TOTAC Launches New Club to Encourage Writing, Reading in Morocco

 A woman looks at a book in the "El Ateneo Grand Splendid" bookstore. AFP
A woman looks at a book in the "El Ateneo Grand Splendid" bookstore. AFP
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TOTAC Launches New Club to Encourage Writing, Reading in Morocco

 A woman looks at a book in the "El Ateneo Grand Splendid" bookstore. AFP
A woman looks at a book in the "El Ateneo Grand Splendid" bookstore. AFP

The Moroccan Academy TOTAC has announced the establishment of a book club named "TOTAC Book" that will allow its members to read, write, and train on public speech.

The club will focus on the bestselling books in personal development and professionalism, and the biographies of eminent personalities, as well as literature. The goal behind establishing the club is not only reading but rather engaging in the process of learning and training for success.

"TOTAC Book" plans to dedicate a special time for literature by hosting writers, novelists, and poets to talk about their works during each of its meetings scheduled every two months.

The club has also set two other goals: the first is to accompany its members and encourage them to write a collective book centered on what was learned through their readings every year, and the second is to encourage them to speak in front of the audience within a space allocated for this purpose in each meeting.

The official launch of the Casablanca-based club was marked by three keynotes: the first was on the state of reading in Morocco, provided by Fatma Kachkach, member of the club, master coach and teacher in communication; the second, on the club charter, goals, and how it works, addressed by Dr. Nazha Hefti, a founding member of the club; the third on the experience of writing a book and how writing can serve as a tool for personal and professional success by journalist Mohamed Charrouk.

The ceremony was concluded by the election of the club's committee.

TOTAC is an academy of training that graduates trainers, consultants, lecturers. It includes a laboratory for pedagogical creativity (educational), a modern and innovative training method developed based on the latest studies and research in the field of pedagogy and cognitive neuroscience.

The TOTAC graduates form the largest network of experts, trainers, and consultants in various fields.



'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
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'Amphibious Mouse' among 27 New Species Discovered in Peru's Amazon

A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS
A clearwing butterfly (Oleria sp.) specimen, from one of the 218 species of butterflies observed during an expedition to the Peruvian region of Alto Mayo, is pictured, June 8, 2022. Conservation International/photo by Marlon Dag/Handout via REUTERS

An "amphibious mouse" with partially webbed feet that eats aquatic insects was among 27 new species discovered during a 2022 expedition to Peru's Amazon, according to Conservation International.

Scientists also discovered a spiny mouse, a squirrel, eight types of fish, three amphibians and 10 types of butterflies, Trond Larsen, head of Conservation International's Rapid Assessment Program, told Reuters this week.

He added that another 48 species found by investigators were potentially new, but needed further study.

The new species were found in Alto Mayo, a protected area with several ecosystems, Indigenous territories and villages.

"Discovering so many new species of mammals and vertebrates is really incredible, especially in such a human-influenced landscape as Alto Mayo," Larsen said.

The expedition between June and July 2022 was made up of 13 scientists plus local technicians and members of Indigenous groups.

"It was really fantastic to work so closely with the Awajun people. They have extensive traditional knowledge about the forests, animals and plants they live side-by-side with," Larsen said.

Among the new species, Larsen highlighted the spiny mouse that has stiff fur, the amphibious mouse, and a dwarf squirrel that measures 14 cm (5.5 in).

"(The squirrel) fits so easily in the palm of your hand. Adorable and beautiful chestnut-brown color, very fast," Larsen said. "It jumps quickly and hides in the trees."

Another favorite discovery was the blob-headed fish, a type of armored catfish, he said.

A total of 2,046 species were recorded during the 38-day expedition using camera traps, bioacoustic sensors and DNA sampling. Among them, 49 were classified as threatened, including the yellow-tailed woolly monkey and the tree monkey.

Larsen said the discoveries reinforced the need to protect the area.

"Unless steps are taken now to safeguard these sites and help restore parts of the landscape ... there's a strong chance they won't persist in the long term," Larsen said.