By Lucinda Sowerbutts | Head of OSCAR International
Dhanraj grew up in a small rural village in Karnataka, India, where opportunity was scarce, life was very tough and dreams rarely stretched beyond the horizon. As a little boy, he joined the OSCAR programme simply because he loved football, but what he found was something far bigger!
So, when Dhanraj was invited to be part of the OSCAR UK Tour 2023, he could hardly believe it. A boy who had never dared to dream of travelling was suddenly flying across the world. On the tour, Dhanraj experienced things he once thought impossible, interacting with pupils from OSCAR’S UK host schools, sightseeing in London, meeting OSCAR’s Royal Patron, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, the British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak MP, who welcomed the team to a reception at 10 Downing Street plus football coaching from Man City FC.
These moments were unforgettable. But more importantly, they showed Dhanraj what he could become.
Dhanraj is one of the many young people supported through OSCAR’s Child Sponsorship Scheme. Thanks to the generosity of his sponsors, he received regular football sessions, life-skills education and a uniform not just for himself, but for other children in his community. This consistent support gave him confidence, discipline, a sense of belonging and a passion for working out in the gym!
Today, Dhanraj is no longer just a participant. He is an active Young Leader, inspiring hundreds of children from backgrounds just like his. He stands as living proof of what happens when a child is given sustained support, opportunity and someone who believes in them.
The photos you see capture more than a journey across continents, they tell the story of a young boy whose life was changed and who is now changing the lives of others.
By continuing to support the OSCAR Child Sponsorship Programme, you are helping create more Dhanrajs, children who don’t just escape their circumstances but go on to uplift entire communities.
By Sunita Rathod | Fundraising Manager
By Sunita Rathod | Fundraising Manager
Project reports on GlobalGiving are posted directly to globalgiving.org by Project Leaders as they are completed, generally every 3-4 months. To protect the integrity of these documents, GlobalGiving does not alter them; therefore you may find some language or formatting issues.
If you donate to this project or have donated to this project, you can receive an email when this project posts a report. You can also subscribe for reports without donating.
Support this important cause by creating a personalized fundraising page.
Start a Fundraiser
