September 2023 brought tragedy to the Atlas Mountains in Morocco. A devastating 6.8-magnitude earthquake shook the area, destroying entire communities and leaving thousands of families in extreme vulnerability. The impact was dramatic: over 3,000 dead and tens of thousands injured or left without shelter, with mountain villages particularly affected due to their isolated location and difficult access.
For Bambini nel Deserto (BnD), this event was a call to action. With a twenty-year commitment to helping communities in need, we felt a duty to intervene and offer concrete support, even in the most remote and inaccessible areas. This drive led to the creation of the Echoes of Atlas project.
Echoes of Atlas I: The First Mission – Bringing Water and Food Where It’s Needed
In April 2024, BnD organized the first Echoes of Atlas expedition. With the help of volunteers and donors, we raised funds to purchase essential food supplies. To reach the tent camps and the most isolated communities in the Atlas Mountains, we rented terrain-adapted vehicles: a Toyota 4×4 and three Royal Enfield Himalayan enduro motorcycles, which allowed us to navigate rough paths and mountain trails often impassable for other vehicles.
During this mission, we were also able to install a submersible pump, thanks to the support of friends from the Insieme per Federica project, to ensure clean water at the refugee camp in Tizgui. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters and the determination of our team, we brought an initial wave of aid to hundreds of people, providing a measure of stability and sustenance in an uncertain situation.
Echoes of Atlas II: Returning with School Supplies for a Brighter Future
We didn’t stop there. On September 21, 2024, BnD launched the second Echoes of Atlas II expedition to deliver school supplies to children affected by the earthquake, as resuming education during times of crisis is essential for hope and rebuilding. Once again, we had to face logistical complexities and the challenges of the terrain. With the help of a Toyota 4×4, three BMW 850GS, and two KTM 890 motorcycles, we reached remote areas, making a direct impact by delivering school materials to those in urgent need.
The Current Mission: Shoes for the Future
Today, two volunteers from the first expedition, Silvia and Maurizio, are traveling to Morocco with another important mission. After experiencing firsthand the reality faced by these children and their families, Silvia and Maurizio decided to return to these communities, this time with a special cargo: more than 50 pairs of shoes for children attending a container school in the earthquake-affected area. A small gift that represents a tangible step toward recovery, giving children one more reason to return to school safely and with dignity.
Looking Forward: Ready to Return with “Petit Dakar” in 2025
Our commitment doesn’t stop here. During the Petit Dakar rally organized by Eroici in Moto and Off The Road in the first week of January 2025, we will also return to the Atlas Mountains with a load of clothing to distribute to children still struggling to recover from this catastrophe. Warm, durable clothing is a necessity in these areas where winter brings harsh temperatures and challenging weather conditions.
The Mission of BnD: Reaching Where Others Cannot
BnD’s commitment to delivering emergency and support materials—from clothing and shoes to school and medical supplies—is a central part of our mission. We have always relied on 4x4s and enduro motorcycles to overcome the limitations imposed by challenging terrains, reaching those who live isolated and far from accessible aid centers, aware that we are often the only link between these remote villages and the rest of the world.
Solidarity knows no boundaries, and with the support of those who believe in our work, we are determined to make a difference, even where it seems impossible to reach. Every donation, small or large, allows us to continue and plan the next expedition; supporting our missions means offering hope, giving a future to children and their families, and reminding these communities that they are not alone.
