David Harewood OBE

David met Hassan on a trip to Bangladesh in 2022, and learned how Hassan lost his home and his father and siblings in a storm and moved to Dhaka. Here Hassan attends a UNICEF supported centre.

Talking of the storm Fatima, Hassan’s mother explained how “The house collapsed and the water came in”. “It was dark, very dark. I was very scared” said Hassan “I was just trying to survive, looking for something to hold on to, but there was nothing”. But then Fatima and Hassan were caught in a fishing net and they were pulled on a boat to safety. Hassan’s father, sister and two brothers had all died in the flood. With nothing to stay for in the village Fatima and Hassan boarded a ferry and came to Dhaka. Now, all they have is each other.

David visited the UNICEF supported hub in Dhaka where Hassan and other children can have some food and a place to stay. Crucially, it’s also giving children an education.

When asked why it’s so important to learn and go to school Hassan replied “Because if I study i will have a good job. That’s important, so that I can take care of my Mum”.

David has played in Soccer Aid for UNICEF since 2018 when he played for the winning England team. He followed up in 2019, playing goal keeper once again, and travelling to Sierra Leone to film a Soccer Aid appeal film – shining a light on UNICEF’s work delivering life-saving vaccines and neo-natal health services for children and their families. In addition to playing in the match, David advocated with UK parliament on behalf of UNICEF on the importance of vaccines.

For Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2021 David led a moving moment at half time, calling on everyone in the stadium to light up for children.