How did a small town in the Welsh borders come to be twinned with an ancient seat of learning on the edge of the Sahara?  In 2007, Timbuktu began the search for a UK community with which to establish a partnership.  Hay eventually beat off competition from around the UK to be chosen as Timbuktu’s twin, recognising a shared love of the written word and the special resonance between the two communities, and Hay2Timbuktu (H2T) was officially formed.

Understanding and respecting difference is an underpinning principle of Hay2Timbuktu.  Our link with “The South”, with a city in one of the poorest nations in the world, will bring a global dimension to our lives here in Wales.  Hay2Timbuktu is founded on the firm belief that we must reach out to Africa in order to strengthen our own community and to help safeguard the often fragile way of life of our partners in The South.  This is very much a two-way process, and we have much to learn from one another.  But we believe that through goodwill, sustained commitment and genuine friendship our two communities will prosper together.

This site is a work in progress - so please check back as we continue to develop and update it. In the meantime, we would love to hear from you - and we can be reached by emailing info@hay2timbuktu.org.

Hay2Timbuktu^TM is a registered charity - number 1122706.