Mehdi Debbrah, his career, his interview !

A few words about Mehdi Debbrah ‍

After several adventures on foot, such as trips to Venice, San Sebastian in Spain or Copenhagen from Paris, Mehdi set himself an even more ambitious challenge in 2022: Reach Algiers from Paris, 10,000 km on foot. This project, which ended in August 2023, was not just a physical performance, it carried with it a personal tribute to his deceased father, and a humanitarian component intended to finance water towers and distribute food kits.

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A united community on social networks‍

Followed by almost 500,000 people on Instagram and 1.2 million on TikTok, Mehdi documented his trip on a daily basis. Through short videos, he shares the ups and downs of his journey: the struggles, the moments of joy, the landscapes where he sets up his tent, or even his simple meals taken in the light of his headlamp. His videos also reflect the generosity of the people he meets, regardless of the region he crosses. Many offer him food, drink, accommodation, and sometimes even a helping hand by carrying his nearly 18-kilo bag.

A humanitarian mission at the heart of the project‍

Behind this extraordinary adventure lies a genuine cause of solidarity. Thanks to its popularity on social networks, Mehdi highlighted the LIFE NGO association, with which he has partnered to finance humanitarian projects.. Originally, her goal was to raise money for the construction of a well in Togo, but the generosity of her community far exceeded her expectations. The prize pool reached more than 83,000 euros, making it possible to finance several initiatives, such as the drilling of water towers in Niger and Indonesia, the distribution of food packages in Algeria and Tunisia, or even bicycles for middle school girls in Bangladesh.

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And here is the interview with our adventurer!

1) Can you introduce yourself?‍

I am Mehdi Debbrah, a passionate walker. On social networks, many know me by the name of” Debbraahworld”.

I started walking in 2015, and as early as 2019, I started walking alone. This second walk, a journey between Paris and Venice on foot, was a real turning point for me. It allowed me to finance several humanitarian projects, which at the beginning were mostly marauds, modest but symbolic projects. My walk in 2022 from Paris to Algiers took on another dimension. She took me across 5 countries in 5 months, travel more than 10,000 km and build a fundraiser that helped many people around the world. Today, at the age of 29, born and raised in Paris, I continue to walk with passion. For me, walking is much more than just a way to get around, it's a philosophy of life.
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‍2) What prompted you to get involved in humanitarian work and to support solidarity causes such as those of LIFE?‍

Honestly, I never really saw myself as someone “committed” to humanitarian work in the strict sense of the word. It's not something I've been looking for or planning. I think a lot of that comes from my upbringing. My parents always taught me the importance of helping others, and it ended up becoming second nature to me. In a way, my commitment came naturally, without forcing things. As I walked, I discovered that it was also an incredible opportunity to bring people together around common causes. This allowed me to mobilize a real community for concrete actions. For me, this is where walking and humanitarian work come together: in this ability to unite and to give.
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‍3) Why did you choose LIFE?‍

When I started organizing walks, I financed marauds through a small association in my neighborhood. But quickly, I wanted to get involved in something more sustainable and impactful. I then did some research and that's when I discovered LIFE ONG. What seduced me was his commitment to concrete projects such as the construction of wells and water towers, infrastructures that bring a real improvement in living conditions. Friends around me also knew about the association and told me a lot about it. That's how I decided to collaborate with LIFE. Through my walks, I was able to finance several projects related to access to drinking water, and that motivated me a lot to continue.

4) In your opinion, what is the importance of social networks in raising awareness and mobilizing around solidarity actions today?‍

Social networks have become an incredible tool for sharing and promoting causes. During my walk from Paris to Algiers, the objective was to raise funds for the construction of a water tower. I didn't expect it to get this big. I imagined collecting a few thousand euros, 5,000 or 6,000 at most, and I thought I would have to finance the rest myself. But against all expectations, the prize pool reached 86,000 euros thanks to the mobilization on social networks. That was when I realized how powerful these platforms could be. They make it possible to reach a very wide audience and to amplify initiatives in record time. It's a real strength, anything is possible when you know how to use them wisely.

5) What impact would you like to have on the young people who follow you and who are interested in humanitarian aid?‍

I don't know if I necessarily want to “lead by example” because that's a big responsibility. However, I would like to inspire young people by showing them that sharing can be an incredible source of motivation. During my walks, it was the increase in the fund and the concrete impact of the donations that motivated me to continue. Each euro collected gave me the impression that I was not walking in vain. In addition, I had magnificent encounters, discovered cultures, and crossed breathtaking landscapes. If I had to have an impact, it would be to show that you have to believe in your dreams. When I started, I never imagined that a march to finance one water tower would lead to the construction of several. So, if I have one message, it's to believe in your projects, even the craziest ones!

6) What are the values that guide your actions, your daily commitment?‍

On a daily basis, I try to follow simple but essential values. For example, I am careful to eat a balanced diet, by focusing on short circuits and seasonal products. Solidarity is also a key value for me, even if I cannot act every day, I always try to help whenever the opportunity arises. In each project I undertake, I try to integrate a solidarity dimension. Respect for people, sharing, and of course, self-respect are principles that guide me constantly. The walk itself is a form of commitment, both personal and solidarity.

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7) What would be your best memory of these walks?‍

Choosing a single memory from all the experiences I had during my walks is really complicated. Each stage, each encounter has its own meaning. But if there is one moment that stands out from the others, it is the meeting with my grandfather in Algeria. It was a particularly powerful moment for me, not only emotionally but also symbolically. When he looked me straight in the eye and said he was proud of me, it was one of the greatest gifts I have ever received. Those words, “You honored me,” resonated deeply with me. It was more than just recognition; it was the validation of a background, a commitment, and a direct connection to my roots.

Seeing him so moved, I realized how much my actions went beyond what I imagined. This march, which aimed to fund humanitarian projects, allowed me not only to help communities in need, but also to strengthen family ties, to find pieces of my history. That moment with my grandfather was a real culmination, a kind of personal and family accomplishment.

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8) If you had to define the impact of LIFE in three words, which would you choose and why?‍

For me, LIFE is first and foremost about universality. The association acts across borders, regardless of where the needs are. Then it's diversity. During my walks, with LIFE, I was able to finance not only water towers, but also projects related to education and reforestation. Finally, it is love, because it is the driving force behind all these actions. Without love and empathy, it would be impossible to carry out these initiatives successfully.

9) A last message for your community and for all those who want to get involved in solidarity projects?‍

I want to sincerely thank everyone who contributed to my fundraisers, regardless of how much they donated. Everyone has contributed their part to the building, and it is thanks to this collective solidarity that concrete projects are emerging. For new projects, my aim is to help even more people, especially given the current situation in the world. I strongly encourage everyone to get involved. Helping others is not only good for those we help, it also changes us. Since being involved in these actions, I feel better in my personal and professional life, and in all aspects of my daily life. Sometimes it's enough to think back to those moments to regain a sense of inner peace.

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