Takaya Support

The community kitchens (Takaya) programs of the Sudan Platform for Agriculture and Food Security provide emergency food support to displaced families, vulnerable communities, and individuals affected by war and economic hardship across Sudan. These community-led initiatives operate through local volunteers who prepare and distribute daily meals in areas facing severe food insecurity. Beyond immediate hunger relief, the Takaya programs serve as centers of solidarity and social support, bringing communities together during times of crisis. SPAFS works closely with local initiatives and volunteers to supply food materials, logistical support, and sustainable assistance to help these kitchens continue serving those most in need.The community kitchens (Takaya) programs of the Sudan Platform for Agriculture and Food Security provide emergency food support to displaced families, vulnerable communities, and individuals affected by war and economic hardship across Sudan. These community-led initiatives operate through local volunteers who prepare and distribute daily meals in areas facing severe food insecurity. Beyond immediate hunger relief, the Takaya programs serve as centers of solidarity and social support, bringing communities together during times of crisis. SPAFS works closely with local initiatives and volunteers to supply food materials, logistical support, and sustainable assistance to help these kitchens continue serving those most in need.

Husna Hassan Hussein

Founder, Takiya Husna Initiative (Kassala)

Husna Hassan Hussein is a Sudanese humanitarian activist with over 20 years of experience in community and civil society work. Based in Kassala, she has been actively engaged in supporting vulnerable groups through various social and humanitarian initiatives.

She graduated from the University of Khartoum, Faculty of Arts, Department of Arabic Language, in 1996. She began her career working with the Inmate Care Organization at Kassala Prison and Rehabilitation Center (1999–2010), and later contributed to the Hope Association for Vitiligo and Psoriasis Patients in Khartoum (2003–2019) and Kassala (2019–2023). She has also completed professional training in civil society leadership, networking, and advocacy through programs supported by Al-Muntada Organization and Plan Sudan.

With the outbreak of the war, she founded the Takiya Husna Initiative in October 2024, starting with a large-scale food distribution for displaced families. Since then, the initiative has implemented more than 50 activities, including meal distribution, child nutrition programs, clothing support, emergency water provision, and assistance to displaced communities across Kassala.

The initiative operates through a dedicated volunteer network, including Mohamed Saleh, Issam Dirar, Israa Al-Haj, Arafat Saeed Mahmoud, Zohour Mohamed Ali, Mawahib Omar, Hiba Adam, Nahid Ali Al-Amin, Hala Hassan, and the late Asia Ishaq, reflecting strong community solidarity and collective humanitarian action.

Samah Mohamed Ali Mohamed Breima

Founder, Ayadi Al-Khair Initiative

Samah Mohamed Ali Mohamed Breima (born 1992) is a Sudanese humanitarian volunteer and community organizer, and a graduate of Omdurman Islamic University with a degree in Media and Public Relations. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism, actively supporting those in need within her school and local community.

At the outbreak of the war in Sudan, Samah launched the Ayadi Al-Khair Initiative, starting with a simple yet powerful idea: encouraging neighbors to share available food, cook collectively, and support one another during a time when markets were closed and resources were scarce. As conditions worsened and entire communities became vulnerable, the initiative evolved into an organized effort supported by local donations and volunteer networks.

Through the initiative, Samah and her team have provided essential humanitarian assistance, including community kitchen meals (takaya), Ramadan iftar programs, “Sa’im food baskets,” school meal support, and dedicated nutrition programs for children. The initiative has served internally displaced persons (IDPs) and conflict-affected populations from across the Kordofan region, including areas such as Al-Khuwei, Al-Nuhud, Kazgeil, Al-Dibibat, and Al-Hammadi.

The Ayadi Al-Khair Initiative is supported by the Sudan Platform for Agriculture and Food Security (SPAFS), which has played a vital role in sustaining and expanding its impact through continuous support, including meals and milk distribution for children, as well as broader assistance to displacement camps.

Samah’s work represents a powerful example of grassroots humanitarian action, resilience, and community solidarity in times of crisis.

February 14, 2025

Distribution of a meal of rice with yogurt to displaced children in Kassala city.

Husna Initiative Kassala

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