A cafe with a mission to transform employment opportunities for young people with learning disabilities opened last week (10 July 2025) in West Ealing with a celebratory graduation for its first cohort of trainees.
Mahaba Cafe, located on the Green Man Estate, welcomed ten young graduates who had completed a tailored work experience and training programme in hospitality and retail. Each participant followed an individualised plan co-developed with their colleges, equipping them with both confidence and practical skills for the workplace.
The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries including the Representative Deputy Lieutenant for the London Borough of Ealing, Richard Kornicki CBE DL, Deputy Mayor Councillor Faduma Mohamed and Councillor Polly Knewstub Ealing Council cabinet member for healthy equal lives, alongside representatives from housing association A2Dominion and other community supporters.
Mahaba founder Muriel Morgan Walckiers said: “I am so proud of our graduates. Their determination and growth have been incredible to watch. I am especially pleased to share that one of them, Jamal, has already secured a job. We are now focused on supporting all our learners into work.”
Mr Kornicki, who has supported the initiative from its early stages, said: “The self-assurance and skills they have learnt here have given them the capacity to go out into the world of work and play their part. But Mahaba Cafe is not just about coffee, it’s about how we work together, supporting each other.”
Only 2.2% of adults with learning disabilities in Ealing are in employment, according to NHS England. Mahaba Café hopes to change that by building stronger bridges between training, community and business.
Open weekdays from 8am to 4pm, the café also serves as a community hub and has already earned several nominations at the 2025 Young Ealing Foundation Awards.
