On Thursday 8 September, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Javed Patel, hosted a farewell event for the women’s football team that will soon represent Bangladesh at the Street Children’s Football World Cup in Qatar.
The team is made up of children who were rescued from life on the streets and now live at the LEEDO Peace Home in Dhaka.
LEEDO (Local Education and Economic Development Organization) is a non-profit voluntary development organization founded in 2000. Through the provision of education, shelters and lifestyle support, LEEDO aims to protect children from the vulnerable street and help them return to their homes. the majority community.
During the event, the young guests shared stories of their time living on the streets and called on guests to help improve the life chances of other less fortunate children. They were excited about the opportunity to meet two players from the Bangladesh U-19 National Football Team, Most Aklima Khatun and MST Halima Akhther, and talk to the professional players about their next big match. They also showed off their football skills and challenged the British Deputy High Commissioner to a ‘keeping’ contest!
Mr. Kazi Nabil Ahmed MP, Vice President of the Bangladesh Football Federation, and Mr. Abu Nayeem, Secretary General of the Bangladesh Football Federation, were also present at the event.
British Deputy High Commissioner Javed Patel said:
“Ensuring 12 years of quality education for all children is at the heart of the UK’s drive to fight poverty, promote gender equality, drive economic growth and reduce conflict. In Bangladesh, we are investing up to £54.5 million over the next eight years to improve educational outcomes for children, particularly girls and marginalized boys. I fully believe that sport is an integral part of a child’s education, and today we are proud to be with the women’s football team that will represent Bangladesh on the international stage.”
Forhad Hossain, Executive Director of LEEDO said:
“We should all raise our voices together to protect the most vulnerable children from the dangers of the streets so that they can create a better Bangladesh. According to the CRC all children have the right to survive with dignity. I want to thank the British High Commission for organizing this event with LEEDO.”
More information
British High Commission Dhaka
United Nations Highway
Baridhara
Dhaka – 1212
bangladesh
Email: Dhaka.Press@fco.gov.uk
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