For a quarter of a century, Magic Bus India Foundation has been a catalyst for change, empowering vulnerable young people to break free from the cycle of poverty. Through a unique blend of education, life skills training, and employment opportunities, the organization has made a significant impact on millions of lives.
In this exclusive interview with TheCSRUniverse, Mr. Jayant Rastogi, Global CEO, Magic Bus India Foundation, shares insights into the organization's journey, its innovative approach to youth development, and its ambitious plans for the future. We delve into the organization's strategic partnerships, technological advancements, and the inspiring success stories of young people who have been empowered by Magic Bus.
To learn more about how Magic Bus is making a difference, read the full interview below.
Q&A
Q. Can you elaborate on Magic Bus’ mission and vision, and how they have guided the organisation's growth and impact over the past 25 years? What key milestones have contributed to its significant evolution in response to changing societal needs and challenges?
A. At Magic Bus India Foundation, our mission is to equip vulnerable young people with life skills that enable them to thrive in the transition to adulthood. Our vision is to create “a world where young people break out of poverty to lead fulfilling, rewarding lives and contribute positively to their communities.” This mission and vision have been the cornerstone of our journey, shaping our evolution and response to India’s changing societal landscape.
Magic Bus has been on a transformative journey, driven by a steadfast belief in the power of change and the potential for a brighter future. Our focus extends to equipping young people from underserved communities with life skills education, employability skilling, and educational enhancement, ensuring they complete secondary education, secure gainful employment, and become positive contributors to their communities.
Our journey has been defined by persistent dedication, anchored by our commitment to the four pillars of people, processes, programmes, and partnerships. These pillars have been instrumental in our rapid growth and success while maintaining the highest standards of quality. Today, Magic Bus stands as one of India's largest direct implementation NGOs, pioneering life skills education and fully automated development sector practices. As we reflect on our impactful journey thus far, we are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, as we continue to empower and transform lives across India.
The last few years have been marked with significant milestones for Magic Bus India Foundation. We signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 9 state governments to implement life skills education in government schools. An MoU was established with the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC) to empower youth from underserved communities through Skilling and Livelihood Programmes. We have integrated technology and robust processes, pioneering the Fraud Prevention and Detection (FPD) team for programme monitoring - a first in our sector. We have introduced the Partner Connect Portal to provide donor partners with real-time insights and also launched Future X, an AI-powered platform for mapping the lifecycle of youth in our Livelihood Programme.
Our collaborations with diverse stakeholders have also been instrumental, allowing us to align with changing demands and harness resources that amplify our outreach. Today, our programmes continue to evolve with the same mission-driven approach, using innovative solutions to empower India’s young people and create pathways out of poverty.
Q. With over 30 lakh adolescents and 3.7 lakh youth empowered, how does Magic Bus measure its impact on the lives of those it serves?
A. At Magic Bus, we use specific indicators and success metrics to assess the impact of our two programmes:
Adolescent Programme
We utilise standardised tools for Foundational Literacy & Numeracy (FLN) and Life Skills Education to assess outcome indicators. Our approach involves collaborating with external evaluation agencies to conduct various assessments, including before-and-after, quasi-experimental, and non-experimental designs. Our evaluation methods cover both quantitative and qualitative aspects, including annual and quarterly learning assessments, programme reviews, and innovative tracking tools. This ongoing evaluation allows us to measure the positive changes and well-being of adolescents in our programmes annually.
To support our data collection and analysis efforts, Magic Bus has developed a dedicated technology platform called 'OASYS' (Operation Automated System). This web and app-based system is accessible to our key team members, enabling real-time data tracking and documentation of session details.
Additionally, we use PowerBI to create dynamic dashboards that display all input data from OASYS, including participant information, session evaluations, home visit records, and notes on events and meetings. This integrated approach enhances our ability to monitor and assess our programme's impact effectively.
Livelihood Programme
In our Livelihood Programme, we implement a range of systematic approaches to ensure accurate data collection and authentication of participant attendance. This includes the use of biometrics, video monitoring, and triangulation, all supported by a tech-enabled Network Operations Centre (NOC) for continuous programme monitoring.
Through these methods, we effectively measure the impact of our initiatives, emphasising data-driven evaluation and technological integration for ongoing improvement and youth empowerment in today's dynamic job market.
Our Livelihood Programme data collection relies on the technology-based application called "Sixer Class," which captures various data points, from mobilisation to placement, including personal identification proof like Aadhar, educational certificates, income data, attendance, certification, placement, and 6-month retention records.
Furthermore, for both our programmes, we provide funding partners with real-time access to impact data through a Partner Connect Portal. This commitment to transparency and integrity enhances programme effectiveness and strengthens trust, credibility, and collaboration with our partners and stakeholders.
Q. What specific strategies and initiatives has Magic Bus implemented to facilitate employment placement for youth, and how do you evaluate their effectiveness?
A. To facilitate employment placement for youth, Magic Bus focuses on training and empowering youth from underserved communities with life and employability skills. Through experience and programme analysis, we have identified three core skill areas: Social and Emotional, Cognitive and Metacognitive, and Work Readiness. Each core skill area includes various subskills tailored to meet the backgrounds and experiences of our youth. For example, Social and Emotional skills cover self-awareness, communication, interpersonal skills, and collaboration, customised for diverse educational levels.
Similarly, Cognitive and Metacognitive skills encompass subskills like creativity, adaptability, thinking, and problem-solving.
Our Work Readiness skills focus on preparing youth for employment, covering basics and advanced levels of communicative English. Additionally, we address advanced digital skills for those enrolled in our digital skilling programme, which includes cloud programming or networking. Workplace ethics and self-management in a professional setting are also integral components of our Work Readiness training.
The aim is to equip youth not only to secure jobs but to thrive in them. We monitor their progress for three months post-placement to ensure job retention and build their confidence. Our programmes empower youth to make informed choices, helping them become change agents within their communities. By transitioning into a sustainable workforce, they can build individual agency and double their family income.
Today, Magic Bus India Foundation is one of the largest NGOs in the skilling space. In FY 24-25, we are committed to skilling and placing over two lakh youth from underserved households in sustainable jobs. Looking ahead, we are set to expand our outreach from two lakh to five lakh youth over the next three years.
Employment partners play a crucial role in helping us fulfill this mission by providing valuable opportunities, resources, and ongoing support for youth placement and retention.
Notably, a significant 60% of our youth participants are young girls, and we are committed to facilitating their transition to a sustainable workforce. Our recent report developed in collaboration with Bain & Company, "From Aspiration to Action: Building India's 400 Million Women Workforce", provides a powerful blueprint, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to double India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) from 35%-40% to an inspiring 70% by 2047. The report emphasises the urgent need to increase female labour force participation, and we are deeply committed to advancing this cause. Our programmes aim to serve as a model, inspiring other organisations in this space to collaborate and collectively increase the participation rate by three to four times, thereby bridging this critical gap.
Q. Can you share some inspiring success stories of individuals who have been significantly impacted by Magic Bus’ programmes?
A. I am inspired by the remarkable success stories that emerge from our programmes, like that of Gulfsha Khan.
Gulfsha Khan's story illustrates the transformative power of our education and empowerment initiatives. Gulfsha was introduced to Magic Bus' Get Into Programme during a mobilisation drive in her community. Growing up in the challenging environment of Kardampuri, North East Delhi, the programme provided her with life and employability skills and the support she needed to build a secure career.
After completing the programme, Gulfsha was determined to build a stable career, and she soon secured a job as an Estimator. She is the first in her family of seven to venture into the formal job sector. Her role as an Estimator includes preparing comprehensive and accurate cost estimates for materials, labour, and equipment required for projects, based on client specifications and in support of Contracts and Bidding. She communicates with international clients, understands their projects, and supports her team members through project introductions and client requirements.
The 24-year-old Gulfsha was awarded the Prince’s Trust Global Award in 2022 in recognition of her exceptional determination and achievements demonstrated through her participation in the Get Into Programme in India. She was among the 2,200 people invited to attend the coronation of King Charles at Westminster Abbey in London, joining other Prince’s Trust International representatives. Her journey from uncertainty and financial instability, to becoming an ambassador of change for young women in her community is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the impact of grassroots initiatives.
Such stories exemplify the core mission of Magic Bus India Foundation: to equip underserved young people with life skills that enable them to thrive in their transition to adulthood. As we continue our work, these stories remind us of the transformative power of life skills education, employability skills, empowerment, and community support. Together, we can create a brighter, more inclusive future for all.
Q. As the first tech-automated NGO in India, how has technology played a crucial role in Magic Bus's operations? What innovative technological solutions have you adopted to enhance efficiency and effectiveness?
A. Coming from a tech background, I have always believed in the power of technology. Integrating technology into our work at Magic Bus has truly been a game-changer. The effective use of technology has brought deep and impactful changes, attracting prestigious donor partners to support our cause.
At Magic Bus India Foundation, we recognise that technology is not just a good-to-have, but a must-have tool for achieving efficacy, transparency, credibility, and good governance. Our forward-thinking approach is evident in our strategic integration of technology to enhance our programmes and amplify our impact. Over the years, we have leveraged technology to reach more adolescents and youths, delivering innovative solutions that empower them with the tools and support they need to succeed.
To strengthen our operations, we've seamlessly integrated technology and robust processes, pioneering a significant initiative within the NGO sector—the Fraud Prevention and Detection (FPD) team for programme monitoring. This innovative approach allows us to embed technology and integrity throughout our programmes—a first in our sector! Additionally, we introduced the Partner Connect Portal to offer donor partners real-time insights into their funding and programme activities. Moreover, we have implemented Future X, a technology and AI-based platform, to meticulously map the entire lifecycle management of youth enrolled in our Livelihood Programme. This strategic move enables us to deliver a robust programme while maintaining economic efficiency.
We are committed to evolving alongside technological advancements to keep our programmes relevant to our programme participants in a rapidly changing world. Technology at Magic Bus serves as a catalyst for deeper impact, good governance, and sustained community transformation. By continuously embracing innovation, we empower our young people to navigate the future with confidence and skills.
Q. How does Magic Bus strategically partner with other organisations to expand its portfolio and reach a wider audience? Could you highlight some of your most successful collaborative partnerships and their impacts?
A. Through purposeful partnerships we are able to extend our mission and impact millions of underserved young people. Our partnerships span across CSR donor partners, institutional partners, state governments, employment partners, each contributing uniquely to our mission.
At Magic Bus, we take pride in being a trusted partner for top corporates who prioritise rigor, transparency, and impactful outcomes in their CSR investments. Leading corporates seek partners who are professionally managed, adhere to compliance, and demonstrate measurable, lasting impact. Through our structured processes, and detailed reporting we ensure transparency and accountability, which has helped us build long-standing relationships with respected corporates. Our donor partner Net Promoter Score (NPS) is above 90%, reflecting the trust and satisfaction of our donor partners, who endorse and recommend us to others.
Our collaborations with state governments allow us to operate at scale. We have established MoUs with the state governments of Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Mizoram, Rajasthan, Odisha, Assam, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Madhya Pradesh to deliver life skills education. Acting as a technical partner to the school education departments, we help integrate life skills education into existing systems, fostering long-term, systemic change.
Our employment partners are crucial in helping the youth who have completed Magic Bus' employability training programmes secure job opportunities. These partnerships ensure that our training programmes align with current job market trends and requirements, equipping our youth with skills that are both relevant and in demand. By working closely with industry leaders, we are able to create sustainable career pathways that empower youth to thrive.
Through these strategic partnerships, we are able to deepen our impact, expand our reach, and continue building a strong foundation for young people to participate meaningfully in India’s growth and development.
