The kitchen of CIAM CANCUN shelter is filled with the smells of white maize Pozole, fried tortilla chips, fresh cut radishes and onions organically grown in our gardens, and tamales the program's clients prepare a traditional feast during their "Cooking with our Cheff" class.

"Cooking with our Cheff" is the program created by UNIVERSIDAD DEL CARIBE, who started the classes four years ago to teach clients how to cook, plan nutritional meals, learn food hygiene and shop on a budget. It's also a way for the women to increase their independence and build self-esteem.

"Cooking with our Chef " features all kinds of food, but often the classes are organized around a seasonal theme. The women cooked a Mexican feast on 5 the Mayo, made pumpkin pie on Dia de Muertos (Halloween), and prepared chaya fresh water using herb from the organic garden built by Maria José. In December, they will bake up a storm for their annual Christmas party. No matter what the women are cooking, they clearly get a lot out of the program.

Luciana talks while she cleans the stove. "When I arrived at CIAM shelter they gave me a skills Test I answered I was no good at anything. My husband told me for 15 years that I was a useless peace of trash. He hardly gave me money for food so I cooked simple things that he usually throwed in my face. Now thanks to these classes I discovered I'm a very good cook, when I get out I will open a small Fonda with a friend I met here in the shelter". The best part for my children is eating, they really enjoy it and tell me: Mommy you are the best cook in the world!. Once you have been abused with lack of food as a form of violence, you learn the importance of good nutrition. Hunger is a bad thing.” Says Luciana.  

 

Family is a big topic of conversation as the women cook. They talk about favorite dishes, about family recipes, and about the different foods that are important to their cultures. In the process of exchanging stories and recipes, the women learn more about each other and share their knowledge.
Celina from Universidad del Caribe explains the program as an important way for women to learn basic skills, as well as a complement to the counseling and therapy that they receive. They also learn to recycle food, use the compost and work in the vegetable garden as a part the LOVE MOTHER EARTH program.

That sense of connection, and of accomplishment, has helped some women at CIAM Cancun Sometimes, when a woman starts the cooking class, she is withdrawn. Gradually, as she gives input about a menu, makes a dish on her own, shares meals with the other women in the class, she comes out of her shell a bit. They learn how to live in a new environment free of violence with different people. The kitchen is a good place to plan birthday parties, Christmas dinners, farewell parties and the “Dinner from us to you”, when clients cook a great meal with the Chef for all the CIAM team. Where dancing and singing with our Karaoke is part of the joy of a life free of violence.