Theory, practice & language
Classroom theory and hands-on practice led by Amal's chef trainers, complemented by weekly English classes with our partners at the Center for Language and Culture.
The training program
A free 10-month path to a craft.
Amal offers a unique training program for women to learn the ropes of cooking in a professional setting. Our trainees learn by doing, under the guidance of experienced chefs, to earn a valuable skill-set that helps them secure their first job in the local food sector.
10 monthsfully free
85%
completion
Of every cohort who begins the program finishes it, supported all the way.
52%
rural
More than half of our trainees travel in from Morocco's rural areas.
100%
self-reliant
Every trainee comes to us without any financial support from a spouse.
82%
employed
Of our 24th cohort, who graduated in July 2025, were working within weeks.
In their words
A book of their stories
Turn the pages to meet a few of the women behind every plate.
Stories from
our kitchens
our kitchens
The women of Amal
click to open →
A note
Every plate began with a woman who dared to begin again.
Turn the page to meet two of them.
Maria
Graduate · 24th cohort
“When I applied, my only goal was a diploma, so I’d never be exploited by an employer.”
After her father — the man she called her backbone — passed away, Maria lost hope, until she found Amal. She travels in from the village of Oulad Hassoun, up at 5 a.m. to reach the centre by 8:30, and lights up the whole group. Self-taught in English from films and music, she is thriving against all odds.
1
Sanae
Graduate · 24th cohort
Finding her voice, and her direction.
Sanae joined Amal searching for a new direction. Through the training she is discovering her own voice and the belief that she can shape the life she wants.
2
Thank you
Every page here is a life rewritten.
And the next one could begin with you.
Use the arrows, or click the right page to turn it.
Scroll the pages to read each story.
How it works
Welcome, train, and place.
Our program offers women a life plan, not just a course. We receive up to 100 applications for every cohort of 15 trainees.
Welcome & foundation
We open our doors to women with no diploma or experience required, and begin with a five-week classroom foundation in cooking, hygiene and confidence. You deserve to be here.
Train, hands-on
Ten months of real kitchen and front-of-house experience inside our working restaurants, Moroccan cuisine, pastry, service and the confidence to lead a station.
Graduate & place
Around nine in 10 graduates step into employment across Morocco's hotels, restaurants and kitchens, earning a steady, dignified income.
We walk the whole way with her
Training is only part of it. Every trainee receives wraparound support, a monthly stipend, daily meals, transport, health insurance, childcare support, weekly language classes and one-to-one life coaching. It is why 85% of women complete the program.
What she learns
Built on three pillars
Free and fully supported, the program is designed around everything an underserved woman needs to build a real career in food.
Hands-on culinary training
Real experience across three professional kitchens, lunch service, catering and the café, masterclasses with guest chefs, and a three-month internship at a leading Marrakech hotel or restaurant.
Life skills
Group coaching, team-building, cultural exchanges and food outings, the confidence and people skills the hospitality industry runs on.
Be part of it
Put a woman through training.
Just $50 covers a full week of one woman's training, the classes, the meals and the mentoring behind every graduate.
Preview · mock film
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