XR The Moroccan Association As An Intergenerational Lab : Giving Moroccan Children a Voice in Scientific Research

S.P.A.R.K (Scientific Project for Active Researchers Kids), which we have worked on for two years, holds a special place in our hearts. We believe that : "Good Research is Research with Children rather than on Children". As the first Moroccan intergenerational lab where children and adults are equal as active researchers, XR The Moroccan Association plays a significant role in bridging the "research divide" and reducing the generational "disconnect."

Our experience shows that children are fully capable of developing their own ideas and collaborating within a cooperative inquiry group to understand their world and find practical solutions. XR The Moroccan Association believes that scientific research is not reserved for adults, but is a right for every Moroccan child, in alignment with Article 13 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

The results speak for themselves: These children have published scientific articles on esteemed international platforms such as SCOPUS and Google Scholar. These publications are not just educational projects but address important, real-world issues, broadening their perspectives and boosting their self-confidence. They have also presented their work at renowned conferences held in Cambridge, India, and Washington, showcasing their research on an international stage.

Through S.P.A.R.K, we do not aim to create the best child researchers in the world but rather the best child researchers for the world.

Our message today: science is a knowledge construct built on intergenerational exchange of ideas and collaboration. There are no valid reasons—and zero benefits—for restricting this expression in society. It is essential that all generations contribute to scientific research, as each age group brings valuable insights and experiences that enhance our understanding and innovation. By fostering this intergenerational exchange, we can create a richer, more inclusive scientific community that benefits everyone. The path to innovation is through intergenerational research cooperation!

These efforts will culminate in a ceremony honoring the child researchers on November 16, 2024, at the Cultural Center Settat at 15:00 PM, in conjunction with World Children's Day on November 20.

This event will not only celebrate their achievements but also serve as a call to all to support this new generation of young scientists, encouraging more children to follow this path.

• For more information : https://xrm.ma/kids-researchers

• For more information about articles by the child researchers :
• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=8OqkR9MAAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=5MwJX1YAAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao
• https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=DJvyfQ0AAAAJ&hl=fr&oi=ao