Connect Programme spreads its wings: East Delhi Launch

Magic Bus Youth at the Connect Launch,

 East District, Delhi

The morning of Feb 1, 2013 was full of excitement for more than 30 young women and men at the Magic Bus East Delhi Office. The Connect Programme, our answer to enhancing youth employability in India, was launched in the East Delhi District in the Capital.

So what is Connect? The Connect programme is a Magic Bus endeavor to prepare young people for a livelihood by way of developing their skills set.  It is open to all Magic Bus children as well as the local volunteers (at Magic Bus, we call them Community Youth Leaders) who train them. Our volunteers are already given 120 hours of sport for development training, and Connect is a programme that will bridge the gap between employers and young people by training people in:

• Functional English
• Computer literacy
• Work-readiness skills

Ms Vimla Devi, Councilor, Kaushambi  
inaugurates the Connect Programme

The program was inaugurated by Ms Vimla Devi, Councilor, Kaushambi and erstwhile Councilor Mr Attar Singh. Local residents including Mr C P Singh, Secretary of Surya Lane Resident Welfare Association, Kaushambi, Mr Subhash Chawla, President of Park Street Resident Welfare Association, Kaushambi and Mr Sharma, Member, Union of Kaushambi also attended. The chief guests were felicitated by Mr Pratik Kumar, COO, Magic Bus and Mr Avik Swarnakar, State Head, Magic Bus. 

Magic Bus State Head Mr Swarnakar explains about
 the objectives of the Connect Programme

After the inauguration ceremony, Mr Swarnakar introduced Magic Bus, its uniqueness and the objective of the Connect Programme to all the guests present. Mr Pratik Kumar emphasized on the importance of using Sport as a fun method to engage children for their development. 

Discussion with the Chief Guests regarding

 the elements of the Programme

Many important subjects were discussed at the launch. “There is a great need for education around hygiene for the children as well as the communities at large”, said Mr Chawla. Mr Sharma emphasized on the crucial role of environment in impacting a child’s development as well as the growing need to bring about a change in the parents’ mindset for a greater and faster impact.

The launch was a successful outcome of the hard work and energies put in by the Magic Bus district team at Kaushambi. Good luck to Connect and Congratulations to the spirited team for the kick-off!  

By Ritika Sen, Communications, Magic Bus