30 May 2025
In low-income communities where formal education is limited and parents may not have had the chance to learn, life skills become game-changers. They teach young people how to communicate, solve problems, manage stress and make better decisions. The OSCAR Foundation girls and boys often lack mentorship in their families. Our Life Skills Programme plays a pivotal role in bridging that gap, equipping them with essential tools to make informed choices for a better future
Ashok Rathod shares why ‘Life Skills’ are essential for empowering young lives.
These aren’t just soft skills; they are survival tools. They empower our youth to navigate daily challenges, avoid harmful paths and seize opportunities they might not have believed were possible. Life skills create independence and confidence.
We’re proud to share that the story of Ashok Rathod—Founder of OSCAR Foundation—has been published as a chapter in the Class 9 English textbook under the Chhattisgarh State Board (CBSE). Every year, over 9,000 students across the state will now learn about Ashok’s journey and how football is transforming lives in low-income communities.
View the Chapter here
Ashok’s story is not just about sport—it’s about using football as a tool for education, empowerment, and life skills. His mantra, “No School, No Football”, has helped thousands of children stay in school, gain confidence, and become changemakers in their communities.
The inclusion of this story in the school curriculum is a testament to the growing recognition of life skills education—especially in today’s world where children need more than academics to succeed. Communication, emotional resilience, teamwork, decision-making, and gender sensitivity are just as critical as reading and writing.
At OSCAR Foundation, we believe that when young people see role models like Ashok—someone who grew up in a Mumbai slum and built something meaningful—they begin to imagine a different future for themselves. Through life skills and football, we help them turn that imagination into action.
Thank you to the Chhattisgarh Board for honouring this story. It reminds us all that powerful change begins with one idea, one ball, and one child who dares to dream.