Youths with Down’s syndrome, autism get training in cooking by Mumbai NGO

Its called Culinaris Cookery Course, and its a first-of-its-kind certified diploma course in food and beverage production for people with developmental disabilities in Mumbai.

First of its kind culinary training for youth with developmental disabilities in Mumbai

The course has been started by an NGO called Veruschka Foundation and the classes are being held at the St Andrews College in Bandra. The kitchen has nine special adults accompanied by their parents.

Tatyana Dias, who is the co-founder of NGO, says the course is being offered free of cost. The idea is to provide them with skills that will help them live independently.

The NGO is named after Dias’ sister who was autistic, and passed away at the age of 16. The family had struggled to find a place that could meet her needs while she was live. With the help of Father Magi Murzello, rector at St Andrews College, she was able to start this initiative.

Hotels like Taj Lands End, Executive Enclave, and ITC have shown an interest in placing them after training.