: Sit down Boushta…Aicha, come near your father! AICHA: Thanks madam, (She says happily) HAJJA: I’d like to tell you something important about your daughter. (Boushta quickly interrupts Alhajja) BOUSHTA: What did she do? HAJJA: Please let me finish … It’s your daughter Najma…My neighbour Amina is pregnant, and she needs Najma to help her. (Amina says quickly:) AMINA: I hope you won’t refuse… I will give all the money you want …I’d like to inform you that I live in front of Alhajja’s house. Najma can see her sister whenever she wants. AICHA: Yes, father. She lives there in front of us; I’ll be taking care of Najma. HAJJA: What do you think? BOUSHTA: Well madam, I don’t know what to say but I’ll discuss it with her mother. AMINA: Please, Boushta. I need her as soon as possible. BOUSHTA: OK. Tomorrow morning I’ll come with her if her mother accepts. AMINA: That’s wonderful! BOUSHTA: Now, I should leave to get home early. ALHAJJA: Yes, but wait a moment. (She goes to her room to bring him money)
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SPRING 2002 This is your money. BOUSHTA: Thank you madam Hajja. (He kisses her hand) HAJJA: Aicha, accompany your father to the door! AICHA: Yes madam. (Aicha speaks to her father) Say hello to my mother and tell her that I miss her. BOUSHTA: Aicha, take care of yourself… tomorrow I’ll come with your sister Najma if it’s possible. Bye darling. (He kisses her warmly) AMINA: I don’t know how to thank you for your help. Amina says to Hajja. HAJJA: No, you don’t have to …we’re neighbours.AMINA: I’m going to leave, my husband is about to come back home. Bye. HAJJA: When Boushta arrives tomorrow, I’ll come to you…. Take care! (The next day Boushta arrives with his daughter Najma…) Bang. Bang. Bang (Aicha opens the door) AICHA: Najma …father. I missed you … How are you, Najma? NAJMA: I’m fine. (She says softly) BOUSHTA: Aicha, can you call Hajja? AICHA: Sure…Madam Hajja …My father is here.he wants to see you HAJJA: I’m coming. BOUSHTA: Good morning, madam. HAJJA: Good morning, Boushta …Is this Najma? BOUSHTA: Yes, madam…(he turns to Najma). Say hello to Hajja (Najma kisses Hajja’s hand) HAJJA: come in! BOUSHTA: No, madam. I don’t have much time. I want to go back home early. Can I see madam Amina? (Aicha goes to knock at Amina’s house) Bang. Bang. Bang. AICHA: Madam Amina…. Madam Amina … My father with my sister Najma wants to see you (Amina opens the door quickly) AMINA: Where’s she?
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BOUSHTA: Good morning madam Amina. This is Najma. Najma, this is madam Amina. From now on you’re going to obey her orders NAJMA: Yes father. I’m going to do all that she wants. BOUSHTA: Please, madam, I’d like you to take care of her as much as you can. AMINA : Be sure I’m going to be nice with her. (Amina gives Boushta some money) Here’s some money for you, and the rest till the end of the month. BOUSHTA: Thank you, madam. AMINA: No, It’s me who should thank you. (Boushta is about to weep. His eyes are filled with tears. He hugs his daughters standing beside him) BOUSHTA: Aicha, take care of your sister…She’s still young …Bye. Bye. (On the way back home, Boushta is talking to himself… alone) BOUCHTA: Oh my God, how cruel this life is .We dare to sell our children to stay alive…We force them to work as slaves. We’ve got to sacrifice our life for them ...But where can I get money for them …where…? ? ? (He shouted) (A week later) AMINA: Najma…Najma…(Shouting) Are you deaf? Where have you been? I’ve been calling you for so long. NAJMA: Yes, madam… (Fearfully) AMINA: I’ll be back in an hour …You must do everything as it should be …Otherwise, you’ll be severely punished. NAJMA: Yes, madam. AMINA: So, What are you waiting for? GO… (Najma starts to clean, wash, prepare food. Her tears are falling down. Amina comes back home quickly. At that time Najma is still washing some cups) AMINA: MY GOD! …. You haven’t finished yet even if I warned you! ! ! (Najma released the cup she was washing…. It broke….Frightened, Najma starts to weep…) AMINA: My cup …My cup. You haven’t finished and you have broken a cup…This is going to be the last day in your life. NAJMA: No. No. I beg you madam … Please forgive me. I didn’t mean it…. (Amina takes a rope and starts to beat Najma fiercely... Najma cann’t bear …She screams loudly till Alhajja hears her voice …) NAJMA:PLEA…SE PLEA…SE… Bang… Bang...Bang… HAJJA: Amina. Amina. Amina …Open the door! …Open!
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AMINA: No. Let me finish with this insect first. NAJMA: Madam Alhajja…rescue me, please. She’ll kill me. AICHA: Najma … Najma (She turns to Hajja and beggs her) Please do something …My sister will be killed…. HAJJA: Amina. I’m warning you! …If you don’t stop it now, I’ll open the door by force. I’ll call the police. (With a harsh rope in her hand, Amina opens the door) Why are you beating Najma? AMINA: Mind your business … She’s my maid, you hear? ALHAJJA: Yes, you’re right. I should mind my business now, but I should remind you that you had come to me and begged me to find you a maid. You still remember…I think… I really wish that your daughter were in Najma’s place. Then you would know how cruel you are …Where’s your mercy, your tenderness …and where are your feelings …You’re a real monster… (In a rush, Najma gets behind her sister to hide) NAJMA: I want to go back home….Where are my parents? (She says sobbing) AICHA: Stop crying! You’ re safe now… HAJJA: You didn’t tell me anything Amina…I’m still waiting…I know you can never say a word…..But let me tell you. Those are our chldren…. Our souls …our spirits …our future If she is a maid today, may be your son’s wife tomorrow. She can be more than that. She might be a mother as well. So let’s think of them. Teach them; help them reach the top… For how long shall we kill our humanism …oh, tell me how long…
(The song to be sung by the actors…)
We shall overcome our problems We shall overcome them… Some day All deep in my heart I do believe We shall overcome our problems Some day We’ll work hand in hand We’ll work hand in hand Some day… We’re not afraid…. We’re not afraid…today…. We shall overcome our problems Some day…. Rashid Orjdali LM / Preformation
Published under the auspices of MATE local branch of Marrakech
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"I want to kill Sharon...“
SPRING 2002 SPRING 2002
This is a translation of an article I read in a Moroccan newspaper called "Assabah". " I want to kill Sharon... This is my ambition", said Joel Dassan, the Greek American film and play director yesterday, in an interview with Kathimirini, a Greek newspaper. Joel Dassan, who is of a Jewish origin added, "The core of the problem in the world is the spreading violence and death around the world". "Look at what is happening with the Palestinians", he said, "it's a horrible situation". "I want to kill Sharon; this is my ambition", Joel resumed..."I said to my daughter that I'm old and what will happen if I kill Sharon‌? I will go to prison where I will continue my readings till the end of my life". He concluded, "I don't know what will happen now. Sharon is a sort of military machine". By Lamia Hozal /3LM1
Your Environment is your Health Why don't we respect our environment? Because of illiteracy ?! May be. But I see students throwing rubbish in their classrooms !! I see them tearing flowers or leaves of trees from parks !! Because of our ill growing up at home?! May be. But, we know that industrials harm the natural environment pouring and throwing chemical products into the air, rivers and seas... Because of the awareness?! Maybe. And what about the massive amount of gas emitted from cars driven by illiterate and educated people alike...? Furthermore, toxic products leak into the air from chemical factories, forest fires caused by arson, filthy beaches... All of these are caused by HUMANS. People are taking actions that seriously damage their health. Rubbish dumping within natural areas, is not only unsightly, but also damages the vegetation, spreads harmful insects, and so damages the health. As people burn more fossil fuels (such as coal, oil and gas) to get energy, they add more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. If this goes
on long enough, the average temperature of the atmosphere will almost certainly rise. The ozone layer is being depleted by certain chemicals (such as chlorofluocarbons (CFCs), halons, carbon tetrachloride...). This results in increased UV radiation reaching the earth's surface, which in turn can lead to the related health effects of skin cancer, cataracts and immune supression. YOUR ENVIRONMENT IS YOUR HEALTH, SAVE IT !!!
Published under the auspices of MATE local branch of Marrakech
By Latifa Douali
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ISSUE4 The Story of a Stranger
In the middle of the forest, there was a small house where two clever sisters lived. Their names were Maria and Hind. Maria was 15 and Hind was 18. They lived with their grandmother Fatima. One day during last summer holiday, Maria and her sister left their house to enjoy themselves on a hill. There they felt very happy as they spent great time. As they came back, they found a young man near the house. He was about 25. Maria couldn’t bear looking at him. He was very ill. He was dying. They helped him and gave him some water. Then they took him to the house, for Fatima, the grandmother, was helpful, kind and human. The girls looked at the man. He was absent-minded for a while. Then he started weeping, but they didn’t know why. Although the man wept, Maria and Hind stayed near him and asked the man a lot of questions about his name, his job his problems and what had happened to him. After 15 minutes of total silence, the man spoke and said: “My name is Ali Fadili. I am 23 years old. I work in Najah’s firm. This is my favorite place for me, I work there with enthusiasm and faithfulness, and my boss was very happy with my honest work, 12 hours a day. In spite of my difficult job, I liked it. Until 27th of March in the morning, I left my house at six p.m. to work. At the beginning of my street near the house, I was surprised by seven dangerous thieves who wanted to steal my keys, to steal the firm money. In this case I was afraid but I decided to escape, but they hit me. I could not give them the key, they beat and tortured me. Since then I didn’t know anything until this good and nice moment when I found this kind family and met Maria and Hind whom I consider like two sisters of mine and Fatima who is like my mother”. After all that, they knew each other better, then Hind asked Ali : “What are you going to do now?.” Ali said, “Firstly I intend to go to my city, and I will go to the police and tell them about what happened to me. Then I will give them the information about the thieves, and the policemen will do their best to find them. Secondly I will go to my boss and tell him about every thing.” Two days later, the man left the forest and went to his city and did all those things, and the policemen found the thieves, in the end Ali spoke with his mother about Hind and her family, especially his marriage to Hind. Later, his mother agreed. Then they went with her son to Hind’s family to talk to them and got to know each other. Finally, Ali was married to Hind and they lived a happy life in Ali’s city. Aouatif Boucetta / 3LM page
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SPRING 2002 SPRING 2002 RIDDLES
Have you heard the saying what goes up must come down? Well what goes up and never goes down? While walking across a bridge I saw a boat full of people. Yet on the boat there wasn't a single person. Why? What runs around a house but doesn't move? Where do you find roads without vehicles, forests without trees, and cities without houses? What am I? I am the only thing that always tells the truth. I show off everything that I see. I come in all shapes and sizes. So tell me what I must be! A man walks up to you and says - "everything I say to you is a lie." Is he telling you the truth or is he lying? What word in the English language is always spelled incorrectly?
Palestine You are a red rose In the blackest heart Of cruel people whose Interest to tear you apart. Abdellilah Koughadim
Published under the auspices of MATE local branch of Marrakech
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CROSSWORD P UZZLE 1
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ACROSS :
1. After thirteen. 2. An end without end. He finished his work and went …... 3. 8/10 is good, but 9/10 is…….. 4. Christmas is ……December 5. United States. When the teacher walks into the classroom, the pupils……up 6. Yesterday, I …..two eggs. 7. Last week, I …….the mile in five minutes. We have two daughters and one….... 8. Two letters from the word “year”. You are …….young to understand.
1. Month 2. Number There are many in the sky at night 3. I want…go to bed. Beginning of “end” 4. Small, grey animal 5. Number 6. You need it to hear. He is ……old that he can’t walk. 7. Two letters in the word “eye”. She came…….. the house. 8. Opposite of beginning.
Suggested by: Afaf El Marzouki/ 2LM Published under the auspices of MATE local branch of Marrakech
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مراكش- الفرع المحلي
THE MOROCCAN ASSOCIATION OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH (MATE) MARRAKECH LOCAL BRANCH
Editing Board: A. Saadouni, M. Blibil, H. Lehnoud, N. Belkachla, S. Belassal, M. Maanaoui, A. Rasmy, M. Hassim.
Printed by: L’Imprimerie Al Watanya, Marrakech, Tel.: (044) 30 37 74 LG
Computer Work & Design: Mohammed HASSIM Abdelkrim RASMY
Depôt Légal : 85/2000
Published under the auspices of MATE local branch of Marrakech
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