Celebrating the Girl Child: My Life, My Fight and My Decision

Poornima made a difference to her life

10-year old Poornima from a poverty-stricken family in Jayanagar, Bangalore, has defeated difficult circumstances with her desire and exceptional talent.

Poornima, studying in grade 5 at a Government school, was a shy, reserved and softly spoken girl whose parents are separated. She stays with her “Amma” who works as a housemaid to meet the family's needs.

Her mother shares, "My daughter used to feel very isolated among her friends for not having her “Appa” around, however, her friends have been supportive and I can see a huge difference in her since she started attending Magic Bus sessions."

Putti (Poornima) now shows a renewed enthusiasm towards life and people around her, she has opened up, become friendlier and is more confident in herself.

Her school Principal has also noticed some changes, “Poornima was a very shy girl and used to always stay aloof from her classmates. Since joining Magic Bus sessions, she has more friends, her performance in studies has improved and she is now the Class Monitor.”

Inspired by her Magic Bus Youth Mentor, Poornima’s dream is to become a teacher and a footballer. She acknowledges the importance of education and wants to be a role model for her younger brother and help her mother financially by being a successful teacher.

Thank you Sheetal, Aarikiti, Urbashi and Sami (Magic Bus Interns from Christ University Bangalore) for sharing this wonderful story.

To find out more about Magic Bus, visit www.magicbus.org