NGO helps youth brave the odds to live their dreams

In 1991, four-year-old Savrina Khan lost her father. A year later, she was orphaned following the death of mother. With no other choice left, she resorted to begging to make ends meet.

Khan's parents, Shahid Khan and Basiran, had migrated from Assam to Delhi. Her father toiled as a rag-picker, while her mother worked as a domestic help.

"I don't remember how my father died," says the now 22-year-old woman, who works as a chef at Tres Restaurant and Bar.

Savrina's journey—from a rag picker to a chef—wasn't easy. However, she says there were people who helped support her dreams along the way.

At the age of 12, Khan came in contact with NGO Aman Biradari and then completed Class IX from the Delhi board.

Savrina's passion for food led to a meeting with another NGO. The organisation connected her to Creative Services Support Group (CSSG), a group that helps underprivileged youths have long-terms careers through provisional training programmes.

The CSSG team helped Savrina get training under professional chefs at Tres Restaurant and Bar.

"We believe every individual should be given equal opportunities regardless of their upbringing and situation," said CSSG Founder Anand Kapoor.

The organisation equips marginalised youths with skill-based training and job opportunities within their field of choice.

"Most NGOs support underprivileged children till the age of 18. We usually help them after they become an adult. We are in contact with several NGOs that help us identify deserving youth who have ambition and drive," Kapoor said.

The organisation works closely with NGOs Maitri, Rainbow Homes, and Aman Biradari, among others, to identify and support talented youth with a dream.

Kapoor said they initially did not receive applications for the training programmes from girls, following which they organised a gender sensitivity event called "And still I rise". They invited letters from marginalised girls.

"We received more than 200 letters from girls detailing their dreams, aspirations and hopes for the future. We selected 40 girls and trained them to become chefs," he said, adding that a few of the girls have already started working in the hotels and restaurants they were trained in. Some of the girls have even started working on their own ventures.

The organisation, which started in 2011, will take their programme to the next level this year, according to Kapoor.

"This time around, we will be replying to letters from inspirational female role models from every walk of life," he said.

The youth are provided training in creative fields, including art, designing, architecture, fashion, culinary art and theatre, among others, in collaboration with various restaurants, designers stores, and dancers, among others.

Eighteen-year-old Anjali Ajay is also living her dream.

Anjali's parents separated when she was 10, following which she started living with her mother.

"My mother committed suicide a few years ago. There was tension at home. I ran away and started living in an NGO," said Anjali, who is among the 40 girls who were trained as chefs by CSSG.

"I never expected to live my dreams. I am now a self-reliant woman," she said.

Similarly, 24-year-old Jawed Khan, was also trained by CSSG and is now working with Hotel L'Opera as a chef. So far, the organisation has given 700 underprivileged youths—both boys and girls— a new lease of life.