Nadia's Initiative Beneficiary Details Impact of Small Business Support on Family's Livelihoods

The economic repercussions of ISIS’ genocide against the Yazidi community were devastating for returnees to Sinjar. As the sole breadwinner for a family of 7 and his disabled nephew, Rakan found himself struggling to make ends meet. He vividly remembers, “Being a jobless father and seeing my children need support was giving me an unbearable feeling.”

Nadia’s Initiative’s team heard about Rakan’s story and offered him support. Reflecting on his passion for baking, he decided to open a bakery with resources and funding from Nadia’s Initiative.

“Being a baker is not easy. However, nothing is harder than seeing my children in need of support and seeing myself unable to do anything. The fire in the oven does not affect me. But warms up my heart.”

Rakan's bakery has enabled him to provide food for his family, while also sending his children to school.

This project is funded by the Swedish MFA.