At the Bovelander Foundation, we believe that every child deserves the right to education. Access to proper sanitation is key to these opportunities — especially for girls. In Jharkhand, a state in eastern India, many young girls face barriers to attending school and one of the obstacles is the lack of adequate toilet facilities. We are proud to announce that through our Community Grant, we are taking a step in addressing this issue.
Community Grant
To support coaches in their development and as role models in their community, we launched the Community Grant program. We invite coaches to come up with a project and make a difference in their community. The project must benefit a wider group of people, have a lasting effect and be scalable. Coaches take ownership of the project and develop professional skills. In January coaches in Khunti took the first steps. A workshop and uneasy presentations let to the first proposal selected: a sanitation block for girls.
The challenge: lack of basic sanition
In rural India, many schools lack basic sanitation facilities. This creates an unsafe and uncomfortable environment, disproportionately impacting girls. A lack of safe, private, and clean toilets means that many girls miss school, especially during menstruation, eventually leading to a higher dropout rate. Through the Bovelander Community Grant the coaches aim to turn that around and inspire girls and families.
Building to break barriers
The 6 coaches from the project team started planning and organizing. Coaches are working closely with the school and local community members to ensure that these new facilities are maintained and that the importance of sanitation is understood by all.
Construction started and two toilets are established at the community based school in Gutigara. Now 45 girls directly benefit from the toilets. While the immediate impact of building toilets is improved sanitation, the project can be seen in light of menstrual health and wellbeing and the broader benefits are profound.
- Having access to private toilets encourages girls to attend school regularly, and a reduction in the number of girls dropping out of school is expected;
- Proper sanitation reduces the risk of infections and diseases, contributing to a healthier school environment;
- Girls deserve the dignity of having a safe, private space. This helps build confidence and allows them to focus on their studies.
Inauguration
This may be a small step, but significant toward gender equality in education and sports. We are excited about the positive impact this initiative will have and the ripple effect it will create in the wider community.
The hockey coaches helped the school staff to obtain the construction materials needed for constructing the toilets. Coming from the same area, the coaches helped us obtain labourers by using their connections. The teachers and school management arranged the civil contractor and handled the toilet constructing project, and they will handle any further maintenance. A large number of girls used toilets for the first time and are developing a habit of using it. It further aids in maintaining a clean environment. Now some parents are getting influenced to build toilets in their homes.
Principal of Vivekanand Vidya Mandir School
Coaches in Jharkhand play a vital role as mentors on the hockey field and as advocates for girls’ education. A successful launch of the Community Grant. A big thanks and congrats to the coaches of this project team – Junas, Birsa, Karma, Maskalan, Sitamani and Mahadeo!
Get involved
Stay tuned as the next proposal has been selected: fruit trees of various kind along the hockey field.
In the mean time, you can help make a difference! The Community Grant program can thrive through the support of individuals and organizations who share our vision. Whether through donations or spreading awareness, your contribution can help us support coaches in their professional development and in directly making impact in their community. If you’d like to make a donation to or learn more about this or future Community Grants, please contact us directly.
