HADAF Association of Parents and Friends of People with Intellectual Disabilities

Established in 1997 in Rabat by parents seeking sustainable prospects for their children growing into adulthood, and granted public-utility status in 2002, the Association of Parents and Friends of People with Intellectual Disabilities (HADAF) addresses the critical gap in specialized support for adolescents and young adults aged seventeen and older. Governed by a volunteer board composed predominantly of parents of youth with intellectual disabilities, the organization upholds a rights-based philosophy centered on human dignity, full citizenship, and the recognition of each individual's capabilities.

Operating from its Socio-professional Centre in the Hay Ennahda district of Rabat, the association provides a structured environment that integrates specialized life-skills education, social development, and hands-on vocational apprenticeship. Moving away from passive care models, HADAF designs tailored developmental pathways that nurture self-determination, prepare young adults for meaningful employment, and actively support family caregivers throughout their journey.

Daytime reception and specialized educational guidance at the Socio-professional Centre for youth and adults aged 17 and above.
Pre-vocational training and practical apprenticeship workshops covering culinary arts, pastry-making, table service, carpentry, sewing and home textiles, organic gardening, jewelry crafting, and handicrafts.
Expressive, recreational, and social enrichment activities including decorative and fine arts painting, drama, adapted sports, and functional literacy maintenance.
Real-world workplace immersion through the HADAF solidarity training restaurant, catering service, and the Dar Diaf guest house.
Family listening, guidance, and psycho-educational accompaniment for parents and relatives.
Public awareness and corporate outreach to foster inclusive employment and uphold the rights of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

The HADAF Socio-professional Centre admits adolescents and young adults with intellectual disabilities aged seventeen and older living in Rabat and neighboring municipalities. Families seeking enrollment or information regarding workshop programs are invited to contact the centre's secretariat by telephone or email to schedule an initial assessment and orientation meeting with the educational and social team. Services provided by the solidarity restaurant, catering unit, and Dar Diaf guest house are open to the public and corporate clients by reservation or quote request.

Chaired by Amina Mseffer, the association is governed by a volunteer board of directors made up of 80% parents of young people with intellectual disabilities. The Socio-professional Centre is staffed by a multidisciplinary team of special educators, vocational workshop instructors (culinary arts, carpentry, sewing, arts, horticulture), psychosocial support workers, and adapted physical education trainers.

A recognized public-utility association collaborating with institutional and philanthropic partners including Entraide Nationale, the Social Development Agency (ADS), the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Rabat-Salé-Kénitra Regional Council, OCP Foundation, CDG Foundation, Banque Populaire Foundation, and Fondation Amane, as well as international counterparts such as AMAPEI Monaco.