It was a bright morning in March when Anuj, an alumnus, returned to the KATHA School of Entrepreneurship (KSE), one of our offshoots that trains youth in certified vocational and entrepreneurial skills like baking and IT and provides employment opportunities.
Now working at Theos Patisserie & Chocolatier, a popular bakery in Noida, he stood at the helm of the class where his journey had first begun.
Anuj knew what it felt like to stand where the students did, mind racing with countless questions, doubts and dreams. Now, back as a mentor for a workshop, he would leave the kids with much more than just the knowledge of how to prepare lemon cookies.
It was an unexpected recipe, bright and full of zest, much like the eager-eyed students gathered around the counter. They had never thought lemons and cookies could belong together. Anuj guided them through each step – zesting lemons, mixing ingredients, and finally baking them. The kitchen came alive with joy and anticipation.
That wasn’t all. Through this workshop, the students saw a glimpse of themselves in the accomplished baker standing in front of them, guiding them. This very man had once been in their shoes, learning the same craft, with the same dreams and doubts. In him, they saw a world of possibilities for their own futures, sparking a bright flame within them and reminding these youths that their stories too could rise like the cookies in the oven.
This is what KATHA built KSE for: to uplift individuals and to encourage them to return, to give and share, and to build up their communities. This is how we empower them to become the story they wish to see in the world.
As the lemon cookies came out of the oven, bright yellow and warm, the students carefully sprinkled sugar over them. The sweetness melted into the zesty cookies, just as their dreams rose from within – brighter, bolder, and more alive than ever.
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