When solidarity and culture walk hand in hand, the door opens to a new understanding of the importance of working together for a better world, a message that can become an example for many. Ger for Life is a humanitarian project supporting homeless young mothers and their children, some living with disabilities, in the Chingeltei district on the northern outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia.

The challenges I have experienced over the years have led me to an important turning point in my life, placing me on a completely new existential path, filled with meaning and deep emotions felt both in my heart and soul.

In 2013, the Ger Camp project was launched. A ger is the traditional tent of Mongolian nomads. The camp became a protected place where young mothers and their children could find housing and live in dignified conditions. The ambitious idea was to provide a small community, for a period of two years, with housing, essential goods, medical assistance, access to schooling for children, a safe environment in which to grow, and training opportunities to help young women achieve economic independence.

As with any humanitarian journey, it is not easy to fully describe what we experienced: a profoundly human path that allowed both aid workers and young mothers to grow together. It was truly a “journey of a lifetime”. We learned that love can restore serenity and joy to the lives of these young families, and this became our most important expedition.

The latest two-year cycle has recently come to an end. The families left the camp carrying not only the ger that had been donated to them, but also a renewed sense of dignity, economic independence and tangible hope for the future. Seeing their smiles return after so much hardship is proof of how meaningful the experience of those two years together has been.

Over the years, Montura has provided significant financial support through donations generated by the publication of my books. Culture has joined forces with solidarity; through shared commitment, determination and collaboration, smiles and hope have returned, making it possible to look forward to a better future.