The Diwan: The ChangeMaking’s Café Coming soon!!! 

Where Community, Conversation, and Purpose Meet 

 

We hope to soon open a warm, welcoming community café right in the heart of Tunis. Part of our social enterprise model, this café will be more than just a place to grab coffee — it’s a living community hub designed to generate sustainable income while creating real social impact.

We are still building the project step by step, with care and purpose. Our plan is to create a cosy space where people from all walks of life can gather, connect, and share ideas. The café will host local artists, showcase handmade products, and serve healthy, locally sourced Middle Eastern food and drinks.

Beyond good food and conversation, the café will offer community activities — from book clubs and film nights to workshops, open mic sessions, and informal talks about  social change. We also plan to include a dedicated children’s area, a small meeting room for local groups and start-ups, and regular drop-in hours for free community counselling and legal advice.

What is our spirit ? 

In the old days, in every home across the Middle East, there was always a Diwan — a warm saloon where guests from all walks of life gathered to exchange ideas, stories, and traditions over tea and sweets. The Diwan was never just a living room; it was a cultural centrepiece where the social fabric was woven through lively conversation and shared wisdom. It was where dreams were nurtured and community bonds strengthened.

At MENA-can, we would love to bring that spirit back to life.
The Diwan Café will be the everyday living space of our actions in the region — echoing this rich tradition of hospitality, togetherness, and the timeless art of storytelling. 

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. 
  • 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.
  • 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 changemaking friendly community:Utilizing the power of social media, our café aims to establish a vibrant and supportive online community passionate about social change.