Tchetna's remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination, passion and unwavering support. Tchetna is a gentle and calm young man who grew up in the SOS Children's Village in Bissau. Leaving the SOS Children's Village program was a bittersweet moment for Chetna, who was venturing toward adulthood and independence. Adjusting to life outside the village wasn't easy, but it was his unwavering faith in his dreams that kept him going. He returned to his family with whom the relationship was new and strange for him, but they supported him as much as they could.
Tchetna's passion for cooking led him to enroll at the SOS Children's Villages training center "Sangue Novo", where he chose to study culinary arts.
This decision was not only a pursuit of her passion for cooking but also a desire to break gender stereotypes. In a world that often underestimates the role of men in the kitchen, Tchetna wanted to prove that cooking is an art that knows no borders.
His culinary journey is punctuated with joyful moments, especially when he prepares his favorite dish, paella, and creates appetizers that delight everyone who tastes them. His love of cooking extended to the delicate cutting and cleaning of fish, a talent that gave him immense satisfaction.
After graduating from “Sangue Novo,” Tchetna’s trajectory took a positive turn when she landed an internship at a local restaurant, which later turned into a full-time job. His dedication and skills allowed him to not only support himself, but also provide essential financial assistance to his family. “Working helps me finance my studies, pay my little sister’s school fees and provide electricity for my family.” Tchetna admits that, despite the mockery he received for doing "women's work", his father is now proud of him and brags about it.
Chetna is currently on the verge of realizing her dreams. Alongside his work, he took an intensive culinary arts course at a prestigious school in Bissau, which brought him closer to realizing his biggest dream: owning his restaurant.
*Written by Jessica Mendes da Silva