Making our way together
through creativity and the arts
The story behind Sabbara
Sabbara was founded in 2011 by Manya Elendari.
After hearing first hand accounts by hundreds of Syrian women affected by the war, there was an urgent call for help. Our social enterprise empowers Syrian women through economic employment and psychological support. We do this through drama therapy workshops, training & skills development, and we create employment through our knitting clubs and the sales of our embroidered handcrafts.
On top of this, we are on a mission to preserve and share our rich Syrian culture with you. From our traditional weaving methods, to our delicious foods, through to our artistic partnerships - for the displaced, it is vital to carry our history and traditions with us in our hearts.
Interested in helping? Contact us today
Sabbara (صبّارة) means ‘cactus’ in Arabic, and represents a strong, resilient, and patient woman.
Like cactuses, Syrian women have learned to survive where nothing else can.
How we work
We are committed to supporting groups led by women and those that place vulnerable women at the center of their work. By partnering with local organizations and people from the communities where they work, we are able to deliver high-impact solutions to improve the quality of life of these women.
A Community
Working in groups, we are able to provide women with a safe environment where they can develop trusting, long-term relationships and feel once again part of a community.
Elevating voices through art
Our mission is to build an inclusive platform for underrepresented and marginalized women, to explore and share their experiences of survival and resilience through arts, culture and collaborative learning.
Economically Grow
We envision a world where women thrive and not only survive. Most of the women who work with us are mothers, sisters or daughters who have been displaced by war. And when these women take part in Sabbara’s projects, they are able to free themselves financially, provide for their families and achieve independence.
Economic empowerment
Our social enterprise provides each artisan with fair wages, education, therapy, and hope for a new life - one of economic freedom and independence.
Get involved
Make a donation today and help provide shelter, food, yarn, therapy and employment for vulnerable Syrian women.
Support our craft: your purchase gives hope, dignity & freedom to underrepresented and marginalized Syrian women.