I loved this program because the volunteer work was so fulfilling! The host family was amazing and Morocco was such a beautiful country to explore.
![Ramadan Volunteering Program in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/projects/morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-ramadan.jpg?auto=format,compress)
Ramadan Volunteering Program in Morocco
Purpose
Start dates
Duration
Volunteer hours
Age
Accommodation
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
This program is ideal for:
Project details
Interested in Muslim culture and want to be a Ramadan volunteer in Morocco? International Volunteer HQ’s Ramadan project is an exciting opportunity to experience the ninth month of the Islamic calendar when Muslims refrain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset. Volunteers can help with a wide range of activities during Ramadan, including distributing food to disadvantaged people when they break their fast in the evening. Both volunteers and locals benefit from increased intercultural knowledge and understanding.
What to expect and how you'll make an impact
Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan as a month of fasting. In Morocco, around 98 per cent of the population are practising Muslims, so it is a religious tradition that the large majority of Moroccan society takes part in. The Ramadan project provides a unique opportunity for volunteers to experience Ramadan in a Muslim culture, while helping socially disadvantaged families and brightening the daily lives of the children in those neighbourhoods.
As a Ramadan volunteer you’ll help to support Muslim communities by collecting and distributing food to people who can’t afford to feed themselves when they break their Ramadan fasting with the evening meal of Iftar. This takes places in community centers that cater for disadvantaged and low-income communities.
You don’t need to be a practising Muslim to volunteer, but you are required to observe Ramadan customs while in Morocco.
The Ramadan project is only available during the four weeks of Ramadan, which changes every year, but falls between 28th February and 29th March 2025. Volunteers are able to take part in another project during the day and this can be arranged with the local team when you arrive.
Why do Ramadan volunteering in Morocco with IVHQ?
When you volunteer during Ramadan in Morocco you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving cross-cultural understanding about Islamic practices
- Learning about Ramadan and Islamic culture
- Developing your communication skills
- Practicing your French or Arabic
- Immersing yourself in Moroccan culture
- Discovering Morocco’s rich history
Volunteer requirements
- Volunteers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian to participate in this program and may be asked to provide additional documentation to the local team
- All volunteers aged 13+ are required to provide a criminal background check to IVHQ prior to departure. Those aged 13-17, if unable to obtain a criminal background check, can provide two character reference letters instead
- All volunteers are required to have adequate volunteer travel insurance
- All volunteers must speak fluent English.
Are you eligible to volunteer?
Submit a free application so we can confirm your eligibility and check availability for your preferred dates.
Not sure which program to join?
Get personalized recommendations >
!['Who is going' users image](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/avatars/who-is-going-blurred-users.png?w=112&h=40)
Who is going?
Group video calls
Once you have secured your place, join regular video calls to meet your Program Manager and other volunteers before your trip.
Morocco photo gallery
![Childcare volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/childcare-volunteer-in-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Women's Empowerment volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-womens-education.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Sports Development volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-sports-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Teaching English volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/teaching-english-volunteer-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Childcare volunteer in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-childcare-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Teaching French volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/teaching-english-ivhq-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Women's Empowerment volunteer in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/womens-education-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Childcare volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-childcare-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Sports Development volunteer in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-sports-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Teaching English volunteer in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/teaching-french-ivhq-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer Orientation in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-orientation-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer Orientation in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-orientation-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers explore Morocco during an IVHQ weekend](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/exploring-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers explore Rabat, Morocco during an IVHQ weekend](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/exploring-rabat-ivhq-weekend.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers sample food stalls in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/food-stalls-in-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers enjoy sunset in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteers-enjoy-sunset-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers enjoy the streets of Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteers-explore-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers enjoy Hena tattoos Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteers-in-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers explore markets in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/morocco-markets-with-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
What recent volunteers said about their IVHQ experience
I have never been happier in my life than I have after completing my program in Morocco. I feel so fulfilled and honoured to have been apart of their world and culture for my time there. I 10/10 recommend it, it was an amazing experience!
You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. An open mind and a little goodwill can go a long way. I felt like it filled a cup that I felt needed to be filled at this point in my life and I enjoyed knowing that I can make a small impact in people's lives!
The Ramadan project was an unbelievable experience. It gave me a chance to learn a lot about a culture I thought I knew about but now, realise how much more I learned having spent time in Morocco. Although being there during Ramadan was not easy, I recommend it to anyone. I feel like I did not only volunteer, but that in a way I became Moroccan for two weeks. Volunteering was incredible. The children were so happy to have us there to teach them English and were very excited to learn a new language. I could not have asked for a better experience.
I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for this wonderful opportunity you gave me. Thank you for giving me the chance to visit Morocco and experience Ramadan with yourselves and the people of Morocco. I hope to do something like this again in shaa Allah and make a difference in peoples lives. Once again thank you for everything you did for me.
It was a beautiful Moroccan experience. I recommend Morocco to any one who wants to see a new culture and meet beautiful hospitable people. A lovely experience and a very diverse country, every city is a different and interesting story.
To read all reviews, visit our reviews page.
Academic course credit
![Academic course credit through International Volunteer HQ and Intern Abroad HQ.](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/academic-credit/academic-college-credit-header.jpg?w=600&h=250&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Academic course credit
Gain course credit from your college or university and meet your academic requirements when completing a volunteer abroad program with International Volunteer HQ!
Learn about course creditLocation
![Volunteer Abroad in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/hero/volunteer-in-morocco-with-world-leaders-ivhq.jpg?w=800&h=500&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Location
Rabat is a bustling, beautiful place and the capital city of Morocco. With a vibrant mixture of African, Berber and European cultures, it is a fascinating place to visit. It’s the home of Morocco’s king and his court, a huge number of mosques and monuments, an old Medina listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wide range of other interesting things to see and do.
While Morocco has made progress towards improving quality of life for its citizens, there is still a huge socioeconomic gap between those with wealth and those without, and a big difference in access to basic necessities in rural and urban areas. Employment can be especially difficult to come by. Volunteers can help address the challenges of inequality and poverty by assisting with a range of projects that aim to continue to develop society and equality in Morocco. Volunteer projects are located in Rabat, Casablanca, Sale, Kenitra, Temara and Mehdia.
Arrival and orientation
The program orientation begins the first and third Monday of each month, and volunteers need to arrive in Rabat on the Sunday before orientation. After you have registered for the program, please book your flights to arrive at Rabat International Airport (RBA). Your airport pick-up is included in your Program Fee.
When you arrive, you will be greeted at the airport by a member of the local team and transported to the volunteer accommodation in Rabat, Casablanca or Sale (location will depend on proximity to your specific placement). Your accommodation is covered by your Program Fee and includes the night before your program orientation.
If you are travelling in Morocco prior to your volunteer program, we can arrange for you to be picked up at the Rabat Ville Train Station on the day before your program orientation.
Orientation is hosted by our Moroccan team at the volunteer base in Rabat. Orientation begins on the morning of your chosen start date. Orientation covers everything you need to know for your volunteer program in Morocco – an introduction to Morocco, Moroccan customs, rules and expectations, language lessons, safety, travel opportunities in Morocco, and an introduction to your project and placement. The orientation will also give you a chance to meet other volunteers and swap contact details for weekend travel and socialising.
Volunteer schedule example
First Day
On your first day of volunteering, you will be escorted to your placement by a local coordinator and introduced to the placement staff you will be working with.
Weekdays
Work and break times are dependent on each project and placement. Volunteers taking Arabic or French language lessons spend half the day volunteering and the other half of the day taking language lessons. A typical volunteer day would be as follows
8:00 AM | Breakfast at your homestay. |
9:00 - 10:00 AM | Volunteers leave home and travel to their placements to begin work. |
2:00 - 5:00 PM | Work at the placement usually ends. Volunteers are free to travel home, prepare for the next day or do some shopping and sightseeing. |
8:00 PM | Dinner at the homestay. |
Weekends
During the weekends, volunteers have spare time and usually relax or take the opportunity to explore other parts of Rabat and Morocco. In Rabat, you can visit the ancient city ruins of Chellah, learn to surf, treat your senses to the charms of the market stalls in the old Medina, see any of the city’s large number of sacred and religious sites, mosques and monuments, take a traditional steam bath, wander the pretty blue and white streets of the Kasbah des Oudaias, or take in a beautiful garden or art gallery.
Long weekends can be taken to travel further afield to destinations, such as Marrakech, Merzouga, Tinghir, Fes, Meknes, Volubilis, Tangier, and Gibraltar, Andalusia and Portugal in southern Europe.
Accommodation and WiFi
Volunteers are accommodated in a homestay with a local family. It is exciting to stay with a family, as this is an opportunity to learn the Moroccan way of life, meet local people, eat local food, speak the local language (Darija: the Moroccan Arabic dialect) and engage in local customs and traditions. These families receive money from your program fee for support, food and board.
Living is basic, yet still comfortable, and most homestays have electricity and running water. You can expect to share a room with other volunteers, however in some homestays volunteers have their own rooms. It is important to note that Moroccan homes have a shared living environment in which Sdaders - Moroccan couches - are used for sitting and dining during the day and as beds at night.
Bedding is provided, but it is recommended you bring your own towel and toiletries, as well as a sleeping bag if you wish to travel on the weekends.
WiFi is available in the majority of the homestays in Morocco. To keep connected, you can also purchase a local SIM card with data for an unlocked mobile phone.
Meals
Volunteers in Morocco are served breakfast, lunch and dinner each day.
Influenced by African, Arab, Moorish and Berber cuisines, Moroccan cooking blends Mediterranean fruits and vegetables with spices. A Moroccan meal often begins with a series of hot and cold salads, followed by a Moroccan stew called tagine, and bread. Lamb and chicken dishes are common, as is couscous topped with meat and vegetables.
The consumption of pork and alcohol are prohibited, as per Muslim dietary restrictions. Drinking mint tea is a daily tradition and bread is eaten with nearly every meal.
Bottled water is readily available in Morocco and volunteers should budget approximately US$5 (approximately £4) per week for 2 liters a day. If you have any special dietary requirements, please include these in your application.
![Outside a typical IVHQ volunteer homestay in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/exterior-ivhq-homestay-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer living room in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-living-room-ivhq-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Living room at volunteer house in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-accomodation-living-room-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer house bedroom environment in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-accomodation-bedroom-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer kitchen in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-kitchen-ivhq-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer bedroom in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-bedroom-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer bedroom in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteer-bedroom-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![View from volunteer homestay in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/view-from-volunteer-homestay.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteers dining in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteers-dining-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer breakfast in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteer-breakfast-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Volunteer breakfast in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteer-breakfast-morocoo.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Volunteer lunch in Morocco with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/lunch-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Volunteer lunch in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/lunch-in-morocco-with-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Typical IVHQ Volunteer lunch in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteer-lunch-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer lunch at Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-meal-lunch-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Dinner for volunteers at the IVHQ Morocco program](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-meal-dinner-1.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ volunteer dinner at Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-abroad-in-morocco-ivhq-meal-dinner-2.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![Typical IVHQ Volunteer dinner in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/ivhq-volunteer-dinner-morocco.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
![IVHQ Volunteer dinner in Morocco](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/gallery/volunteer-in-morocco/volunteer-dinner-morocco-ivhq.jpg?w=540&h=360&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress&q=85)
Pricing
Spots are limited. For a Registration Fee of just US$329 (approximately £263) you secure your spot and unlock all our preparation and training tools.
You don't need to worry about paying your Program Fee until you get closer to your start date.
Duration |
Program FeeDue 30 days before you start, or within 48 hours if you register inside of 30 days. Covers the cost of hosting you.
|
---|---|
1 week | $395 Equivalent to $56/day |
2 weeks | $705 Equivalent to $50/day |
3 weeks | $920 Equivalent to $44/day |
4 weeks | $1,135 Equivalent to $41/day |
5 weeks | $1,350 Equivalent to $39/day |
6 weeks | $1,565 Equivalent to $37/day |
8 weeks | $1,995 Equivalent to $36/day |
10 weeks | $2,315 Equivalent to $33/day |
12 weeks | $2,635 Equivalent to $31/day |
16 weeks | $3,260 Equivalent to $29/day |
20 weeks | $3,880 Equivalent to $28/day |
24 weeks | $4,500 Equivalent to $27/day |
- All programs attract a Registration Fee of US$329 (approximately £263) in addition to the Program Fee. This covers all pre-departure support services.
- A 5% international banking fee is added at point of payment.
- Recommended spending money: Volunteers in Morocco generally find US$40 to be sufficient for weekly expenses.
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Airport pick-up
- Accommodation
- 24/7 in-country support
- In-country program orientation
- Pre-departure support from your Program Manager
- Personalised preparation tools, guides and check lists
- Access to IVHQ’s preferred insurance and flights partners
- Discounts on language lessons
- Certificate of International Volunteer Service
Learn more about what's included in your IVHQ Registration Fee and Program Fee.
- Transport to and from your placement each day
- Return to the airport when your program finishes
- Flights
- Visa (if required), travel insurance (mandatory), vaccinations, criminal background check.
- Personal spending money for snacks, laundry, public transportation, drinks and leisure activities during your free time.
Free-time experiences & tours in Morocco
Take your volunteer experience to the next level with IVHQ's affordable activity and tour add-ons in Morocco! Explore your options below and learn how to book them once you've been accepted onto the IVHQ Morocco program.
![Arabic Language Lessons](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-morocco-arabic-language-lessons.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Improve your Arabic language skills while volunteering in Morocco.
![French Language Lessons](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/addons/international-volunteer-hq-tour-travel-add-on-morocco-french-language-lessons.jpg?w=570&h=260&fit=crop&auto=format,compress)
Improve your French language skills while volunteering in Morocco.
Affordable Arabic & French Language Lessons
Our local team in Morocco offer Arabic and French lessons to volunteers, which can be organised and paid for in advance through IVHQ. Lessons are tailored to each volunteer’s current level of Arabic or French and will be for 2 hours per day Monday through Friday. Past volunteers feel that taking these lessons can help you immensely with your day to day volunteer work and communicating with local people.
- 1 week of lessons (10 hours) – US$265 (approximately £212)
- 2 weeks of lessons (20 hours) – US$535 (approximately £428)
- 3 weeks of lessons (30 hours) – US$800 (approximately £641)
- 4 weeks of lessons (40 hours) – US$1065 (approximately £853)
Please make a note in your application or contact your IVHQ Program Manager after you have registered for the program if you would like to add language lessons to your Morocco volunteer experience.
Check what's required to visit Morocco
Safety and support
![Safety and support with IVHQ](https://ivhq.imgix.net/images/pages/volunteer-health-and-safety/volunteer-health-and-safety-ivhq-hero.png?w=600&h=340&fit=crop&crop=faces,center&auto=format,compress)
Safety and support
IVHQ follows best practice and industry-leading health and safety procedures, which are regularly reviewed and optimized as part of the B Corporation recertification.
- All volunteers encouraged to complete our interactive pre-departure training.
- All local teams trained on best practice volunteer management & First Aid.
- All IVHQ programs are required to adhere to IVHQ's Risk Management Policy.
- All volunteers have access to 24/7 in-country support from our local team.
Essential country information
Essential country information
Capital | Rabat |
Population | 36.47 million |
Languages | Arabic and Berber |
Currency | Moroccan Dirham (MAD) |
Time zone | UTC±00:00 |
Weather and climate
Morocco has a Mediterranean climate that is generally hot and dry for most of the year, with cooler, yet still mild, temperatures and rainfall during the winter months between November and March. Morocco has widely varying terrain and the climate varies greatly throughout the country. Temperatures can be incredibly high in the southern and south eastern desert areas whereas, the temperature drops considerably in the higher lying mountainous areas, even dropping to freezing point at night. In Rabat, temperatures reach an average high of 27°C (80.6°F) in the summer months and an average high of 17°C (62.6°F) in the winter months. Temperatures can drop to an average of 7°C (44.6°F) in the winter and it is generally always cold in the evenings throughout the year.