A group of Youth Leaders from the Mumbai-based education NGO The OSCAR Foundation visited IRR as part of a week-long programme at The University of Edinburgh, hosted by IRR’s Professor Kev Dhaliwal. The OSCAR Foundation uses sport and life skills to improve the future of children in India. The 8 young leaders are some of the 1,000+ trained as community leaders. While at IRR the Young Leaders got to meet researchers, tour our facilities and try out some of the hands-on engagement activities from one of Professor Dhaliwal’s research projects. This was followed by a workshop with the like-minded Science Ceilidh, which connects communities, research, creativity and wellbeing.Science Ceilidh worked with IRR researchers to initially develop a concept for the dance, then invited the OSCAR Young Leaders, resplendent in traditional dress, to help co-produce the cross-cultural dance. The Young Leaders were accompanied by OSCAR Founder & CEO Ashok Rathod who was raised in Mumbai’s Ambedkar Nagar slum community. To break a cycle of crime due to poverty and lack of opportunity Ashok founded The OSCAR Foundation, using football as a powerful tool to engage children in education. With its core principle, No School, No Football, OSCAR has reached over 15,000 children across India, equipping them with life skills, football training and hope for a better future. This exchange exemplifies everything we stand for: education, inclusion and the power of human connection. We are honoured to host these incredible young leaders and excited to build long-term ties between our communities. Professor Kev Dhaliwal Pandemic Science Hub, Institute for Regeneration and Repair The Young Leaders also visited Castlebrae Community Campus to discuss inequality, youth empowerment, global issues and explore further education courses and careers. In 2026, the exchange will come full circle as young people from Scotland journey to India. Before OSCAR, I never imagined I would step outside my neighbourhood, let alone represent my community in another country. This opportunity is not just for me, it’s for every child who’s ever been told they can’t. Pooja Jadhav OSCAR Young Leader We wish the entire OSCAR team all the best for the future of their organisation. The OSCAR Foundation Professor Kev Dhaliwal Science Ceilidh Tags CIR CRH CRM Publication date 09 Jun, 2025
