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.