Our Story

How an unplanned trip to Lalibela became a mission.

Antonin's Story

In November 2025, Antonin traveled to Lalibela during the Meskel celebrations. He had no plan, no agenda, no charity in mind. He went to live — to be present — and what happened changed everything.

"I didn't come here to save anyone. I had no plan. I came to live with them."

He slept in the church among pilgrims during the all-night vigil. He prayed with the community, shared food, laughed. He bought 150 notebooks and pens for local schools after a group of kids simply asked for school supplies. He improvised a football game at the high school stadium with a ball he went out and bought. None of it was planned. All of it mattered.

Antonin with children of Lalibela by a wall

The Exchange

"It wasn't about me giving and them receiving. It was an exchange. They gave me so much care, friendship, respect. I wasn't a savior. I was just another human being, humbled to be welcomed into their life for a moment."

People talk about the 'white savior' problem in Africa. Antonin addresses it head-on: this project exists because of a real exchange between real people. Not charity from above. Connection between equals. The hotel manager who introduced him to the school director, the guides who know the community, the children who taught him as much as he gave them — they are co-owners of this project's direction. Antonin's role is bridge, not boss.

Philosophy

"For years I've been trying to follow Jesus wisdom, not as a structural religion but as a model of love I admire."

Everything in Lalibela happened in the flow. The divine timing of arriving during the celebrations. The connections that formed without forcing. The impulse to buy notebooks that turned into a structured program. Following Jesus not as institutional religion, but as a practice of love, openness, and presence.

The Tourist's Guilt

As a tourist, I often feel guilty. Coming to these places, staying in my bubble, spending so much money on flights and hotels with very little going back to the people who need it most. It's not easy or always possible to get out of the path and connect with simplicity.

Thanks to the wonderful spirit of people here, I could do this in Lalibela. And I hope my stories can inspire others to come here too.

This project is partly an answer to that guilt: a way to make the connection direct. A way to ensure that when you engage with Lalibela — whether you visit or support from afar — the people who matter most are the ones who benefit.

The Team

Antonin barefoot at a Lalibela church

Antonin

Founder. French traveler, builder, and bridge. Visited Lalibela in 2025 and couldn't leave it behind.

Local Partners

Hotel managers, guides, and school directors in Lalibela who co-direct this project. Their knowledge and relationships make everything possible.

Peter Bachmann Foundation

Already active in Lalibela with youth empowerment and weaving programs. A potential partner in scaling impact.

You

This project is built by everyone who shares Lalibela's story, sponsors a guide, or sends a dictionary. You're part of the team.

How Funds Are Managed

We are committed to total transparency. Every donation is tracked. Every expenditure is documented. Regular updates — photos, reports, stories — are shared with supporters.

We are currently evaluating the best legal structure for this project: a registered nonprofit, a fiscal sponsorship through an organization like GlobalGiving, or a social enterprise model. Each has trade-offs for tax deductibility, operational flexibility, and credibility. We'll share our decision and reasoning openly.

Quarterly impact reports will be published on this site.