Culinary School
From the Streets of New Delhi to the Kitchen: How Butterflies is Serving Up Second Chances For children living on the streets of New Delhi, finding a single reliable meal each day is already a victory
For many street-connected youth, the idea of building a career — let alone a future — can feel impossibly out of reach.
That’s the reality Butterflies NGO set out to change. In 2009, they transformed their community kitchen into something far more powerful: a training ground for opportunity.
A Culinary Program Built on Purpose
The Butterflies School of Culinary & Catering (BSCC) was created to give young people more than just food. It equips them with the skills, confidence, and credentials needed to build sustainable livelihoods.
In fact, Butterflies NGO pioneered culinary training for underserved youth in India, launching the first program of its kind in the country more than 20 years ago. That’s not just an initiative — it’s a legacy.
The program serves adolescents aged 17 and older and runs for two years. During this time, students gain hands-on training in:
Nutrition and food safety
Food preparation and cooking techniques
Packaging and distribution
Marketing and customer service
Financial management
At the same time, students complete their high school education through the National Institute of Open Schooling, allowing them to graduate with both a diploma and career-ready culinary skills.
Real-World Experience in the Kitchen
Students at BSCC are exposed to a wide variety of cuisines and practical kitchen environments. Their training culminates in industrial placements and internships at prestigious hospitality institutions.
These are not simulated exercises — they are real-world experiences that open doors to employment and professional networks.
Chakhle Dili: Real Training, Real Clients
Training doesn’t stay inside the classroom.
Chakhle Dili, Butterflies’ catering service, prepares and delivers employee lunches to:
Local corporate offices
Government agencies
Nonprofit organizations in Delhi
The service also caters special events, giving apprentice chefs the opportunity to serve real clients under real conditions — an invaluable part of their professional development.
Stepping Up During the Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the BSCC team adapted quickly.
They began preparing packaged meals for sick individuals and residents of Butterflies’ Resilience Center. As Delhi slowly reopened, the government recruited the BSCC team to provide nutritious meals at eight open-air contact points across the city, even while primary schools remained closed.
The program didn’t just survive the crisis — it showed up for the city when it needed help most.
Why the Program Still Needs Support
Today, BSCC faces new challenges as it continues to serve its students.
Running the program requires ongoing support for:
Kitchen equipment and maintenance
Food supplies and ingredients
Student uniforms and materials
Training module development
Job search and career placement support
When you support BSCC, you’re doing more than funding ingredients. You’re helping a young person — someone who may have grown up without a stable home or guaranteed meal — step into a professional kitchen with confidence and purpose.
Support the Next Generation of Chefs
Want to learn more or support the program?