Hi 5’s Pathways to Success program began in 2018 at the Vajreshwari center for tribal children. Initially, Hi 5 focused solely on its basketball initiative, later evolving and introducing an education and counselling support program, ensuring success on the court translated into real-life outcomes—higher education, employment, and a better future.
The spark came from Coach Vignesh, now Hi 5’s technical head, who noticed children turning to him for academic help during his posting at the Vajreshwari center. Many came from broken homes, destitute conditions and saw manual labour or early marriage as their only path. Moved by their stories, Vignesh approached the founders, asking if Hi 5 could do more. The founders began researching solutions and discovered that the government offered support for tribal students—college reservations, accommodation, and a monthly allowance. Hi 5 launched a pilot program, securing college admissions for students under the sports quota. However, access to government aid required bank accounts linked to SIM cards. Most students didn’t own phones, so Hi 5 provided smartphones, enabling autonomy over their finances for the first time.
Junior college brought new experiences—freedom, independence, and opportunity. Hi 5 supported students with transport, tuitions, and mentorship. These first-generation college-goers even played district-level tournaments and were honoured in school assemblies—a proud, transformative moment. As the model proved successful, Hi 5 recognized a similar need in urban areas. The underprivileged children in cities lacked government support. Hi 5 stepped in and provided assistance in every way possible to ensure these children continue their education. In 2023, they launched the Pragati Center to support underprivileged city students from grades 5–12, helping them overcome language barriers, improve communication, and build confidence—with continued support beyond graduation.
Challenges remained—especially convincing parents to send girls to college. With limited roads, Coach Vignesh often walked kilometres to reach families, explain the program, and earn their trust. Hi 5 reassured parents by promising emergency visits, medical support, and conducted induction programs to showcase life in college and where their children will be spending the next two years of their lives. In 2020, the first batch graduated junior college. When asked if they wished to pursue degrees, the answer was unanimous—yes. Hi 5 provided English classes, tuitions, and internships to prepare them for the real world. By 2023, 15 out of 16 students earned their degrees. A convocation was held at the Ashramshala, celebrating this landmark achievement with parents, teachers, to inspire the next generation of children from their community.
What began as a small effort has now become a movement. Pathways to Success has helped children not just build brighter futures but also inspire their entire communities in the process.
