Abandoned children facing multiple disabilities such as cerebral palsy and autism now help to run a cafe and assist the staff in taking orders from customers in Lucknow city.
In a unique initiative taken by Drishti Samajik Sansthan — home to over 200 abandoned children facing multiple challenges — the NGO has trained kids with mild and moderate disorders in the skills required for helping the staff at ‘D Café’.
The cafe located at Jankipuram extension, near Bhawani crossing in Lucknow, was inaugurated by Rita Bahuguna Joshi, the women and child welfare minister on Friday, January 25.
Institute director Atharva Bahadur said the initiative was a dream of his mother Neeta Bahadur, who founded Drishti about 30 years ago. “It is a charitable venture of Drishti. All proceeds will go to the welfare of the multiple challenged children who live here,” he added. Shalu Singh, the joint director, said customers will be served various snacks, beverages and ice creams by the multiply challenged children.
A team of 12 multiple challenged children is being trained in the first phase, followed by many more later.
Among those gearing up for this challenge are Anjali, 14, and Pooja,15 — both suffering from mental retardation. Another special child, Poonam, 12, is undergoing training in taking orders and serving customers.
