Mujeres en Cambio

By Beverly Landfair

young women are selected for scholarships

"Mujeres en Cambio" or Women In Change hosted a delicious Moroccan luncheon held at Hacienda de la Flores, lush, Boutique Hotel on Calle Hospico. My friend, Kristine Scherber, invited me to attend this afternoon at 2 PM. Tickets for this event were 200 pesos = about $13.00 and all of the money is donated to Mujeres en Cambio.  I was delighted and surprised by the beautiful property and all of the wonderful women in attendance for this meaningful cause.  Let me explain.

Kay, Sheila, and Jayne

"Mujeres en Cambio was founded in 1995.  The group's primary aim is to educate impoverished young women who live in rural communities near San Miguel de Allende. Every year 150 young women are selected for scholarships with direct input from the teachers and principals of their rural schools. These scholarships allow women to study in middle school, high school and university.  The hurdles for these girls are many and Mujeres en Cambio aims to ease these challenges in order for them to stay in school.

"Education will not only improve their quality of life but also that of their future families."

Hacienda de la Flores

Which brings me back to the fabulous lunch that was served to us under the direction of Victoria Challancin, who owns "Flavors of the Sun Cooking School" and also conducts tours to Morocco.  Some of the women at our table today had gone on this tour to Morocco and raved about it.  I had not had the pleasure of tasting much Moroccan Cooking before today.  What a treat I had in store:  

• Chicken Tangine with Caramelized Tomatoes, 
• Carrot Salad with Almonds and Raisins, 
• Moroccan Zucchini Salad, 
• Beet Salad, 
• Moroccan Cooked Tomato and Green Pepper Salad and 
• finally Moroccan Cookies and Coffee! 
• Moroccan Chickpea Salad with Cumin and Garlic

It was a beautiful array and a delicious plate full of scrumptious food.

Hacienda de la Flores

The best part is that every single aspect of this luncheon was donated from the food and preparation to the generous contribution of Hacienda de la Flores to every one who worked hard to make this luncheon possible.

Hacienda de la Flores

I am looking forward to next month's meeting!  Another bonus today; Victoria (Vicky) included all of her recipes in a booklet for all attendees. Let me know if you are interested in any of the above recipe's.