FROM HERITAGE TO HOPE

Aim

Help Us Create Jobs for Women in Maʿlūlā and Preserve a Unique Levantine Heritage

My name is Manal Shalhoub.

Although I live in Britain today, my family's roots are in the ancient mountain town of Malula, where generations of women have preserved traditional food-making skills that have been passed from mother to daughter for centuries.

Growing up, I watched my mother, my aunts and the women of Malula prepare natural dairy products, preserve seasonal foods and share recipes that had become part of our family's identity. These traditions were more than recipes—they were expressions of love, resilience and community.

Today, many of these talented women possess extraordinary knowledge, yet few opportunities to earn a sustainable income from the skills they have spent a lifetime perfecting.

I founded Malula CIC because I believe these traditions deserve a future, and the women who preserve them deserve opportunity.

Together, we are transforming generations of knowledge into sustainable employment, preserving heritage while building hope for the next generation.

Our Mission

At Malula CIC, we believe that traditional knowledge should create modern opportunity.

Every product we produce helps create meaningful employment for women, strengthens families, preserves cultural heritage and supports the long-term resilience of our community.

We are creating a sustainable social enterprise where traditional skills become sustainable livelihoods, ensuring that both people and heritage continue to thrive together.

We are building more than a food business.

We are building opportunity.

Our Impact

👩 Women's Employment

Creating sustainable jobs and economic independence for women through traditional food production, enabling families to build stronger and more secure futures.

🥣 Traditional Foods

Preserving authentic recipes, natural dairy products and culinary knowledge that have been handed down through generations.

🌱 Sustainability

Investing in renewable energy and environmentally responsible production methods to build a resilient and sustainable future.

❤️ Community

Strengthening families, supporting local livelihoods and ensuring that traditional knowledge continues to inspire future generations.

Project Progress

Our vision is already becoming reality.

✔ Malula CIC officially registered as a UK Community Interest Company.

✔ Experienced Production Lead appointed.

✔ A 500m² production facility secured in the centre of Malula with a five-year lease commencing 1 July 2026.

✔ Eight women recruited to form our founding production team.

✔ Equipment procurement underway.

✔ Solar energy system planning underway.

⏳ Production launch planned for August 2026, ahead of the annual Cross Festival celebrations.

Join Our Journey

Every donation, every partnership and every purchase helps transform generations of traditional knowledge into sustainable employment.

Together, we can create opportunity, preserve heritage and build hope for generations to come.

Help Build the Future

Malula CIC A UK Community Interest Company Company Registration No. 17301243

Our Promise

We don't preserve traditions by remembering them. We preserve them by creating a future for the people who keep them alive.

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 26th July 2026 at 7:02pm