“The children at The HOME Project have the opportunity to discover who they can become”.
Nael, Cook at The HOME Project
“The children’s favorite food is souvlaki and pizza”, Nael says with a laugh, recalling the sparkle in their eyes whenever those dishes appear on the table. For him, cooking goes beyond simply preparing meals, it’s a way to connect, to nurture, and to build a sense of family.
He has been part of The HOME Project since 2019, and over the years he has brought flavor and warmth to three different shelters. “I work here because I feel a strong connection to the kids. I come from a similar background and I can relate to them. Cooking is my way of helping, of giving back through what I love most”.
Before coming to Greece, Nael owned a restaurant in Syria. Those years, marked by both creativity and hardship, shaped his philosophy on food. Having once known what it means to go hungry, he now pours that experience into crafting nourishing meals that provide comfort and bring joy. In Nael’s kitchen, food becomes a language — one of love, memory, and shared discovery. “The children often join in. I teach them, and they teach me”, he admits. “One child helps peel and wash the potatoes, another picks what vegetables we should use, others sprinkle spices from their own cultures. We blend flavors from Pakistan, Somalia, the Middle East, and of course Greece. In the end, every dish tells a story, not just of each child’s heritage, but of the community we have created together”.
These moments are about much more than cooking. They are about belonging. Each meal becomes a small act of empowerment, helping children reconnect with their cultures, their roots, and their sense of self. “This house is not just a shelter”, Nael emphasizes. “It’s a family, a true blessing for the children and for us, filled with heart and love”.
Outside the kitchen, Nael continues to build strong bonds with the children through taking them to the park, playing sports, and helping them develop essential life skills. “We speak in Arabic, in Greek, in English”, he states. “We don’t see language as a barrier. Even little gestures like handing over an ingredient, giving a high-five after a finished dish, or sharing a smile bring us closer”.
Every day, Nael finds hope in the children’s curiosity and resilience. And when he is with them, his thoughts often drift to his own daughter. For him, the shelter is ultimately a space of safety and possibility, enabling new beginnings. “The children at The HOME Project have the opportunity to discover who they can become”, he says. “And being part of that journey is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life”.