Category: Programm

SAIF TEA GARDEN, Bangladesh – In a vibrant celebration of sports and empowerment, the inaugural Highway of Hope Girls Football Championship brought together 84 young female athletes from tea garden communities for a day of competition, camaraderie, and inspiration. Organized by Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) and supported by DBH Finance PLC, the event showcased not only athletic talent but also the transformative power of sport as a tool for social change.

Held at the Saif Tea Garden, the championship featured teams from Satgaon Tea Garden, Saif Tea Garden, Boulashir Tea Garden, Mirzapur Tea Garden, Makrichora Tea Garden, and a junior squad from Saif Tea Garden. The participants, aged 6–15, represented the resilience and potential of their communities, challenging stereotypes and breaking barriers through their passion for football.

A Tournament Designed for Inclusivity and Growth
The championship was strategically structured to maximize participation and development across age groups and skill levels:

• Phase 1 (Group Stage): Four senior teams competed in a round-robin format, fostering teamwork and competitive spirit.
• Phase 2 (Division Allocation): The top 30 players advanced to Division One, while the next group formed Division Two, ensuring balanced and meaningful matches.
• Phase 3 (Junior Championship): Players aged 6–10 exhibited their skills in a dedicated junior category, highlighting the importance of nurturing talent from a young age.

After a series of thrilling matches, the Grey Team emerged as Division One champions, the Red Team claimed victory in Division Two, and Saif Tea Garden triumphed as Junior Champions. Each goal scored and save made symbolized far more than points on a scoreboard—they represented perseverance, confidence, and hope.

Beyond the Field: Impact and Community Engagement
The tournament’s success extended beyond wins and losses. For many participants, it was their first opportunity to compete in a structured sporting event, building self-esteem and leadership skills. Parents, coaches, and community members gathered to cheer on the players, turning the championship into a festival of unity and pride.

“This event wasn’t just about football—it was about showing these girls that they can dream big and achieve even bigger,” said by Deb Prosad Shil, Coach from SHI. “Through sport, we’re teaching them to overcome challenges, support one another, and believe in their own potential.”

Gratitude and Future Goals
SHI extends its sincere appreciation to DBH Finance PLC for their unwavering support and shared commitment to youth empowerment. Special thanks also go to the coaches, volunteers, and families whose dedication made the event possible.

Looking ahead, SHI aims to expand initiatives like the Highway of Hope Championship, creating more opportunities for girls in underserved communities to thrive through sports. By fostering talent, promoting education, and strengthening community ties, programs like this are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future.

In a significant step toward leveraging sports for social change, Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) has officially joined Common Goal, the global movement that unites football stakeholders in tackling societal challenges through the power of the game.

As a new member, SHI will align its programs with Common Goal’s mission to drive progress on key issues such as gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment. By committing at least 1% of its resources to the collective impact initiative, SHI strengthens its role in the Sport for Development sector while connecting with a worldwide network of players, clubs, and organizations driving change through football.

“This partnership reflects our shared belief that Football can be a catalyst for a fairer, more inclusive world,” said a SHI representative. “Through Common Goal, we can amplify our impact and collaborate with like-minded changemakers.”

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) and Sport for Creating Pathway (S.C.P.) Japan have signed a two-year partnership to promote social inclusion and tackle key challenges through sports. The collaboration will focus on using sports and physical activities to empower marginalized groups, share best practices, and create healthier communities across Asia.

The partnership’s key objectives include advancing human rights and social inclusion through sports-based programs, raising awareness about successful initiatives, and fostering knowledge exchange between the two organizations. By working together, SHI and S.C.P. Japan aim to expand the role of sports in addressing social issues and inspire broader adoption of inclusive practices.

Both organizations believe in the transformative power of sports to break barriers and unite communities. Over the next two years, they will implement joint projects, workshops, and campaigns to demonstrate how sports can drive education, empowerment, and equality. This collaboration reinforces their shared commitment to building a more inclusive society through the universal language of sports.

Highway of Hope Project by Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) empowers 300 girls and children (6-16 years) in Sreemangal through daily football training, life skills education, and environmental action. Supported by DBH Finance PLC, the year-long project teaches child rights, financial literacy, and climate responsibility. Participants are creating 30,000 seed balls to restore degraded land. Combining sports with education, SHI is nurturing confident young leaders while promoting reforestation. The initiative demonstrates how football can drive social change and environmental stewardship in Bangladesh.

In Sreemangal, Bangladesh, the future is growing brighter—on the football field and beyond. Since April 2024, Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) has been running the “Highway of Hope” project, a dynamic initiative empowering 300 girls and children aged 6-16 through daily football training, life skills education, and environmental activism.

Supported by DBH Finance PLC, this one-year program goes beyond sports—it’s shaping confident, knowledgeable, and eco-conscious young leaders in Sreemangal.

Football for strength, teamwork, and confidence
Every day, girls and children gather to train, play, and grow through football. The sport is more than just a game—it’s a tool for discipline, leadership, and breaking gender barriers. By providing structured coaching and a safe space to compete, the project fosters physical health, teamwork, and self-belief.

Learning beyond the field: Rights, finance, and the environment
While football builds their strength, workshops expand their minds. Participants learn:

Child Rights – Understanding their rights to education, safety, and fair treatment
Financial Literacy – Gaining essential money management skills for a secure future
Environmental Responsibility – Taking real action against climate change.
30,000 seed balls: A green legacy in the making

One of the most exciting parts of the project? The girls and children are crafting 30,000 seed balls—clay-wrapped native seeds that will restore degraded land, support pollinators, and combat climate change.

Why Seed Balls Matter

Effortless reforestation – perfect for hard-to-plant areas
Survival boost – clay protects seeds until the rains arrive
Eco-Warriors in action – kids aren’t just learning—they’re making a real environmental impact
“This isn’t just about planting trees; it’s about planting hope,” says a SHI coach. “Our girls are leading the way in eco-action while growing into strong, educated young leaders.”

A partnership for lasting change
Thanks to DBH Finance PLC, the Highway of Hope project is already transforming lives. By combining daily football, education, and hands-on environmental work, SHI is nurturing a generation ready to take on the future.

The SHI family is overjoyed to share some incredible news – our very own Arif Billah and Khairul Alam have been selected for the primary squad of the Bangladesh National Rugby Team for the upcoming Bangladesh-Nepal series! These two remarkable athletes have been with SHI since 2017, growing from passionate young players into true leaders on and off the field. Their journey from our grassroots programs to the national stage is a shining example of what dedication, hard work and the right support can achieve. We’ve watched with pride as they’ve overcome every challenge with determination, and now they’re ready to represent Bangladesh at the highest level. To Arif and Khairul: you’ve already made us so proud, and we know you’ll inspire a new generation of athletes as you take this next exciting step in your rugby careers. This isn’t just your victory – it’s proof of the incredible potential within all our youth when given opportunity and encouragement. The entire SHI community will be cheering you on as you wear the national colors with honor! #SHIProud #BangladeshRugby #RisingStars

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI), in collaboration with the Bangladesh Football Federation (BFF)-Accredited Football Academies in Sylhet Division, proudly announces the resounding success of the first-ever Divisional Women’s Football Championship in Bangladesh —a groundbreaking event proving that football is a powerful force for gender equality, empowerment, and social change in Bangladesh!

Supported by the Chowdhury Welfare Trust, this tournament wasn’t just about goals and trophies—it was about breaking barriers, defying stereotypes, and rewriting the future for women in sports.

The Championship Final: A Battle of Champions

In an electrifying showdown, Ragib Rabeya Bangladesh Sports Academy emerged victorious over Bhoirab Gonj Football Academy (2-0). But beyond the scoreline, the true triumph belonged to every young woman who stepped onto the field, proving that football is not just a man’s game—it’s a game for dreamers, fighters, and leaders.

Meet the Stars Who Shined Brightest 🌟

• 🥇 Player of the Match: Shibani Kurmi (Ragib Rabeya BSA)
• ⭐ Player of the Tournament: Sworna Munda (Ragib Rabeya BSA)
• 🧤 Best Goalkeeper: Sonali Munda (Ragib Rabeya BSA)
• 🌱 Emerging Talent: Nasrin Rema (Bhoirab Gonj FA)

These athletes are more than just players—they are role models, showing the next generation that talent has no gender.

A Movement Bigger Than Football

This tournament sent an undeniable message to Bangladesh and beyond:
✅ When women get equal opportunities, they don’t just compete—they dominate.
✅ Sports build confidence, leadership, and resilience.
✅ Football is a pathway to professional careers and social transformation.

Gratitude to Our Champions of Change

SHI extends its deepest appreciation to:

• Chowdhury Welfare Trust for their visionary support in empowering women through sports.
• Six One Star Football Academies (BFF-Accredited) for their partnership and commitment to grassroots development.
• Every coach, parent, and supporter who stood by these athletes, proving that real change takes a village.

A state-of-the-art artificial turf dedicated to amputee football was officially inaugurated at the SHI Center in Sreemangal, marking a significant milestone for disability-inclusive sports in Bangladesh. The facility, supported by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), was inaugurated by Mr. Nicolas Fleury, Head of Delegation, ICRC, and Ms. Sharmin Farhana Chowdhury, Founder & CEO of Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) Bangladesh.

The new turf will provide a safe and professional playing surface for amputee footballers, enabling athletes with disabilities to train and compete at a higher level. The initiative reflects ICRC’s commitment to supporting physical rehabilitation and social inclusion through sports, while SHI Bangladesh continues to empower individuals with disabilities by creating opportunities in sports.

During the inauguration, Mr. Fleury emphasized the importance of inclusive sports in fostering resilience and community integration. Ms. Chowdhury expressed gratitude to ICRC for their support and highlighted the transformative impact the facility will have on amputee football development in the region.

The SHI Center in Sreemangal has become a hub for adaptive sports, and this new addition is expected to inspire more athletes with disabilities to pursue their passion for football. The collaboration between ICRC and SHI Bangladesh sets a strong example of how partnerships can drive positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.

The event was attended by local athletes, sports enthusiasts, and community leaders, who celebrated this landmark achievement for amputee football in Bangladesh.

The Women’s Amputee Football Exhibition Match in Sreemangal brought an inspiring close to the 7-day Amputee Football Camp, showcasing remarkable athleticism and the power of sports to transform lives. For players like Sumaiya (17), who discovered new strength through football after losing her leg, the event was profoundly meaningful. “Football gave me back my confidence when I needed it most,” Sumaiya shared. “On this field, we’re not disabled – we’re unstoppable athletes.” Organized by Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) Bangladesh with support from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the match demonstrated how sports can break down societal barriers and create opportunities for athletes with disabilities. Distinguished attendees including ICRC’s Mr. Nicolas Fleury and SHI’s Ms. Sharmin Farhana Chowdhury witnessed firsthand how these programs empower women through sport.

Beyond the competition, the event marked a significant step toward greater inclusion in Bangladeshi sports. Each pass and goal challenged stereotypes about disability while inspiring a new generation of athletes. The collaboration between SHI Bangladesh and ICRC highlights the growing momentum behind adaptive sports initiatives in the country. As these programs expand, they’re creating pathways for athletes with disabilities to showcase their talents, build confidence, and change perceptions. The exhibition match wasn’t just a sporting event – it was a powerful statement that with proper support and opportunity, physical limitations need not limit one’s potential. With continued dedication from organizations and communities, amputee football is poised to keep transforming lives across Bangladesh.

On April 6, the world observed the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace, recognizing sport’s unique ability to drive social change, foster unity, and promote resilience. Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) joined the global movement by raising the #WhiteCard, symbolizing their commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and equality. Through sports, SHI Bangladesh continues to create safe, inspiring spaces for youth, girls, children, and persons with disabilities, proving that sport is more than a game—it’s a tool for transformation.

#IDSDP #SportForDevelopment #WhiteCard #InclusionThroughSport #SHIBangladesh

With profound gratitude to TİKA Dhaka (Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency), we are delighted to share that 200 Ramadan aid boxes have brought hope and festive warmth to girls in Sreemangal! 🎁✨

Each carefully prepared box—filled with essential food items and Ramadan treats—represents more than material support; it embodies global solidarity, compassion, and the spirit of Ummah. Witnessing the radiant smiles of these young girls reminded us how small acts of kindness can strengthen communities during this sacred month.

A heartfelt Jazakum Allah Khairan to TİKA for their steadfast partnership in empowering vulnerable communities. Your generosity has not only nourished bodies but also uplifted spirits, proving that when hearts unite, blessings multiply. 🤲❤️

#Ramadan2024 #TIKAforGood #SHIBangladesh #CommunitySolidarity #SpreadTheJoy

Sports for Hope and Independence (SHI) Bangladesh remains committed to creating opportunities for youth and marginalized groups through sports and humanitarian initiatives.