Morocco/Al Haouz: “Le Café 38 Concept,” an example of the INDH’s ongoing commitment to women’s economic empowerment

Ourika Municipality (Al Haouz Province) - Located in the Ourika Valley, 38 km from Marrakech, “Café 38 Concept” is a striking example of the National Initiative for Human Development’s (INDH) ongoing commitment to women’s economic empowerment.

Founded in 2023, this café—whose style blends a bohemian vibe with Moroccan tradition—received 100,000 dirhams in support from the INDH as part of its “Income Improvement and Economic Inclusion for Youth” program.

In just three years, this café has become the go-to spot for any visitor looking to enjoy the combination of Moroccan cuisine, nature, local products, culture, and traditional craftsmanship.

Specializing in traditional Moroccan cuisine par excellence, Café 38 Concept not only introduces tourists to the flavors of Moroccan dishes but also offers Moroccan cooking workshops that allow them to discover the ingredients, techniques, and methods of Moroccan cuisine.

Guests are also invited to learn about the preparation and serving of Moroccan tea—an iconic symbol of hospitality and conviviality in the Kingdom—while pottery and traditional crafts workshops are organized for guests, giving them the opportunity to observe, discover, and participate in local craftsmanship.

Furthermore, the project highlights aromatic herbs, vegetables, and local produce to connect visitors with the origins of the ingredients they find on their plates.

"“This project is a platform dedicated to highlighting Moroccan hospitality and culture, blending traditional cuisine, culture, and heritage,” the project’s leader, Hana Lahrougui, told MAP, noting that the main objective is to offer guests an unforgettable culinary experience.

Through cooking classes, organized regularly by the staff, visitors can prepare their own dishes while adding their personal touch, ensuring a memorable and meaningful culinary adventure, she added, highlighting the simplicity and authenticity of the local residents who contribute to the success of this experience.

In addition to these cooking classes, pottery workshops are regularly organized, offering visitors the opportunity to discover the region’s unique characteristics, as well as its traditional arts and crafts, she noted, adding that tours are regularly organized to local cooperatives and the Berber house.

“Morocco is a country that must be experienced, not just visited,” noted Ms. Lahrougui, who was keen to acknowledge the support provided by the INDH—both financial and moral—which she described as a springboard and the start of a promising and stimulating adventure that has brought the town of Ourika into the spotlight.

Since its launch in 2005 by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the INDH has benefited millions of Moroccans, enabling them to better realize their potential. This initiative has evolved since its inception to contribute to the Kingdom’s socioeconomic progress.

Phase III of the INDH, launched in September 2018, was designed to build on its achievements and refocus its programs, particularly on human capital development and improving the circumstances of future generations.

This phase focuses on several key areas, namely “addressing deficits in infrastructure and basic social services,” “supporting people in precarious situations,” “improving the income and economic inclusion of young people,” and “fostering the human capital of future generations.”

Source: mapexpress