Silver Oasis: A Project of Hope for Mohamed and His Tuareg Community

In the heart of the desert, where sand meets the horizon and life seems suspended between past and present, there exists a story of resilience and hope. This is the story of Mohamed Ag Abasse, a man who lost everything but not his dignity and his desire for redemption. His story intertwines with the harsh reality of the Tuareg diaspora, forced to flee their land to survive, carrying with them an invaluable cultural heritage and a dream of rebirth. Who is Mohamed? Mohamed Ag Abasse is a forgeron, a Tuareg blacksmith originally from Timbuktu, in northern Mali. In 2012, when his region was ravaged by mercenaries who had fought for Gaddafi, Mohamed was forced to flee with his clan. The violence and conflicts that struck northern Mali destroyed homes, wiped out families, and forced thousands of people to leave their land. Thus, Mohamed, along with his loved ones, embarked on an exodus through the desert, first finding refuge in Burkina Faso and then in Mauritania. But his story did not end there. Mohamed’s resilience is reflected in his skill as a blacksmith and artisan. Despite all the difficulties, he continued to create and sell his Tuareg jewelry, carrying with him the symbols of an ancient and proud culture. Mohamed periodically travels to Senegal, where he sells his traditional jewelry on the beaches of Dakar, barely managing to survive and support his clan, which still lives in a refugee camp on the border between Mauritania and Mali.

His life has not been spared personal tragedies: Mohamed lost his wife and shortly after, his son. However, these painful losses did not break his spirit or his desire to contribute to the survival of his community. Mohamed’s Dream: Creating an Artisan Workshop in Saly Mohamed, despite everything, never gave up. Today he has a new dream, a project he has shared with us at Bambini nel Deserto, with whom we have been collaborating for over 10 years. His desire is to open an artisan workshop in Saly, Senegal, where he can work metals and create traditional Tuareg jewelry. This workshop represents not only a personal redemption but also hope for his clan, which continues to struggle to survive under extremely harsh conditions in the desert. By creating this space, Mohamed will not only guarantee himself a more stable future, but he will also have the opportunity to actively support his community, helping to improve their living conditions. Why Support the Silver Oasis Project The Silver Oasis project represents much more than just an artisan workshop. It is a bridge between tradition and future, a concrete response to the needs of a community that continues to live in precariousness, far from their land, but connected to it through culture, symbols, and art. Supporting this project means helping not only Mohamed but also his clan and all those who are part of the Tuareg diaspora. The economic stability that could come from starting this activity will allow refugee families to be supported, providing them with a source of income and the hope for a better future. We at Bambini nel Deserto strongly believe in this project and in the power of solidarity. We have known Mohamed for over a decade, and we have seen firsthand his resilience, his commitment, and his determination. For this reason, we have decided to launch a fundraising campaign to support Mohamed’s dream and bring Silver Oasis to life. How Can You Help? It’s easy to contribute to the success of this project and make a difference in Mohamed’s life and his community. With a donation of at least 30€, you will receive a small Tuareg cross, a symbol of resilience and belonging to an ancestral culture. This small artifact represents not only a piece of desert culture but also a tangible sign of your participation in a project of hope and solidarity.

IBAN for donations via bank transfer: IT55U0306909606100000188874 – Reason: Silver Oasis Or via credit or debit card by clicking on DONATE NOW on the project’s page.

Rember that all donations are tax-deductible, and every contribution, large or small, is essential to making this dream come true. A Small Gesture for a Big Impact Silver Oasis is a project born out of a story of pain, but also of hope and a will for redemption. With your contribution, you can be part of this change, helping Mohamed transform his idea into reality and offering his community a way out of the desert’s precariousness. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Tuareg and help preserve a millennia-old culture at risk of being forgotten. Why the Name “Silver Oasis”? The name Silver Oasis encompasses two key concepts: the oasis, a symbol of rest and hope in the heart of the desert, and silver, the metal that Mohamed skillfully works to create Tuareg jewelry. This project aims to be a point of reference, a place where the community can find support, stability, and the possibility of a better future, just like an oasis in the desert. Supporting Silver Oasis means making a heartfelt choice. It means giving Mohamed the chance to redeem himself and his community through his work and art. It means believing that even in the darkest moments, there is a light of hope that can be ignited with a small gesture of solidarity. Let’s make Mohamed’s dream come true, and with him, the entire Tuareg community can continue to live and thrive. Together, we can make a difference.