SKATEISTAN

We use skateboarding as a tool for empowering youth and changing lives – to create new opportunities and the potential for change.

US Skateistan is a supporting organization for the Skateistan Afghan NGO. We provide monetary, advisory and other technical support to the Skateistan NGO in Kabul.

BRIEF HISTORY

US Skateistan was created in 2009 and received its 501(c)(3) tax exempt status in 2010. Skateistan in the US was founded by individuals located in the US interested in supporting operations of the Skateistan Afghan NGO in Kabul. US Skateistan works in close conjunction with the directors of the Skateistan Afghan NGO in Kabul. US Skateistan provides direct financial and nonfinancial support to Skateistan projects in Afghanistan and, more recently, Cambodia.

The idea of Skateistan began in 2007 when two Australians arrived in Kabul, Afghanistan, with three skateboards and quickly met a group of local boys and girls eager to learn how to skate. What began as informal skateboarding lessons at a local empty fountain turned into something much bigger. Skateistan took shape in the following years, with the help of international donors and skate industry partners. On October 29, 2009, the 1750m2 Skateistan park officially opened, nearly 400 girls and boys (ages 5-17) in Kabul a secure environment and an indoor skatepark to come to every week.

Skateistan is Afghanistan’s first skateboarding school, with separate teaching days for male and female students, as well as classes for the disabled and a Back-to-School program. Skateistan is also one of very few recreational spaces for girls and young women in Kabul. The organization provides on-site loans of skateboarding equipment, shoes and safety gear. Skate instruction is given by experienced international skateboarders as well as some of the very first kids to step on a skateboard in Afghanistan.

In March 2011 Skateistan expanded to Phnom Penh, Cambodia, where the organization provides skateboarding and educational opportunities to over 150 marginalized and streetworking youth each week.

HOW SKATEISTAN WORKS:

Skateboarding has been key in bringing together Afghan youth of all ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds, and the interaction is further built upon through classroom projects and discussion. The students themselves decide what they want to learn, while Skateistan provides them with the resources they need to develop skills and tell their own stories.

Students spend an hour in the skatepark and an hour in the classroom. Lessons include hands-on activities, theatre, art projects, games, photography and discussions encouraging students to think about their world and how to create positive change within it.

Youth (under 26) account for 70 percent of the country’s population, and so the most worthwhile investment that can be made is to provide a space that encourages tolerance, a civil society built on trust despite differences, and opportunities for education. Furthermore, the absolute novelty of the sport means that there aren’t the social norms attached that prevent girls from taking part in other sports.

WHAT WE NEED:
Wondering where your donation dollars go? Here is a list of some of the things your donation to Skateistan will provide.

Shipping of skateboards:
Although Skateistan has sponsors for all of our skateboarding and safety equipment, we must ship it into our project countries, which can be quite costly due to limited secure postal options and customs charges. You donations assist us in keeping our skateparks well-stocked with equipment which is then loaned out to children in classes six days a week.

Student art supplies:
Classes at Skateistan are largely creative arts based. Art supplies are needed for every class. Some examples of art supplies used regularly are photo prints, paints, colored pencils, notebooks, paper and craft supplies such as fabrics, glue, tape, and scissors. Costs are approximately $200 USD per month.

Skatepark maintenance:
We currently need donations for some of the daily maintenance expenses such as cleaning supplies, our electrical and plumbing systems, the upkeep of appliances, repairing and building new skateboard obstacles, and the maintenance of our new climbing wall and multi-sport area. Monthly costs are around 200 USD.