In the words of Samira Al-Shanawi, a chef at the Beddawi Refugee Camp community kitchen: “Helping those in need is a joy like no other”

Samira Al-Shanawi, a Palestinian refugee from Beddawi Camp (located 5 km north-east of Tripoli, in northern Lebanon), is a mother of three and a volunteer at the camp’s community kitchen. It is one of four community kitchens producing hot meals for displaced populations[1] under a UN Women project providing emergency livelihoods and protection for women displaced from southern Lebanon, being implemented by Initiate with funding from the Austrian Development Agency. Managed and operated by women volunteers, these kitchens - which served 1200 individuals daily, for a month- are underscoring the key role that women like Samira play as frontline responders amid the massive displacement brought on by the recent escalation of conflict in Lebanon.

 
Samira’s first steps into the kitchen were hesitant.

^{The community kitchen in action, serving dignity one meal at a time.  Photo: INITIATE}

“At first, I was scared. I was just a newcomer, surrounded by women who had been doing this for years. I felt like I wouldn’t add much to their work. But as time went on, my confidence grew. Now, I feel like an integral part of the team. The kitchen became a place where I could escape pressure, connect with others and truly feel at home.

I’ve always loved cooking, so I thought, why not use that skill to give back? It felt meaningful to cook not just for my family but for many families in need. I was encouraged by the stories of a friend who had been volunteering at the Ramadan Kitchen[2]. She would tell me how happy and fulfilled she felt working there, how they were like one big family. Hearing her experiences inspired me to try.

When I first started, I was used to cooking for my small family. Suddenly, I was responsible for meals for dozens of families. It was overwhelming. But the support of the other women helped me believe in myself. They brought out the best in me.

Once, I overheard a group discussing the kitchen. When I told them I was one of the cooks, they were shocked. They said: ‘There’s no way this food wasn’t made by professional chefs. It’s too delicious!’ That moment stayed with me – it reminded me of the impact we’re making.

Sometimes, I even deliver meals myself to ease the burden on the younger team members who are often overwhelmed. It’s my way of contributing beyond cooking.

Before volunteering, I thought of myself as just a homemaker. But the kitchen showed me my potential and brought me closer to people. It taught me to empathize with their needs and gave me a sense of purpose.

 _{Volunteers working together to meet daily food needs in the camp. Photo: INITIATE}
 

Volunteering brought me out of my comfort zone. I met people with different ideas and stories, which helped me grow as a person. It’s not just about the work; it’s about being part of something bigger. Volunteering is an incredible experience. It gives back in ways money can’t – it fills your heart and soul, builds your skills, and connects you to amazing people. Helping those in need is a joy like no other.

Many [displaced people] come with nothing – not even a place to stay. Families are crammed into small homes, sharing mattresses and blankets. Food is a major issue because most of them can’t afford it. Providing a daily meal might seem small, but it means so much to these families. It helps them maintain their dignity during an incredibly difficult time.

We dream of having a fully equipped, advanced kitchen. Right now, we rely on individual donations, which makes it hard to sustain the scale of our operations. If organizations could step in with funding, we could achieve so much more.”