This month in Khunti, Jharkhand, we officially launched the Bovelander Foundation Community Grant Program, powered by Bostik. Through the Community Grant we invite coaches to pitch proposals addressing community needs. The event was a celebration of the launch, and also an important milestone for the coaches. After all the planning and preparations, they confidently presented their ideas.
Coach and community development
The Community Grant Program empowers coaches not only as role models on the pitch, but as leaders in their communities. As they plan and lead real projects in their own communities, they practice skills and gain experiences. This creates long-term impact in coaches and communities beyond the projects themselves. After the workshop week in January, they got to work.
Project proposals
The coaches made four teams as per their districts: Gumla, Simdega, and two from Khunti. During the launch event they presented their projects in front of their players, the CInI and Bovelander teams, and guest of honor Suresh Ramachandran – Country Head India for Bostik and Arkema. We are really touched by the pride, teamwork, and ownership the coaches showed throughout their proposals and the event overall.
The coaches presented the following projects:
- Restoration of a village water pump (Gumla) – including securing long-term maintenance commitments from the community
- Girls-only hockey festival (Simdega) – promoting girls’ participation in sport
- Ground leveling (Khunti) – leveling of community sports ground to increase participation in sport
- Puberty Awareness Boys Modules – following on menstrual health workshops for girls, coaches will start a pilot to also raise awareness among boys
Excited to share that we’re funding all these plans.
Hockey Festival
After the Community Grant Launch Event, everyone got together on the hockey pitch. At Birsa College Ground children from six centres enjoyed a clinic and played matches. Their energy, teamwork and confidence shows how sport connects people, inspires young generations, and opens new opportunities.
Partnerships
Big thanks to Bostik! By investing in grassroots sport and leadership, you create impact that extends far beyond hockey. The Community Grant underlines our shared commitment to education, inclusion, leadership, and opportunities for young people. Thanks also to CInI (Collectives for Integrated Livelihood Initiatives) for our continued partnership in strengthening grassroots sports ecosystems across Khunti, Simdega, and Gumla.
Together we create lasting impact through the power of grassroots sport.
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