Skateboarding and education converge here at Skateistan. This international non-profit empowers youths. Over 1500 young people attend Skateistan’s programs every week. They come from Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa.
Skateistan’s Berlin headquarters coordinates global activities. But its heart lies in empowering children through skateboarding. Oliver Percovich founded Skateistan in 2007. He started by skateboarding with kids in Kabul, Afghanistan. Percovich saw few opportunities for Afghan youths, especially girls. Skateboarding became a way to engage them and build community.
Imagine a safe space where children learn to express themselves. Skateistan provides this. Its programs include Outreach, Skate and Create and Back-to-School. Youth Leadership programs are also available. These programs give children opportunities to become leaders.
Skateistan’s Skate and Create program combines skateboarding with arts-based education. Educators teach human rights, cultural studies and nutrition. Students develop confidence and critical thinking skills. The skatepark provides a platform for self-expression.
The Back-to-School program supports children’s formal education. In Afghanistan, it’s a fast-tracked learning program. Skateistan enrolls students into public school after completion. In South Africa and Cambodia, the program offers homework help. It also offers guidance with career planning.
Older students can join the Youth Leadership program. They assist educators, mentor younger students and plan events. This helps young people develop a sense of ownership. They become role models for the community.
Skateistan has received many awards. These include the IOC Women and Sport Award and the .ORG Impact Award. Documentaries about Skateistan have also won awards. “Learning to Skateboard in a Warzone (if You’re a Girl)” won an Oscar. It also won a BAFTA.
Skateistan operates Skate Schools in Afghanistan, Cambodia and South Africa. They also have outreach programs. Skateistan Educators reach over 2500 children every week. The organization has charitable status in Germany, the UK and the USA.
The Skateistan story showcases the power of skateboarding. It demonstrates its ability to create positive change. It helps to empower children around the world. Skateistan’s international headquarters are here in Berlin. From here, the organization supports projects worldwide. It gives children the opportunity to shape a better future.