agap2dream: the ascent to inclusion at the summit of Mount Toubkal

From 13 to 16 May, Michael, winner of the agap2dream 2025 programme and Agency Manager in Cherbourg, completed his agap2dream project, a challenge as ambitious as it was inspiring: climbing Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, alongside a dozen young students, some of whom are disabled, with the Alopias association.

After several training sessions, Michael flew to Morocco to begin the 4,167-metre accent, marked by effort, solidarity... and tangible emotion.

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A team whose diversity is its strength, driven by the same challenge

Michael was accompanied by around forty people: pupils from the Saint-Exupéry school in Rabat, members of the Alopias association, mountain guides, porters, teachers and medical staff. Among them were three young people with disabilities:

• Abdellah, a 16-year-old swimmer with both legs amputated, was hoisted to the summit in a handisport all-terrain wheelchair that allows people with physical disabilities, particularly lower limb disabilities, to walk or hike, a first in the history of Le Toubkal.

• Malak, 16, blind, has become the first Moroccan woman with a serious genetic retinal disease to reach the summit of Mount Toubkal on foot. Before leaving, Malak told us: “It’s the first time I’ve been offered a real trip with other people“

• A third student, with an arm amputation, also took part in the trip.

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A gruelling expedition that made this an unforgettable adventure

The expedition began on 13 May. From Rabat, the group headed for the village of Imlil, nestling at an altitude of 1,600 metres. From the outset, the adventure was about more than just physical performance, with the participants visiting a local primary school to distribute clothes and school supplies. It was an real time of sharing that left a deep impression on both the young people and those accompanying them.

The next day, the walk to the Mount Toubkal refuge began. It took around six hours to reach the 3,200 metre mark. The cold was setting in and the gradient was getting steeper. For many, this first stage made them realise the scale of the challenge. But the group kept moving forward, united.

The third day marked the high point of the expedition: the final ascent to the summit of Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 metres. A vertiginous 6.3 km climb, completed in 7 hours thanks to an enormous effort with steep sections and sub-zero temperatures. The altitude made every step more difficult, oxygen was scarce and fatigue was ever-present.

Michael says: ”The children were exhausted. Some were delirious from lack of oxygen. But they kept going, supported, encouraged and carried by the whole team. They gave their all. When I got up there, I burst into tears. Not because of the effort, but because of what the summit represented. It was a wave of emotions combining solidarity, surpassing oneself and inclusion. We did it together.”

Despite the extreme conditions, the team reached the summit together. It was a moment of collective pride and recognition. Michael was able to unite and motivate the young people at the most trying of times.

He tells us : ”What I remember is the incredible ability of these young people to surpass themselves. Inclusion takes on its full meaning when everyone, whatever their condition, is recognised for their strength and determination.”

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What happens next?

A documentary film is being prepared by the Alopias film crew and will be released in the autumn.

This project has strengthened Michael’s determination to pursue his commitment through other human and inclusive expeditions.

Mount Toubkal is no longer just a summit. It has become a symbol of what young people, driven by the values of solidarity, can achieve when they are given the chance. *

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Through agap2dream, we promote teamwork, meaningful projects and the boldness of our employees to take on human and social challenges.

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