The Magic Bus programme helps underprivileged children in India break out of the poverty cycle. Founder Matthew Spacie tells Terence Lim why education is the most powerful tool in this operation.
WHEN MATTHEW SPACIE first started working in the travel industry in Mumbai, India in 1996, he noticed many teenage boys living on the streets, skipping school, and getting into the occasional bout of trouble. In the hopes of instilling discipline into these boys, the Englishman set up a football team for them to enjoy kick abouts. This simple act of charity planted the seed for the larger-scale non-governmental organisation Magic Bus, which Spacie formally set up in 1999.
Today, Magic Bus works with some 400,000 children and 10,000 young people living in poverty across 22 states in India to help them break out of the cycle. It takes a long-term approach with its Childhood to Livelihood programme, and provides support to youths aged 12 to 17 with a holistic seven-year journey that ensures that they stay in school, and are well-trained for the workforce at the end of the period.
“We’re committed to holding their hands all the way through the seven-year journey. We want them to go to school, stay in school and get graded and certified properly,” explained Spacie when he was in Singapore in April for the eighth Magic Bus gala dinner. “We work with their schools to put technology into the curriculum and environment so as to prepare them for the workforce in the future.”
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Louder Than You Think
It might not shout about itself, but among the world’s most influential people, Brunello Cucinelli is everywhere. Its co‑chairman and co‑creative director Carolina Cucinelli shares why the Italian brand’s high‑end ubiquity is built on its rock‑solid values
A New Era
La Prairie unveils the first product from its new collection, the Life Matrix Haute Rejuvenation Cream, an innovative creation that represents a new chapter in luxury skincare for those seeking to maintain healthy skin
Revolutionising Healthcare
Artificial intelligence is the future of healthcare, according to Asia Pacific Medical Technology Association CEO Harjit Gill. Ahead of its Asia Pacific MedTech Forum 2024, she outlines how a digitally driven healthcare system can improve access and outcomes for all
REBIRTH RENEWAL REWARD
Renowned artist Nari Ward gives Tatler a peek into his Harlem studio as he prepares for his solo exhibition in Seoul
Blurring Lines, Breaking Boundaries
Cartier’s creative director of jewellery and watches Marie-Laure Cérède on the maison’s commitment to creating statement-making timepieces for discerning luxury consumers
Tan Yin Ling
The co‑founder of Cloop on how her social enterprise is closing the loop on Singapore’s fashion waste
THE World IS YOUR Oyster
Tatler gets a taste of the luxe nomadic life aboard the world’s most exclusive residential ship as it sails from South Korea to Japan
HAUTE HOTELS
Find out where designers, models and fashionistas stay during Fashion Week
RAISING THE STEAKS
Hanwoo, Korea’s native beef, is celebrated not only for its flavourful meat but also its rich history and deep cultural significance. We explore the qualities and traditions that make Hanwoo a national treasure—and why the rest of the world needs to know about it
The Fashion Centennial
In celebration of its 100th anniversary, Loro Piana looks back on its legacy of exceptional fabrics, textile innovation and savoir faire in its fall‑winter 2024‑2025 women’s and men’s collections