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 July 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.
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 July 2018 edition of Singapore Tatler.
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
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
