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In 2024, Worldchefs’ Feed the Planet initiative proudly expanded its Like a Chef program to Argentina, marking a significant milestone in the initiative’s development. This global culinary training program, created in collaboration with the Electrolux Food Foundation and AIESEC, is designed to empower underprivileged communities with culinary skills and pathways to employment while promoting sustainable cooking.
Argentina’s first wave of Like a Chef concluded this February, honoring the achievements of 44 graduates. Among them, four participants took a bold step forward by launching their own food sales cooperative, while another secured a professional cooking position – clear indicators of the program’s transformative potential.
A Safe Space for Learning
Implementing Like a Chef in Argentina marked the first time that the project was aimed at the transvestite, trans, and non-binary (TTNB) community. Together, Carrefour Argentina, Electrolux Group and Mocha Celis, implemented this inclusive training program at Mocha Celis Popular Travesti-Trans High School.
Mocha Celis is an NGO that promotes social inclusion and civic participation among transvestite, transgender, lesbian, gay, bisexual, intersex, queer, and other gender-sex dissident communities through the design, organization, and implementation of various initiatives.
Electrolux and Carrefour partnered with Mocha Celis not only to conduct the classes, but also to provide the physical space—a fully renovated kitchen at the civil association’s headquarters, made possible through a donation from the Electrolux Food Foundation. All appliances were also generously donated by Electrolux Group in Argentina. Through this powerful collaboration, the Like a Chef program provided a place of belonging and possibility.
“This new kitchen is not just a physical space, but a symbol of inclusion and growth,” said Francisco Quiñones Cuartas, Director of the Mocha Celis school. “We thank Electrolux and Carrefour for their support and for believing in our mission.”
Thanks to generous donations, including over 700 kilograms of food from Carrefour, students gained hands-on experience, practicing zero waste techniques. The kitchen itself was purpose-built at the Mocha Celis headquarters, making it a lasting resource for future cohorts.
“Cooking has always been very important to La Mocha,” explained Quiñones. “Our idea is to also begin to develop projects here that can generate a network, a framework from the kitchen to improve the quality of life for the population.”
Real Skills, Real Impact
At its core, Like a Chef offers more than just cooking classes. It’s a life-changing opportunity to build careers. As Evelyn “Tuti” Ojeda, a graduate of Mocha Celis, shared:
“This course is very important because through knowledge, one can work or start their own business, which is essential today.”
The program puts sustainability at its core, as Ikal Luzón, program coordinator of Like a Chef Argentina, explains:
“One of the most effective ways to combat global warming is to fight food waste.”
Hear more from Ikal Luzón on World on a Plate:
What’s Next for 2025?
Building on the success of its debut year, Like a Chef Argentina is poised to expand its impact in 2025. Three waves of training are planned:
- Wave 1: Begins in May, with a graduation expected in July
- Wave 2: Scheduled for July
- Wave 3: Launching in October
As we look ahead, our mission remains clear: to create opportunities, foster inclusion, and advocate for sustainability through the universal language of food. Argentina’s journey is just getting started and with each new cohort, the table grows longer, more inclusive, and more hopeful.
Watch the 2025 graduation ceremony:
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To learn more about Feed the Planet, visit feedtheplanet.worldchefs.org.
