March 27, 2023
News
Being a single mother is not easy, especially in a country like Iraq. As the head of her family, Maysun has long struggled financially and has barely been able to support her loved ones. Her situation worsened when the self-declared Islamic State took over her town, and Maysun and her family had to leave for several years. Upon return, she found out that her house had been robbed. Caritas Czech Republic helped Maysun to have a fresh start and open her own restaurant.
Maysun's small business supported her family
For years before the occupation of her hometown, Maysun Hazim Gorges made a living by baking traditional Iraqi desserts. Although in Iraq, the families are usually financially supported by men, Maysun, as a single mother, has taken on this role herself. Her income was however insufficient to support a household of six. When the Islamic State attacked her town in 2014, Maysun and her family fled to Erbil for several years.
Upon her return in 2017, she found out that her house had been completely robbed, including the equipment for baking, the source of her livelihood. Maysun wanted to continue cooking, though, so she decided to open a small restaurant with her son. Caritas Czech Republic helped them to do so.
Caritas Czech Republic provided Maysun with training and helped to equip her restaurant
Thanks to the help of Caritas Czech Republic, Maysun was able to attend a business course and use a small grant to buy basic equipment for her restaurant, such as furniture and cooking utensils. She started her business with very little. She and her son prepared all the food by themselves, and the restaurant was open for only three hours a day. But before long, Maysun was able to extend the restaurant's opening hours, taking advantage of the vibrant nightlife that in Iraq often ends at 3 a.m. She was also able to hire another employee to prepare “Pacha”, a traditional Iraqi dish made from lamb broth, that Iraqis like to eat at night.
Today, Maysun is 54 years old and runs a thriving restaurant in her hometown. Although she and her family were forced to leave home for several years due to the war, thanks to the help of Caritas, she is back on her feet and owns a successful business.
"I'm very grateful for the grant that helped me get the restaurant up and running. I hope that in time I will be able to improve our small business even more," rejoices Maysun.
Maysun is one of the many Iraqis Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq has helped to rebuild their businesses after the attacks by the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Among other things, we provide vocational training and financial grants to help people rebuild their livelihoods.
