On 6 November 1975, around 350,000 Moroccans walked south in the Green March. It’s one of the stories we come back to with the children at AMALY KidsClub.
We’ve pulled together eight simple lessons from that day. Each one links to values we already work on at the club, often through the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This isn’t just history. It’s a way to help children think about who they are, who they belong to, and how their actions can make things better.
Who we are is something we share
“Think about our shared identity and values, not only our individual ones.”
The Green March showed that people are stronger when they stand together around the same values. Our children learn that identity isn’t only about “me”. It’s also about “us”, and that’s how peaceful communities grow.
Linked goal: SDG 16, Peace, justice and strong institutions
Teamwork makes real strength
“When people act together, unity becomes strength.”
Hundreds of thousands of people walked peacefully, and it was their unity that made the difference. We encourage the kids to solve problems together, whether it’s clearing up the garden or getting a class project ready.
Linked goal: SDG 17, Partnerships for the goals
Strength doesn’t have to be loud
“Real strength lies in peaceful action.”
The march was non-violent. That’s a message children understand quickly: being calm, kind and willing to talk is a sign of character, not weakness.
Linked goal: SDG 16, Peace, justice and strong institutions
Belonging builds confidence
“Belonging and identity support social stability and pride.”
The return of the southern provinces was political, but it was personal too. It reminded people of their place, their culture and their pride. Children who feel they belong are more confident, more caring and more willing to help.
Linked goal: SDG 11, Sustainable cities and communities
Stories keep values alive
“Remembering keeps values and identity alive.”
Morocco remembers the Green March every year with flags, of course, but also with stories, school lessons and family conversations. We do the same at the club. We look back so the kids have something to steer by.
Linked goal: SDG 4, Quality education
Big goals take time
“Lasting goals need steady effort.”
The march was planned carefully, with strong leadership and the backing of ordinary citizens. Our kids learn that change rarely happens overnight, but that patience and teamwork can get you a long way.
Linked goal: SDG 17, Partnerships for the goals
People and institutions moving together
“Strong institutions plus engaged citizens make a resilient nation.”
The march brought the Moroccan people and their leaders together. It’s a good reminder to teach children that trust, cooperation and shared responsibility are what hold a society up.
Linked goals: SDG 16 and SDG 17
Respecting the land means respecting life
“Respect for the land is respect for life.”
At its heart, the march was about the land. At AMALY KidsClub we talk a lot about nature and looking after the environment, because the land is part of who we are and where we’re going.
Linked goal: SDG 15, Life on land
What you can do at home
- Tell your child the story of the Green March and what it means to your family.
- Make a “who we are” collage together. What makes us who we are? What do we love about Morocco?
- Talk about peaceful strength. How can we sort out a problem without shouting, pushing or fighting?
- Connect identity and nature. Go for a walk, plant something or pick up litter, and talk about our duty to the land.
- Mark Unity Day in your own way, with a family picnic, a song or a story at bedtime.
From our family to yours
We believe children grow best when they know where they come from and see themselves as part of something bigger.
The Green March is a chapter of history, but it’s also a story about unity, peace and identity that helps us pass on resilience, empathy and thoughtful action.
Now that 31 October is celebrated as Unity Day, families have a good reason to talk at home about Morocco’s heritage, about belonging, and about what it means to work together for a better future.
From 1975 to 2030 and beyond, let’s keep walking this road together.