Anjali’s Story
Anjali's Story - Finding Her Voice
Like many young people from marginalised communities across India, Anjali faced significant challenges escaping the trap of youth unemployment. Growing up in a semi-urban family of four, Anjali’s father was the sole earner, bringing home ₨10,000 a month (around £90) working as a security guard, just enough to scrape by. Her mother was a homeworker, and her older siblings were still in school. As the youngest in the family, Anjali was deeply affected by her family’s financial struggles and was determined to help. However, with no knowledge about the job market or job-hunting process, Anjali struggled to know where to start.
Anjali’s situation became increasingly difficult as she faced a growing number of rejections and even unethical demands from employers in her job search. Her parents, understandably worried for her, were hesitant to let her accept any job offers, fearing fraud and exploitation. Without help, Anjali faced becoming one of the tens of thousands of young people trapped in unemployment, but Magic Bus was there to offer a way forward.
Introduced to the Magic Bus Livelihood Programme through a door-to-door enrolment campaign, Anjali was excited about the opportunity, though she doubted the programme’s job placement support was as good as advertised. To ease her concerns, the Magic Bus team invited her to meet with graduates from the programme who had successfully secured employment. Hearing these success stories first hand proved reassuring, and Anjali enrolled in the Livelihood Programme, hoping it would finally be the chance she needed.
Initially, Anjali struggled with communication and was lacking in confidence. She was reserved, struggled with her nerves, and was burdened by self-doubt. But with the support and guidance of the Magic Bus team, Anjali persevered, gradually opening up and making small but meaningful strides in her personal growth. Her commitment to creatively completing assignments and encouraging her peers was proof of her determination to succeed. Over time, Anjali found her voice, gained confidence, and became an active contributor during the sessions. Anjali also learned a variety of practical skills including CV writing, interview technique, computing skills and spoken English skills.
Upon graduating from the programme, Anjali quickly secured a position as an Assistant Coordinator with the global financial services company Allianz. Such a tremendous accomplishment, having overcome so many obstacles on the way was a dream come true. Anjali soon returned to the Magic Bus Livelihood Centre to express her gratitude and to share her experiences with the latest group of participants.
Today, Anjali is proud to make a significant contribution to her family’s wellbeing, her salary ensuring that they have a sustainable income for the first time. Her family is overjoyed at her progress, and Anjali credits Magic Bus for transforming her life and career:
“The first step is the hardest to take, but once you do, everything becomes easier. I took that first step by joining the Magic Bus Livelihood Programme, and now I’m able to support not only myself, but my family as well.”
Anjali’s story has inspired many more young people in her community, demonstrating that with dedication and the right support, no challenge is too big to overcome and success is always in reach.
To help more young women like Anjali find their voice and leave poverty behind, donate to Magic Bus UK today.
