Opportunity Skills Academy
Greetings...
Opportunity Skills Academy is a transformative training center dedicated to empowering transitioning adults with intellectual disabilities from CWSN (Children with Special Needs) rehabilitation homes, as well as young adults whose parents are stranded at home with no clear objectives or goals in life. Our mission is to provide these individuals with the tools, skills, and confidence they need to lead independent, fulfilling lives.
What We Offer: At Opportunity Skills Academy, we offer specialized training programs designed to enhance both life and vocational skills. Our inclusive and supportive environment helps students explore their potential through hands-on learning experiences, fostering personal growth and self-reliance. From culinary arts to hospitality, digital literacy, and basic life skills, our programs are tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual, helping them transition into adulthood with dignity and purpose.
Misson, Vision & Goal
Mission
Opportunity Skills Academy empowers transitioning adults with intellectual disabilities and vulnerable young adults by providing them with life-changing vocational training and support. Our mission is to foster independence, confidence, and a sense of purpose, enabling them to lead fulfilling and productive lives.
The vision of Opportunity Skills Academy is to empower vulnerable youth and transitioning adults by providing them with vocational training and life skills, fostering independence and sustainable livelihoods. Through inclusive education, the academy aims to create equal opportunities for marginalized communities, enabling them to thrive in a competitive world.
Goal
The goal of OSA is to bring a constructive solution to the problems of People with special needs
Why us?
Why Opportunity Skills Academy?
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Skill Development: We focus on practical skills that can be applied in real-life settings, preparing students for employment and independence.
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Individualized Support: Every student receives personalized guidance and mentorship to help them achieve their personal and professional goals.
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Empowerment Through Opportunity: Our holistic approach helps students not only learn new skills but also build confidence, self-esteem, and a sense of belonging in the community.
Join us at Opportunity Skills Academy and be part of a movement that brings hope, purpose, and lasting change to those who need it most. Together, we are creating a brighter future, one skill at a time!
"Comprehensive and Inclusive Training Approach
At Opportunity Skills Academy, the training program is specifically designed to cater to the unique learning needs of young adults with intellectual disabilities. The focus of the academy is on skill development in the field of food and services, where the repetitive nature of the work allows these individuals to better grasp, practice, and eventually perfect the required tasks. This method leverages repetition as a powerful learning tool, enabling our special friends to build competence and confidence over time, ensuring they excel in their roles.
The training is conducted with a multi-disciplinary approach, involving a dedicated team of professionals who bring both compassion and expertise to the table. This team includes:
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Special Educators: These professionals are equipped with the skills to break down complex tasks into simpler, more manageable steps, providing personalized attention to each trainee. They ensure that every individual progresses at their own pace and adapt the training to suit the learning style of each person.
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Industry Professionals: Experts from the food and services sector play a key role in imparting practical, hands-on training. They expose trainees to real-world working environments, helping them understand the standards, practices, and skills required in the hospitality industry. These professionals bring valuable insights into the latest industry trends and expectations, making the training relevant and up-to-date.
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Psychological Counselors: Emotional and psychological well-being is critical for effective learning, especially for vulnerable youth. Counselors are integrated into the program to provide support, helping trainees navigate any emotional or mental challenges they might face. Their guidance ensures that the trainees remain motivated, confident, and emotionally resilient throughout their learning journey.
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Caregivers: Caregivers play a vital role in ensuring the overall well-being of the trainees, assisting with personal development and offering constant support. They act as mentors and caretakers, ensuring that each individual feels secure and cared for, which fosters a positive and conducive learning environment.
In addition to the core training, Opportunity Skills Academy also includes a refresher course. This aspect of the program is designed to help trainees revisit and reinforce any areas they may have forgotten or need additional practice in. The refresher course ensures that no skills are lost over time and that each trainee remains confident in their abilities. This is particularly beneficial for those who may take longer to retain information or require continuous practice to maintain their proficiency.
Overall, the academy’s training methodology combines practical, hands-on experience with compassionate and tailored support, creating an inclusive learning environment where our special friends can thrive and succeed in the food and services industry.
Culinary Stars Program Overview
A Comprehensive 6-18 Month Journey
The Culinary Stars Program is a structured 6-18 month training initiative, divided into three levels: Beginner, Intermediate, and Professional. This program equips students with a wide range of essential skills and knowledge, enabling them to excel in the culinary and hospitality sectors. The curriculum is divided into three key areas of focus: Skill Development, Service Management, and Food Management.
1. Skill Development
Students are introduced to various life skills crucial for both personal growth and professional success. The subjects covered include:
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Communication: Enhancing verbal and non-verbal communication skills.
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Activity of Daily Living (ADL): Developing everyday functional abilities.
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Household Chores: Learning to manage and organize domestic tasks.
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Functional Maths (Life Skill-Based): Applying math skills in practical life situations.
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Functional Reading: Building reading comprehension with a focus on practical use.
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Identifying Emotional Regulation: Understanding and managing emotions effectively.
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Social Skills: Fostering interpersonal and teamwork abilities.
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Pleasure and Recreational Skills: Encouraging well-being through leisure activities.
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Livelihood and Empowerment: Promoting independence and vocational skills.
2. Service Management
Students gain insights into the fundamentals of hospitality management, learning skills that are vital in service-oriented environments. These include:
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Personality Development and Soft Skills Training: Building a professional demeanor and customer service skills.
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Front Office Operation: Handling guest interactions and managing front desk responsibilities.
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Reservation Management: Learning the systems and protocols for efficient booking processes.
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Guest Service Management: Ensuring guest satisfaction through effective service.
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Cashiering Procedures: Managing financial transactions and maintaining accuracy.
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Safety and Security Procedures: Understanding protocols to ensure a safe working environment.
3. Food Management
The core of the Culinary Stars Program revolves around mastering culinary arts. Students learn a variety of techniques and practices in food preparation and kitchen management, including:
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Basic Cooking Techniques: Introduction to Essential Cooking Methods.
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Knife Skills and Cutting Techniques: Mastering precision in food preparation.
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Mise en Place (Preparation Before Cooking): Organizing ingredients and tools before cooking.
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Stock, Sauce, and Soup Preparation: Learning the foundation of many dishes.
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Baking and Pastry Basics: Gaining skills in the art of baking.
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Vegetable and Fruit Management: Handling and preserving produce effectively.
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Meat, Poultry, and Fish Management: Proper techniques for preparing various proteins.
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Plating and Presentation: Creating visually appealing dishes.
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Food Safety and Hygiene: Ensuring cleanliness and safety in food handling.
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Kitchen Organization and Workflow: Learning to maintain an efficient and well-organized kitchen environment.
Meet the team
Swati Sengupta
Program Co-ordinator
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Mangal Patra
Special Educator
Riya Saha Dey
Special Educator
Ankita Paul
Psychological Counsellor
Bithika Ghosh
Care Expert
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Md. Shakib
Cafe Manager
Sumanta Singha Ray
Founder & CEO
Adv. Sidhant Ghosh
Founder and Secretary
For Inquiry
Dear Guardian,
At Opportunity Cafe, we believe that every individual deserves a real chance at building a meaningful and independent life. Our Culinary Stars Program is designed to do just that, by providing essential skills and training to empower your loved one and help them pursue a successful career in the culinary and hospitality industries.
Sitting at home will not bring the independence they deserve; they need to learn, grow, and fight their way through society to become self-reliant and confident. This program will give them the tools and support needed to achieve that.
Please take a moment to fill out the attached form, and our team will reach out to you to provide detailed information and answer any questions you may have about the program. We are here to guide you every step of the way.
Together, let’s give your loved one the opportunity to thrive!
Regards
Team Opportunity Skills Academy