The Diwan: The Human’s Rights Café

Coming soon!!! 

 

Our inspiration: In the old days, in every house in the Middle East region, there was a Diwan, a saloon where guests from all walk of life exchanged ideas, stories and traditions, while sipping tea and eating sweets. The Diwan was in fact more than a physical space; it was a cultural center-piece, a living room where the fabric of society was woven through lively conversations and shared experiences. It was where stories were shared, wisdom imparted, and dreams nurtured. 

 

Echoing this tradition of hospitality, togetherness and the art of storytelling, MENA-can Diwan café seeks to reignite the spirit of those cherished gatherings where ideas flow freely and friendships blossom. It is the living space of MENA-can actions in the region. 

 

Just as the Diwan was a cornerstone of community life, the Diwan Cafe aspires to be a vibrant gathering place where people can come together to discuss, learn about human rights issues and engage in activities that promote human rights education and advocacy. 

The vision in the Diwan Café, is that it will serve as a regional hub to share ideas for advancing human rights locally and globally, connect, and foster a sense of community among the public to raise awareness on human rights issues. We will strive to be the oasis in the desert and create a cosy warm community space hosting enlightening talks, lively debates, book clubs, workshops and other events on various human rights topics by guest speakers, activists and experts. These events aim to spark conversations and encourage critical thinking.

Key Features:

 

  • Supporting Local Initiatives:The café will support local businesses, artists, scholars and initiatives by showcasing their products, research and reports, artworks, and performances. 
  • Menu with a Purpose:The diwan will offer quality Middle Eastern food and beverages, the menu will reflect our commitment to sustainability, sourcing locally healthy ingredients, and supporting ethical practices. 
  • Ethical and Sustainable Practices:The café will promote sustainability by using eco-friendly practices, such as composting, recycling, or minimizing single-use plastics. 
  • Event Space:The café will provide a flexible space for hosting various events, such as live music, poetry readings, workshops, and community gatherings. 
  • Collaborative Initiatives:Partnering with local organizations, clubs, and charities, the cafe will initiate collaborative projects and events aimed at benefiting the community.
  • Meeting Room for business and organizations:The café will include a meeting room with food and beverage services to hold meetings, presentations, workshops, and training sessions. It will foster connections and collaboration and contribute to the cafe’s financial sustainability.
  • A children-friendly space:The café will have a specific children-friendly space where children can play (toys, books, puzzles, drawing areas) in a safe and supervised environment allowing parents, particularly mothers, to keep an eye on their children while enjoying their time at the cafe. We will have a healthy menu tailored for children, including snacks, small portions, and drinks like fruit juices or smoothies.
  • Regular Counselling Sessions for Community Support:The café will host regular counselling one to one sessions with professionals like psychologists, lawyers, and social workers. It is a service for individuals who may otherwise face barriers in seeking counselling or legal advice due to cost or availability.
  • Leveraging social media to create a human rights friendly community:Utilizing the power of social media, our café aims to establish a vibrant and supportive community passionate about human rights. With a dedicated community management team at the helm, we aim to curate and share compelling content aligned with the café’s initiatives, fostering engagement and amplifying our reach. It will showcase the café’s ambiance, menu items, events and create a strong customers base. 

The cafe will ultimately contribute to the financial sustainability of MENA-can to fund our human rights activities. 

 

Join us on this journey as we turn a dream of a just societies into reality—a place where coffee and compassion meet, where dialogue and action intersect, and where the aroma of social change nourishes our hearts and minds.!