Timbuktu, Mali

Sister City since 1991

Tempe’s partnership with Timbuktu marks its first with a third-world country and the start of the organization’s large-scale philanthropic humanitarian efforts.

Tell me more about Timbuktu…

• Mali is a nation struggling to survive: with a population of more than 10 million, Mali is considered the fifth poorest nation in the world. Timbuktu alone is home to 55,000 permanent residents and 10,000 refugees.
• Dubbed the “Athens of West Africa” in the 15th century, historically Timbuktu was known as a place of learning and riches, and to this day, scholars come to study ancient manuscripts. The city, however, lacks basic necessities to educate the youth, including teachers, facilities and school supplies.
• While the official language of Timbuktu is French, in Mali, the majority of the population there also speaks a variety of dialects.

Where is Timbuktu?

Timbuktu is sandwiched between the Sahara Desert and the Niger River.

What’s new in Timbuktu?

• 2011 – Funds were sent to complete a six classroom primary school.  A week long soup kitchen held in February raised additional funds for this school.  Wildflower Bread Company partnered with Tempe Sister Cities to raise $5,000 through this week-long event.
• Tempe Sister Cities provides National Geographic magazine to the high school, public library, and junior high administration on an on-going basis.
• The Tempe Sister City organization has completed seven drinking water wells in Timbuktu where water is scarce but precious to survival.

You can donate to help Timbuktu!

“Since April 2012, Islamic rebels have occupied and ransacked the north of Mali including Timbuktu.  Thousands have fled the harsh sharia law that has been imposed by the Islamists and are now refugees in the southern part of Mali and in the surrounding countries.  At times, we are able to send some necessary relief funds to those that remain in Timbuktu, as well as to some of the refugees in the south. ”

Photos of Timbuktu