Kahwetna: Where Coffee, Creativity, and Compassion Converge for Change
In the heart of Syria Street in Tripoli, there stands a remarkable landmark and hub known as Kahwetna. What was once a demarcation line, dividing the communities of Jabal Mohsen and Beb Al Tebbaneh, has now transformed into a symbol of unity and hope. Through the power of arts, culture, learning, and community service, Kahwetna has become a meeting ground for the youth, where barriers of sectarianism and division are shattered, and a brighter future is built.
At Kahwetna, the focus is on empowering young individuals with knowledge and skills that will shape their lives. The hub offers comprehensive training programs, vocational courses, and community service initiatives, providing invaluable opportunities for personal and professional growth. By bridging the gap between education and practical experience, Kahwetna equips the youth with the tools they need to succeed.
One of Kahwetna’s key offerings is its educational classes, which cover subjects such as English and Arabic. These classes serve a dual purpose: combating illiteracy within the community and enhancing the employability skills of the participants. By empowering the youth with language proficiency, Kahwetna opens doors to new opportunities and broadens their horizons.
In its pursuit of conflict transformation, and with MARCH’s trainings on negotiation and mediation, the hub encourages peaceful resolutions and bridges the gaps between conflicting parties. Notably, the Youth Leader Program at Kahwetna works closely with ex-fighters and ex-convicts, nurturing their leadership skills and inspiring others to join the program. By embracing those who were once on opposing sides, Kahwetna exemplifies the power of forgiveness and second chances.
Moreover, Kahwetna emphasizes community service as a means of fostering responsibility and reconciliation. These activities, which are open to both genders, create a sense of unity and shared purpose among the youth. From distributing food parcels to visiting orphanages, the community service initiatives expand MARCH’s reconciliation efforts and encourage the participants to give back to their communities. Together, they are breaking down the barriers that once separated them.
The vocational trainings at Kahwetna are truly transformative. The Kan Ya Makan community hub brings former enemies together, working hand in hand to acquire skills in woodworking, wood painting, sewing, fashion design, and embroidery. Through innovation and creation, these young individuals unleash their creativity and unlock their potential. Additionally, the hub’s kitchen focuses on developing the youth’s culinary talents, enabling them to secure employment or even establish their own small businesses.
One of the standout vocational programs at Kahwetna is the Dental Assistance program. Young women and men participate in this program, gaining theoretical and practical knowledge to become dental assistants. Under the guidance of a certified dentist, the dental clinic at Kahwetna now serves the community and their families, with plans to expand its affordable services to more people in the region. By providing essential healthcare services, the hub not only improves oral health but also strengthens the bonds between community members.
More than a coffee shop, Kahwetna is a world where art breaks barriers, where creativity thrives, and where differences are celebrated. Within the hub’s vibrant walls, young individuals come together to develop their personal and professional potential. Thanks to the remarkable efforts of MARCH, rehabilitation and reconciliation thrive, enabling both men and women to become the architects of change.
