Sweet Bakes & Community Cafe
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The summer of 2024 marked the tenth anniversary of the invasion of towns and villages across the Nineveh Plains by the so-called Islamic State. As a result, thousands were forced to flee their homes, and of those who stayed many were taken captive by IS - some of whom remain missing today. A decade on, the region stills grapples with the lasting effects of the conflict. However, as we mark this sombre milestone, there are also stories of hope. For example, this summer we celebrated the successful launch of our latest Nineveh SEED project: a community cafe in the Christian town of Teleskof.
Awatef is a widow with four children. She encouraged her daughter, Sally, to take part in the project. Sally already ran a small cake-making business from her home to help support her family. Awatef explained how her daughter was nervous at first:
She practised and practised the cakes at home in front of us multiple times and they tasted delicious!
Awatef told us how important the cafe project is for the community: since the destruction of the town by ISIS, people have had to travel to Duhok or Mosul to buy such products, which is too expensive.
We have faith, and hopefully this project will grow bigger and bigger.
Through our Nineveh SEED projects, Mosaic Middle East is committed to promoting economic empowerment and sustainable livelihoods which are proven to foster hope and resilience within the community. By supporting local entrepreneurship, vocational training, and job creation initiatives, we are standing alongside the people of Teleskof, who are determined to rebuild their economy and create a better future for themselves and their families.
THE PROJECT
This project will create sustainable work for women, therefore lifting 6 women directly out of desperate poverty and with families averaging seven people that is about 42 people who are supported. We hope this ‘template of women focused employment’ may be replicated elsewhere to create local wealth and stability, which is vital to attract more Christian families to return.
It will also level up society, by showcasing that women can have a positive working role in society. It will be a welcomed service supplying specialist cakes, sweets and bakes for families from all faiths to enjoy, whilst offering an outlet to supply for big family celebrations and for religious festivals.
By partnering with St. George’s Chaldean Catholic Church to open it as a community centre, they can use the space to offer psycho-social support with activities for all ages to participate in.
GOALS
To create six new job opportunities for young people
Build livelihoods for the returning families
More locally produced food to benefit the local economy
Create a Community Cafe that can double up as a venue for psycho-social activities to support the whole community
Local people are encouraged to stay in the Nineveh Plain