Rasha
As Co-Founder and Board Member of The Zainab Project CIC, my journey is deeply personal. The idea for the project grew from conversations between me and my colleague Sarah—combining her long-held dream of creating a welcoming café space with my lived experience as an asylum seeker in the UK. Arriving with qualifications equivalent to a UK university degree and professional experience from my home country, I found it incredibly disappointing and disheartening not to be able to work. Without guidance on volunteering or support to rebuild my CV, my path back into meaningful employment was delayed.
That experience shaped my passion: I want asylum seekers and refugees to feel empowered, confident, knowledgeable, and able to stand proudly on their own feet. I want them to find in Norwich not just safety, but a true home—a place where they can contribute, work, support economic growth, and give back to the country that offers them protection. Through The Zainab Project, we aim to support asylum seekers and refugees on their pathway to employment by providing recognised qualifications, practical knowledge, hands-on skills, and dedicated mentoring throughout their journey. We want to equip people not only with training, but with the confidence and guidance needed to rebuild their careers and futures.
I strongly believe that food is a universal language; it brings people together beyond cultural and language barriers and supports mental wellbeing. The project is also inspired by my mother-in-law, who back home supported others through education, shelter, and financial help. In her honour, Sarah and I chose the name “Zainab,” meaning generosity, to continue her legacy of compassion in a new country that my family and I now proudly call home for more than thirteen years .
Sarah
Together with my great friend and work colleague Rasha, I helped co-found The Zainab Project, because we wanted refugees and asylum seekers to feel empowered in their own journeys and equipped with the skills they need to build a life in the UK. The idea grew from my realisation that cooking has a unique power to bring people together across cultures, breaking down barriers and creating community. From the beginning, our vision was to create something that didn’t just support people but was ultimately led by those with lived experience themselves. The Zainab Project is our way of building a legacy rooted in dignity, shared learning, and the belief that everyone deserves the chance to thrive.
Elf
I came to the UK as an asylum seeker, bringing resilience, determination, and a lifelong passion for food. Inspired by my mother, Zainab, whose generosity and support helped many people through education and employment, I carry her values into everything I do. I was thrilled when the co-founders chose my mother’s name for the project, inspired by the way she welcomed, supported, and empowered others. I joined the Zainab Project Cic as a Board Member when it was established in 2022, continuing my mum legacy of care, encouragement, and opportunity. Today, I create high-quality food that brings people together and strengthen community here in the UK.
Sumeyhat
I have been living in Norwich for over five years. During this time, I have volunteered with different organizations and have been volunteering with Zainab since it was established. I joined the board three years ago and have been actively involved in supporting and developing our activities. My skills and hobbies, particularly crafting and cooking, have enabled me to take responsibility for organizing activities such as crafts and knitting sessions. I also assist with cooking and food preparation during our events. Volunteering is very important to me, and I am passionate about bringing people together, sharing skills, and creating a warm and welcoming environment for everyone.
Jenny
I feel privileged and excited to be able to join the Zainab Project as a Volunteer Director. My background is as a nurse in Inclusion Health and I am passionate about supporting people to improve their health and to build the skills and confidence that promotes both wellbeing and aids integration. The Zainab Project not only creates fabulous food but also supports and celebrates different cultures, backgrounds, and the real enrichment this provides to our communities.
Francis
I joined the Zainab board of directors in the summer of 2025. I have 20 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. I am here to support the project in creating ties to hospitality employers and to provide insight into creating a sustainable food business.
Duygu
I am honoured to join the Zainab Project as a Volunteer Director, where I will be exploring how community-based initiatives can support refugees and asylum seekers in developing and evidencing skills, while also building employer networks that improve access to employment. I am excited to be part of a team that places equity at the heart of refugee employment.