SKATEISTAN
(image ©Hamdullah Hamdard-Kabul-2014)
Were you aware that in Afghanistan, girls are not allowed to ride a bike, but they are allowed to ride a skateboard? We are so pleased to feature Skateistan.org as our first featured nonprofit of Corporate Giving Partnerships. This amazing group brings to attention that all children deserve to play. The programs offered by Skatistan are designed to empower children from all backgrounds and we are honored to share this organization with you.
According to an article by Drop Into Skateboarding, “When practiced safely and properly skateboarding can be a vehicle for future success as it provides opportunities to learn the kinds of lessons that may prove to be influential throughout a young person’s entire life.”
The article goes on to state that “Besides the physical rewards gained from skateboarding, there are a number of mental and emotional benefits as well. Skateboarding naturally teaches kids how to set goals and overcome fears through the organic path of progression that is embedded in the act of skating.”
Skatistan helps children to overcome fears and build their self-esteem.This can be especially powerful in a country such as Afghanistan, which has experienced over 30 years of ongoing conflict and social dislocation. Skateboarding is a tool that contributes to building community trust among youth and develops their confidence, leadership and life skills.
In Afghanistan where 68% of the population is under the age of 25 (and 50% under the age of 16), Skateistan works with nearly 400 youth each week, with a high priority to provide opportunities for Afghan girls and street-working children.
Skateboard skills contribute to self-confidence, success in school, business, careers, and many other areas of life in general. As skaters take on challenges and goals on their own through skating, they are afforded the opportunity to apply these skills into life changing principles and establish habits that can be hard to teach in traditional cultural settings. Visit Skateistan.org to learn more.