Project Sanlaap

Zaheer* was just 16 years old when he joined Sanlaap three years ago. He was the second child in a family of seven siblings. Before Zaheer’s father fell ill, his mother had worked as a commercial sex worker but eventually gave it up to produce paper pouches at home. Difficult financial situations made Zaheer quit school at a young age to work with his brother in a tea factory near his house.

Although Zaheer was passionate about learning and playing football, he became a victim of substance abuse due to the stress and mental health issues he was facing. However, after a field worker from Sanlaap heard about him, they contacted him and encouraged him to come to the center. He got in touch with the local personnel and expressed a desire to continue his studies at the coaching center in the evenings. He declined to enroll in school, as he was currently the sole breadwinner in his family.

After affiliating with Sanlaap, he resumed his education and learned about child rights. He worked for an additional three hours after finishing his studies before returning home around midnight. With constant counseling and motivation from the field staff, he was able to overcome his addiction to drugs and alcohol.

He began raising his voice against child labor and physical and verbal abuse by organizing various community awareness campaigns. He also enrolled his sisters at Sanlaap’s center and a reputable government school with the money he had earned. He not only advocated for child rights but also for the education of girls.

When Zaheer learned that Sanlaap provided football coaching, he enrolled for it and began practicing early in the morning. His enthusiasm for football caught the attention of Sanlaap’s football coach, who offered him the opportunity to play in a trial game. After observing his outstanding performance, he was preliminarily selected for the final round, which could potentially change his life.

Zaheer has been a positive influence on the children and youth in red light areas. Despite his work obligations, he made an effort to educate himself and pursue his passion for football as a career. As a result, he rose to the role of youth leader and actively promotes child rights in the area where he lives. Zaheer is able to read and write, and his future is looking brighter than ever before.