Coaches from Gumla proposed restoring of the water pump in Kura, one of the villages where they provide hockey training. This is part of the Community Grant program, powered by Bostik. The project has restored safe access to drinking water for around 55–65 people across 10–12 households, including 40 young hockey players. On top of that, local leadership and ownership are reignited.
Needs assessment
Kura is a small village in Gumla district, in the state of Jharkhand. Close to the hockey ground there was a water installation that had been out of function for a long time. The village hand pump was broken and a solar pump could not be used effectively because a damaged pipeline was causing water to leak and the surrounding area to become waterlogged and muddy. Repairs through government schemes was also taking time.
In daily life the lack of a functioning water source affected women and children most directly, as they had to travel long distances to collect water. And for the hockey players this was a challenge during hockey practice for the time that was lost.
Project execution
During the workshop week in January, the coaches presented the project and were awarded funding through the Community Grant. Coaches then took the lead for turning their idea into reality. They got the community involved, requested formal quotations, and coordinated the purchase of materials and the repair works.
The project was supported not only through the Bovelander Foundation Community Grant. The community also contributed to the construction of a platform for the water pump, demonstrating their commitment to the project and its long-term use.
A small investment makes a big difference
This project shows how a relatively small investment can make a significant difference for a small agricultural community like Kura when it is combined with local leadership. Together coaches and community members overcame a financial threshold and worked on repairs and longterm maintenance. The restored water pump has improved access to drinking water, saved valuable time, and created more opportunities for young players to focus on hockey training. At the same time, the project strengthened community participation, teamwork, and local leadership.
For the coaches, it was also a practical learning opportunity. They gained experience in budgeting, procurement, coordination, and project management. The community is establishing a village water committee that will take responsibility for regular maintenance of the hand pump and for coordination around government water schemes.
Inauguration
For the inauguration of the water pump, the village gathered under a large mango tree next to the hockey ground. It was an afternoon filled with music, dance, and celebration. We were honoured to be invited as special guests, but it was the coaches who deserved the recognition for their initiative and efforts. They identified a need, brought the community together, and took responsibility for making the project happen.
Long-term impact
The restored water pump has made a meaningful difference, not only by bringing water back to the community and by creating more time for young people to play sports, but also by creating leadership opportunities for the coaches and giving ownership to the community.
Thanks the coaches Niraj, Shwetshil, Smita, Nirmal, Pinki, Biraj and Johnson. Thanks to Vineet and Umesh for the cooperation on the ground through Collectives for Integrated Livelihoods (CInI).
Thanks to Bostik for their support and partnership in empowering coaches and young people to create postive, lasting change in their communities.
