By GLENN FAWCETT | EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Over the past 16 years, Blossom Bus has provided the means to attend school, and encouraged girls into levels of education never before achieved in their families.
This school year, Blossom Bus is providing transportation for 547 students to attend high school and college, and for 111 young children to attend elementary school across 41 rural villages of Haryana and Tamil Nadu.
Sanjana's journey to freedom
Sanjana is a bright and determined 11th-grade student.
She says, "Every morning, I used to wake up before dawn and begin my long walk to school. My feet would ache, and during the monsoon, heavy rains would flood the narrow roads, turning the path to school into a river. Missing school made me feel helpless."
"Then, this year, everything changed with the Blossom Bus service at our school. Now, I travel safely, dry, and on time. I can sit comfortably and think about my lessons instead of worrying about muddy roads. Every morning I look forward to the ride because I chat with my friends, laugh, and watch the fields pass by."
"At school, I’m finally able to attend all my classes regularly. We have so many new opportunities here—science labs, computer labs, and even courses in first-aid and beautician training. Earlier, I could barely make it to my regular classes, and I missed these extra sessions that help us learn practical skills. Now, I enjoy every bit of it. I feel more confident, more curious, and more excited about what I can become.
"I am deeply thankful to Lotus Outreach, because it is because of them that this bus service continues. I feel inspired to study harder, chase my dreams, and make my family proud."
Perbha - a Blossom Bus mentor:
Perbha serves as a mentor under the Blossom Bus program. Her warmth, patience, and compassion have made her a friend, listener, and counsellor for the girls she supports. Through her daily interactions, she ensures that students reach school safely, and find emotional strength and confidence in their journey of learning.
“When I joined the Blossom Bus program, I had no idea how much it would change my life. Every morning, I watch the girls step down from the bus with laughter and energy, and my heart fills with pride. Being a mentor is a job, but also a chance to walk alongside these young girls as they learn, grow, and overcome their struggles."
"Many of them face challenges they cannot always express openly. My role is to listen, to understand, and to be someone they can trust. One day, two girls came to me, nervous and hesitant. When I gently asked what was troubling them, they told me they often skipped school during their periods because they felt uncomfortable.
I spoke with one of their mothers, explaining the importance of supporting her daughter during this time instead of restricting her. Gradually, things began to change. The girls started attending school regularly, and I made sure they always felt safe and comfortable. Now, when I see them smiling, participating in class, and feeling confident, it gives me immense happiness and satisfaction."
"There was another girl who struggled to keep up with her studies because her parents couldn’t afford tuition fees. She was bright but lacked guidance at home. I connected her with another student who lived nearby and asked her to help. The two of them now study together every evening. Their marks have improved, but more than that, their confidence has grown. Seeing that bond blossom fills me with pride."
"Part of my work also involves meeting parents. Many of them engage their daughters in farming or household chores, believing that school can wait. I visit their homes, sit with them, and talk about the importance of education and how it can shape their daughters’ futures and make them independent. Slowly, I’ve seen these conversations bring change. More parents are sending their daughters to school regularly, and that feels like a real victory."
"This role as a mentor has brought me immense joy and purpose. It gives me deep satisfaction to know that I am helping these girls find their path, that I can be there when they need someone to listen. The smiles on their faces, their laughter, and their determination to study make me feel that every effort is worth it."
Thank you GlobalGiving donors for supporting these girls in their studies!
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