Create 4000 high school graduates in India

Over a year ago, Shivam was 18 years old and laying in a hospital bed.  His father had just passed away and Shivam before Shivam could even adjust to becoming the head of the household, he had a horrible accident that left him without any legs.  With every reason to feel gril about the future, Shivam put his sorrows behind him and worked at completing his education and leading in his community, as a Magic Bus Community Youth Leader. 

Fast forward one year, and we're sitting with Shivam's sister Arti, who is a year younger than him.  "I joined Magic Bus two weeks ago," says Arti.  "My brother, Shivam, encouraged me to join Magic Bus, after he's been with Magic Bus for over a year now."  She saw him as a role model and wanted to follow in his footsteps.  He supported her in her goals, after seeing how Magic Bus is a great platform for young men and women can learn to work together in a productive and supportive environment.

Today, Arti and Shivam are taking their high school board exams.  They both attend a government school in Nangloi, in north Delhi, a few blocks away from their one-bedroom home.

For Shivam, getting around outside fo the home is a physical challenge, but for his sister Arti, getting around was difficult for a very different reason.  "My mobility was limited because of my gender," she says. "As a result, my decision to join Magic Bus was challenged by my neighbors, friends, and community."  She says that Shivam's constant support gave her confidence to continue to stand up for her personal freedom.

Shivam is a role model for Arti and for other youth in the community. “The best thing about him is his positivity and how he approaches life,” says Arti. They are a family of four - three children and a mother - surviving on a monthly income of $50/month.  

“The Magic Bus journey has helped me introspect. From being a rebellious child in my youth, Magic Bus has helped transform me into a leader who takes pride in passing on safe and prudent ideas and practices to children and other young adults. Today my community identifies me as a hero, as someone who overcame great odds," he narrates.

Shivam and Arti both believe that she has the same leadership qualities within herself.  

“I want Arti to galvanize her friends and other women from the community to step out and be agents of change.”

With your support, Arti will be able to make that wish a reality.

re are many more Artis and Shivams out there waiting to realise their potential as a leader. They need your support.