At 21, Nirdosh Kujur left Garu village in Jharkhand, India, and travelled more than 1,700 kilometres to Chennai. Raised in a rural community with few opportunities, his future seemed destined to mirror that of previous generations. Yet he was determined to support his family and build a life beyond the boundaries of his village.

In Garu, jobs were scarce. Despite his ambition, Nirdosh faced the uncertainty common to many young people in underprivileged communities. His family relied on a modest income and securing a job felt out of reach. Still, his mother’s belief in his potential made him hopeful for a different opportunity.

That opportunity came through the ‘Skill Impact Bond’ initiative, implemented by Magic Bus India in partnership with Dubai Cares. Using an outcomes-based financing model, it equips young people with practical skills and connects them to sustainable employment. Through training and career guidance, Nirdosh gained the technical skill and confidence to enter the manufacturing sector.

Today, he is a machine operator in Chennai, earning a steady income and planning for the future. He has saved part of his salary to buy a motorbike for his family and installed a solar panel at their home in Garu to address power cuts.

For Nirdosh and others in the programme, the opportunity was a turning point.Skills development and results-based education not only transform individual prospects but also generate lasting benefits for families and communities alike.