Even though India is the world's seventh-largest country and has a rapidly developing economy, two-thirds of its population lives in poverty: The Indian subcontinent is one of the poorest countries in the world, with women and children bearing the brunt of the suffering. As we know, education is a key element in eradicating poverty. Lack of literacy can have serious implications for employability. Conversely it can also be a major hurdle for applying for public welfare. The lack of basic literacy can influence someone’s resilience to setbacks, stress, feeling of well-being and the extent to which they feel in control of their lives. Although the unemployment rate in India has fallen recently, there still remains a huge percentage of unemployed individuals which still is a matter of concern for the nation’s growth and development.

Now let us take a look at unemployment in India with data for uneducated children and also special children.

According to the 2011 Census, the number of out-of-school children in the 5-17 age group was 8.4 crore. On the basis of the 71st round of the National Sample Survey (NSS) carried out in 2014, the 6-18 age group was taken in account. According to the estimate, out-of-school children in this age group were more than 4.5 crore in the country, which is 16.1% of the children in this age group. Among many, to name some of the few challenges faced by underprivileged are—social discrimination, housing, malnutrition, hygiene and others.

Rescue and Relief envisions a self-sustainable future for the beneficiaries and the organization. A new initiative is being taken by us, with the help of our generous supporters, to build an ecosystem, where the beneficiaries are given job opportunities so that not only can they become self-sufficient, but also provide for the incoming beneficiaries--Eastern India’s first non-profit Café, ‘OPPORTUNITY CAFÉ’. The idea blossomed keeping in mind the current scenario and the future of our special children and children of our Homes, who still lack formal schooling. We believe in giving and utilizing opportunities, for opportunity is a pathway to success.

We believe in giving and utilizing opportunities, for opportunity is a pathway to success.

Our main aim is to create an opportunity for our beneficiaries to showcase and utilize their talent and have a shot at being self-sufficient. This whole initiative has a bigger goal which concerns the well-being of our beneficiaries, and also the deprived mass of the society. Providing opportunities and help to the needy, helpless people, giving voice to the voiceless ones, in order to uplift their condition in the society as well as to make the organization Self-sustaining to reach and help more people.

Why a Café and not any other mode of employment?

A café is easy to run and it is a low skilled job.

Easier to train and adapt.

Physically less hectic and allows for a more social environment.

Why not other food joints?

Less complex process for them.

More possibilities of Standardization.

Lesser work hours as the item preparation is less time-consuming, and quicker, compared to other food items of other food joints.

A display Unit will be set up, displaying and showcasing the various crafts and handmade items made by our children from different Projects. It would provide an opportunity for the children of our Homes to showcase and utilize their talent, and also for the customers coming in to view as well as purchase giving our children the opportunity to earn for themselves. As the café would also function as a working space (co-works), the budding entrepreneurs also get the chance to have a working space while enjoying their much-needed morning coffee and breakfast, at a café-like environment. Altogether, you will be helping or providing someone an opportunity while leisurely having your breakfast, or enjoying a company, or while attending to your office tasks!

The Café does not have any business motive but it definitely has a profit motive, as all the profit would be used in the welfare of the beneficiaries of the organization, further enhancing their livelihoods.