Mohamed Ouaabouz, “Moha” to those closest to him, grew up in a small village between Rissani and Erfoud, in the Errachidia region. At a very young age, he migrated to France with his family. In 1979, he moved to Blénod-lès-Pont-à-Mousson. Over the years, it has embodied a bridge between two different cultures, now embodying a living example of coexistence and integration between the two countries.
Mohamed Ouaabouz is indeed a man of many facets. After a BEP in electrotechnics and a professional baccalaureate in maintenance, he completed his studies with a BEP in foundry. In 2019, he completed his training with a professional certificate in “general recreational activities”. He worked at the Saint-Gobain PAM factory for 27 years, gaining valuable experience before retraining in extracurricular activities, within the schools of Pont-à-Mousson.
In the 1990s, Mohamed launched into the world of associative action of a social nature. He was able to get involved in several organizations such as the SNI (National and International Solidarity) and the Zac de Breuil Youth Association, as well as in the local football club. This citizen participation laid the foundations for its confirmed experience in humanitarian work. Over time, he developed a clear vision of the positive impact of collective solidarity on the lives of others.
Humanitarian initiatives on the ground
Mohamed’s experience with the SNI association was decisive in his life. Through these humanitarian trips, he saw concretely how solidarity brought individuals together to bring positive change to people’s lives, even on a small scale. This awareness pushed him to create his own NGO.
“Moha”, as he prefers to be called, confides to Yabiladi that he “always wanted to create an association”. In 2016, he discussed his project with a friend from southeastern Morocco. His dream came true with the creation of PAM’LIER, which combines the initials of Pont-à-Mousson and the verb “LIER”, as a link between France and Morocco. The structure operates between the two countries and launches numerous humanitarian and social activities, with a significant local impact.
Among its actions, the association worked to deliver clothes and blankets to nomads in the Tinghir and Merzouga regions, to support orphanages by providing them with clothes and toys, in addition to organizing charity caravans in France to distribute food and clothing for the homeless. But Mohamed’s most vivid memory remains that of a family near Tinghir, living in difficult conditions among the rubbish.
“We also provided crutches to a crippled woman and continue to monitor the family’s situation regularly. I still remember the welcome of the inhabitants, their hospitality. They offered us food for free or at significant discounts, even though there were 27 of us.”
Mohamed Ouaabouz
One of the association’s landmark initiatives was a bus trip loaded with football equipment and kits across France and Spain, to deliver the cargo to the southeastern regions of Morocco. The association also participated in helping those affected by the Al-Haouz earthquake, which occurred on September 8, 2023. In this context, blankets were sent, wheelchairs, tents and crutches. The NGO also organized a friendly match with a women’s team in Tinghir, thus affirming its commitment to developing women’s sport at the local level.
Alongside his charitable activities, Mohamed is director of extracurricular activities in the Pont-à-Mousson establishments. He is also vice-president of the women’s football club and coach of the AS Pagny U18F team. It constantly strives to support sports training in remote areas of Morocco, particularly for women.
Furthermore, “Moha” is proud of its dual Moroccan and French identity. He considers it a source of strength and an opportunity to boost relations between his two countries. Indeed, it considers itself a bridge between two cultures, always working to promote humanitarian cooperation. He does not see himself as a simple MRE, but rather as a link between the two countries, seeking to provide support and assistance where it is needed.
Bridging Cultures, Empowering Communities: A Conversation on Moroccan-French Humanitarian Efforts
This interview delves into the inspiring work of mohamed Ouaabouz, a dedicated humanitarian who bridges Moroccan and French cultures through his NGO, PAM’LIER. We explore his motivations, key initiatives, and the profound impact of his efforts on individuals and communities in both countries.
From Factory Floor to Humanitarian Leader
Senior Editor: Mohamed, your background is incredibly diverse, from electrotechnics to extracurricular activities. What ignited your passion for humanitarian work?
Mohamed Ouaabouz: It’s a journey that began with my own experiences. Migrating from Morocco to France at a young age gave me a unique perspective on the struggles faced by individuals across cultures. My involvement in social organizations like the SNI opened my eyes to the power of collective action, showing me firsthand how small acts of kindness can transform lives.
Senior Editor: That spark led to the creation of PAM’LIER. Could you explain the NGO’s mission and its origins?
Mohamed Ouaabouz: PAM’LIER is a bridge between Pont-à-Mousson in France and my birthplace in Morocco. The name itself combines elements of both locations, representing our goal of fostering collaboration and understanding. We focus on delivering aid, promoting education, and supporting social initiatives in underprivileged communities in Morocco, while also raising awareness and fostering intercultural exchange in France.
Tangible impact: From Clothing Drives to Earthquake Relief
Senior Editor: PAM’LIER has launched numerous impactful projects. Can you share some highlights?
Mohamed ouaabouz: We’ve distributed essential items like clothing,blankets,and shoes to nomadic communities in the Tinghir and Merzouga regions. We’ve supported orphanages, organized food and clothing drives for the homeless in France, and even delivered football equipment to boost sports development in remote Moroccan areas.
Senior Editor: The recent Al-Haouz earthquake in Morocco must have been a critical moment for PAM’LIER.
Mohamed Ouaabouz: Absolutely. It was a devastating event, and we instantly mobilized to provide support. We sent blankets, wheelchairs, tents, and crutches to those affected, working closely with local communities to ensure aid reached those in moast need.
Empowering Women Through Sport
Senior Editor: I understand PAM’LIER also champions women’s sports in Morocco. Could you elaborate on that initiative?
Mohamed Ouaabouz: Yes, we firmly believe in empowering women through sport. We organized a pleasant football match with a women’s team in Tinghir, highlighting the potential for female athletes in a region where opportunities are frequently enough limited. We’re committed to creating more platforms and resources for women to build skill, confidence, and community through sports.
A Legacy of Collaboration and Cultural Exchange
Senior Editor: What message do you hope to convey through your work?
Mohamed Ouaabouz:
I see myself not just as a Moroccan living in France, but as a bridge between our two countries. PAM’LIER is about fostering understanding, breaking down barriers, and demonstrating the power of collective action to build a better future. We can achieve so much more when we work together, regardless of our origins or circumstances.
