Stories of hope
Noor’s Cafe: Brewing Hope in Baghdede
Rebuilding a Life and a Community in Baghdede
September 09, 2025 | by Charmaine Hedding
Before the war, Noor co-owned a thriving café in Baghdede. He was young, ambitious, and deeply rooted in his hometown in the Nineveh Plains. But when ISIS advanced, everything changed. Noor and his family fled to Erbil, and later to Lebanon, joining thousands of others searching for safety and a way forward.
A year later, they returned home. What they found was devastation. Their house had been burned and looted. The café was gone. Years of work had disappeared.
Starting Over with Bare Hands
He and his father began rebuilding their home with whatever daily labor jobs they could find. Yet one thing stood out to Noor: many young people, especially those who had missed out on school because of the conflict, couldn’t find work. There were few opportunities and even fewer places for them to gather.
That’s when Noor began thinking about a new kind of café—not just a business, but a space for the community. A place that would be open 24 hours, serving coffee, food, sweets, and ice cream. Somewhere welcoming, and somewhere that could create jobs for people who needed them.
A Grant That Changed Everything
It was a bold idea, but funding remained a major obstacle. Nour borrowed from friends and relatives. Still, it wasn’t enough—until he received a business grant through Shai Fund’s livelihood program.
With that support, Noor launched his café in the center of Baghdede. It quickly became a success. The business exceeded its income targets and provided employment for seven local youth. Noor is now planning to expand to another town in the Nineveh Plains.
He remarked, “However, seeing my younger friends, whom couldn’t complete their studies due to the IS invasion, I thought about this bigger project and to hire as many friends and young people as I can. I wanted to establish a place, where everybody can come and meet. I am grateful for your support and for your trust in me.”
A Larger Vision for the Nineveh Plains
Through Shai Fund’s livelihood program, returning families are not only rebuilding homes, but also creating jobs, launching businesses, and helping their communities recover. Our focus in the Nineveh Plains has been on long-term resilience, especially among religious minorities often left out of government support.
These small grants are making a real difference. Noor’s story is one of many—and with your support, more are possible.
