Shafallah’s group trip to Nando's restaurant.
Doha, Qatar: Nando’s Qatar recently hosted a number of participants from the Shafallah Centre for Persons with Disabilities, one of the centres operating under the umbrella of the Qatar Social Work Foundation, at the Nando’s restaurant in Tawar Mall.
The visit was part of an interactive cooking experience designed to promote inclusion, build confidence, and strengthen community connections.
Across two dedicated sessions, Shafallah Centre participants took part in a guided activity titled ‘Build Your Own Burger,’ supervised by the Nando’s team.
The experience encouraged creativity, teamwork, and independence within a safe and supportive environment, allowing participants to develop new skills while enjoying the warm and welcoming hospitality that Nando’s is known for.
The event went beyond the kitchen, creating meaningful human connections between the participants and team members, highlighting the importance of inclusion and shared experiences within the communities where Nando’s operates. Each participant also received a certificate of participation and symbolic gifts to commemorate the occasion.
The initiative also provided Nando’s team members with the opportunity to engage directly and purposefully with the Shafallah participants, reinforcing the values of social inclusion and collaborative spirit.
By creating an environment where every participant felt supported and appreciated, the event demonstrated how simple, yet thoughtful initiatives can create a lasting positive impact.
Parents, specialists, and representatives from the Shafallah Centre expressed their appreciation for the experience, noting the confidence and joy it brought to the participants.
This partnership highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector and community institutions in creating inclusive opportunities that empower youth and strengthen social integration.
This initiative reflects Nando’s ongoing commitment to supporting and engaging with local communities through meaningful experiences that place people at the heart of its priorities.
On this occasion, Venkatesh Jaiswal, Chief Operating Officer of Nando’s Qatar, stated: “At Nando’s, we believe our responsibility goes beyond serving great food. It’s about showing up for our community and creating experiences where everyone feels welcome. Our partnership with the Shafallah Centre reflects who we are - a people-first brand that cares.”
Tabrez Paloji, Head of People at Nando’s Qatar, added: “Inclusivity is not a campaign for us - it’s part of our culture. When we open our doors to experiences like this, we’re not just hosting an activity, we’re creating confidence, dignity, and real human connection. Initiatives like these are part of our ‘Changing People’s Lives’ promise - and that includes the lives of our guests and our own Nandocas.”
