Azul! ⴰⵣⵓⵍ! Hello everyone!
My name is Driss, I’m 24 years old, and I come from Morocco. My story begins in a small village called Dayet Aoua, near Ifrane, in the heart of the Middle Atlas Mountains. It is a beautiful area surrounded by forests, lakes and mountains, where winters can be very cold and snow is not unusual. Growing up so close to nature helped me develop a strong connection with the environment.
Ifrane is often called the Switzerland of Morocco because of its landscapes, architecture and snowy winters. Growing up in this region allowed me to experience a different side of Morocco, far from the busy cities. It is a place I am proud to call home, and one that I always carry with me wherever I go.
My background, I am an electrical engineer, with a particular interest in renewable energy and technology. My academic journey started with a passion for understanding how things work, especially electrical systems and technologies that can make our lives better.
I continued my studies at Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdellah University in Fez, where I completed a Master’s degree in Automatic Control and Renewable Energy, graduating as the top student in my programme. I am now pursuing a PhD focusing on renewable energy systems and DC microgrids.
When I discovered Good Energies Alliance Ireland (GEAI) and learned about its work in rural Leitrim, it felt like a natural next chapter for me.
I was particularly attracted by the organisation’s approach to bringing climate action into everyday community life through education, local projects and people working together. I believe that the energy transition is not only about technology and renewable-energy systems; it is also about cooperation, awareness and giving communities the knowledge and tools to build a more sustainable future.
Over the coming year, I am looking forward to helping with the Sustainable Living School, supporting school workshops during Climate Action Week, and contributing to research on how local communities can become more resilient to climate change. I see this as a great opportunity to bring my scientific background into a community setting while learning from the people and experiences around me.
I also feel a special connection to the Irish language. Morocco is a multilingual country where Arabic, Amazigh, French and English are spoken in different communities.
I am particularly proud of my Amazigh identity. The Amazigh people are Indigenous to North Africa and have a rich history, culture and linguistic heritage. One of the most beautiful parts of this heritage is Tifinagh, the traditional writing system used for the Amazigh language.
For example, Azul, which means hello, is written in Tifinagh as: ⴰⵣⵓⵍ
Travelling from Morocco to Ireland was an exciting step into something completely new. I travelled from Rabat, the capital of Morocco, to Dublin. As the plane began to descend, I was amazed by how green everything looked. Ireland truly deserves its name, the Emerald Isle!
During the journey towards Leitrim, I couldn’t stop looking out of the window at the green fields, stone walls, lakes and beautiful countryside. The landscapes were quite different from those I grew up with in the Middle Atlas, but in some ways, they reminded me of home.
Arriving in a new country brings a mixture of excitement, curiosity and a little uncertainty. I was looking forward to discovering a different culture, meeting new people and getting to know the place that would become my home for the coming months.
During my time with GEAI, I hope to contribute to projects related to climate action, renewable energy, sustainable food systems and community resilience.
Of course, this experience is not only about work and research! I also want to explore Ireland, discover its traditions, enjoy its landscapes, try new food, listen to traditional music and, of course, improve my English and learn some Irish.
I am really happy to be part of the GEAI community and excited about the year ahead. If you see me around Ballinaglera or Drumshanbo, please come and say hello! I would love to share a little of Moroccan and Amazigh culture with you, and I would be equally happy to learn more about yours.
Bslama, ar tufat! and I look forward to meeting you all!
