LocationsSmall grant revives the social and cultural life of Iraqi cafe
“Our debts kept piling up.”
September 17, 2024
The updating of Mohammad's Cafe has revived the social and cultural life of old Baqubah market in Diyala, Iraq.
Photo: UNDP Iraq
In the heart of the old Baqubah market in Diyala, Iraq, Mohammad’s Café stands as a relic of the past. Its cracked walls, worn furniture, and dim lighting tell a story of hardship and resilience. Mohammad Jalil, 27, who has struggled with hearing loss and speech difficulties since birth, inherited the café from his father, a war-disabled veteran. Now Mohammad shoulders the responsibility of supporting his entire family, including his mother, brothers, wife, and children, through the modest income the café provides.
In the past, Mohammad’s Café served only hot drinks, and barely met the family's basic needs. After his father's passing, the situation grew even more dire. Mohammad was forced to take on several daily-wage jobs to make ends meet, as the income from the café was insufficient.
"Those were difficult days. I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t provide for my family’s basic needs, and our debts kept piling up. It felt like I was living in an inescapable nightmare."- Mohammad Jalil
Amid the overwhelming darkness, a glimmer of hope emerged. Mohammad’s Café became part of the UNDP SME Grant Programme, which allowed him to fully renovate the café and equip it with modern juice and simple cooking equipment. These grants aim to support Iraqi young people like Mohammad in establishing and sustaining their businesses, offering them a chance to rebuild their lives and communities.
The transformation extended beyond just the appearance of the café. It also brought a fresh and diverse menu. Mohammad's Café now offers a wide variety of delicious Iraqi breakfasts, refreshing drinks, and traditional dishes like spiced mince kibbeh, makhlama with eggs, and hearty soups. This revitalized menu has attracted new customers, turning the café into a bustling hub of local flavours and community.
Mohammad’s Café has rapidly transformed into an oasis in the heart of the market, attracting intellectuals from across Diyala. It has become a gathering place for seminars and cultural discussions, where minds meet and ideas flourish. The café is now a beloved destination for Diyala's intellectual community and youth, offering a unique space to connect, engage, and enjoy meaningful conversations.
Mohammad’s earnings increased significantly, allowing him to support his family and provide them with a decent life, with a daily income of around 30,000 Iraqi dinars, about US$23. His ambition didn't stop there; he hired another worker, creating a job opportunity for someone else facing difficult circumstances.
Mohammad's story is a remarkable example of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and achieve success. Through his determination and with the support of the UNDP's Building Resilience through Employment Promotion programme, in partnership with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and with generous backing from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank, Mohammad transformed his dream into reality.
This initiative not only helped Mohammad rebuild his life but also revitalized his community. The café, once a humble establishment, has become a cultural hub and a beloved gathering place, breathing new life into the market and making it more vibrant than ever.
More than 1,181 small and medium enterprises have been supported through training, coaching, in-kind assistance, or grants, inspiring many others to pursue their dreams, no matter the obstacles.
Mohammad's Cafe has received the support of UNDP's Building Resilience through Employment Promotion programme, with the Humanitarian Relief Foundation and backing from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development through KfW Development Bank.
Photo: UNDP Iraq
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