After years of groundwork, our football program, Enabling Leadership Play, is finally coming to life in Pollachi, a vibrant agricultural town in Tamil Nadu, India.
This year, 120 children from three government schools and one low-income private school will get the chance to develop essential life skills through the sport. Our vision is to empower these children to become responsible leaders, well-equipped to thrive in the 21st century.
Launching a program with such a direct impact on its stakeholders takes meticulous planning and perseverance. Our team invested significant time in surveying the district, visiting schools, and forging partnerships. Securing permissions, assembling an on-ground team, and engaging the local community were all crucial steps in this multi-year process.
Fortunately for us, the people of Pollachi embraced us wholeheartedly, and one particular individual deserves a special mention.
Our team first met Prabhu Ganesh, a local tuktuk driver, during their initial visit to assess the feasibility of implementing our programs in the district. Impressed by our mission and work, Prabhu went above and beyond his role. Not only did he navigate the town, but he also jumpstarted our efforts by facilitating a meeting at the government school his children attended. Together, we explored over 50 schools before finalizing our partnerships.
Throughout this multi-school journey, Prabhu transformed from a guide into an invaluable resource, becoming our go-to man as we navigated the local landscape.
When asked about his motivation to support us, Prabhu explains the conditions in rural Pollachi. “We have well-constructed schools in our village,” he explains, outlining the challenges, “but a lack of facilities hinders children’s overall development. There are no sports teachers or proper equipment. Most children here take government support and finish school, but struggle to continue their education later, eventually falling back into the cycle of poverty.”
He further expresses his elation at the fact that Enabling Leadership chose Pollachi as a program site. “The children of Pollachi are very talented and now they will finally get the opportunity to hone their skills. I’m honored to play a small part in their success”, he adds.
Prabhu’s words paint a clear picture of why Pollachi, and countless other Indian districts, need our programs. He recognizes the immense value our initiatives bring. But what he might not realize is that by supporting us, he embodies the very leadership qualities we strive to instill in our students.
It’s easier to work in a community which already has role models like Prabhu Ganesh to look upto. We’re brimming with excitement to launch Enabling Leadership Play in Pollachi and witness the incredible year ahead.
If a simple act by one person can pave the way for a brighter future for 120 children, imagine the changes a community of young leaders could bring about.
By Garima Kumar (Communications Associate)
