Domestic Life: Malaka

“My name is Malaka, and I am from Khanasor in Shingal, and I am 32 years old. I made cakes before ISIS took over our village, and after we fled I wasn't able to work because I had to look after a sick family member for three years. I also had no money to get a business going again after we fled. The Lotus Flower then provided funds to kickstart the Baking Sisters business, a bakery near the entrance of Rwanga (Qadiya) camp, where I live. Now I am able to spend the money I earn on my family and that is very good. I didn't know I would open a bakery, I thought baking would just be a part of my domestic life. I made cakes at home and sold them to people, though, until we had to flee.

In the meantime, I saved money with the hope of opening my own bakery. The first three years of displacement, I couldn't do it, but now I finally have. It's wonderful. You know why? Because I am able to provide for my daughter, who was born in the first year of displacement - I wasn't able to do that before it. I buy whatever she needs. I don't bring my daughter here right now, due to Covid-19, but before the virus, she was here with me every day.”