The refugee camp Burj El Barajneh is located south of the Lebanese capital Beirut. It covers an area of about one square kilometers, has existed since 1948 and until a few years ago sheltered mainly Palestinian refugees. Since the outbreak of the Syrian civil war, the number of inhabitants has increased from 26,000 to 50,000 - in the same area. Space is limited, poverty is a feature of everyday life, and conflicts between locals and refugees are increasing. Cuisine sans frontières is committed to this environment.
After the first intervention in 2017 Csf continues its work in the camp. The simple restaurant is aimed at women and their children and is the first and only opportunity to meet in public space within the camp. Women are particularly restricted in the camp: They are not allowed to be in places where men go. Meetings outside the family are only possible in the narrow, private rooms.
At the same time the company creates work and training opportunities. The existing Soufra Catering will be integrated and will also produce in the new, larger kitchen. This in turn will enable more and larger catering orders and provide more jobs for women. They contribute with their income, in many families it is the only one, to improve the living conditions and can send their children to school.
The foundation fokus frauen (2021) generously supports this project.