This Giving Friday, we’re proud to support Skateistan, an award-winning NGO that empowers children through skateboarding and education. In this exclusive interview, we chat with a Skateistan representative to learn how their programs are breaking barriers and transforming lives in communities around the world. Dive into their inspiring story and discover the impact your support can create.

When life is tough, resilience and creative problem solving is key. Skateboarding can give young people an outlet to develop these skills. 

Could you share a bit about Skateistan’s origins and how it came to use skateboarding as a tool for social change?

Before founder Oliver Percovich had the idea to start Skateistan, he found himself teaching young Afghan girls and boys how to skateboard on the streets of Kabul. It was the kids that took the initiative, grabbing Ollie’s skateboard right out of his hands. These kids’ first skatepark? A derelict fountain in their local neighborhood. 

A fountain is a symbol of replenishment. It’s a source of strength and life, where community is born. In Kabul, 15 years ago, that broken-down concrete fountain found a whole new meaning. Though it no longer gave fresh water, it was now a place where young girls and boys could play, learn skills and empower themselves through skateboarding. It was where Skateistan was born.

It was the children of Kabul who asked if Skateistan could help connect them to educational opportunities. This was how the Back to School and Skate & Create programs began. Similarly, our Youth Leadership program began off the back of certain students expressing an interest in teaching and running events. 

Fast forward, and that fountain has given birth to a global movement. Today it is a symbol of a dream manifest, a community of international skate schools, a network of over 750 like-minded social skate projects in over 100 countries, and so much more. 

But it’s important to remember that it was the kids who inspired the idea to run classes in the first place. And as that idea grew, and Skateistan was born, it remained crucial to let locals lead. From Noorzai who went from student to manager in the organization, to today’s move to make our skate schools independent; Skateistan has always been about adapting to new contexts and the needs of the communities we work within. 

How does Skateistan approach cultural sensitivities in the regions it serves?

As outlined above, we’ve always worked with local staff and role models in order to ensure acceptance and integration in the communities we serve. Whether it be outreach to parents who are unsure about their children attending our classes, to direct attention to students who are interested in becoming future community leaders themselves, we ensure local ownership and direction across the board. 

How does Skateistan ensure inclusivity, especially for girls and marginalized kids?

Since the beginning of Skateistan, we’ve committed to 50%+ female attendance. We’re currently hovering between 52% and 56%, thanks to our constant attention to girls in the programs. Whether it’s through having female instructors and staff members at our Schools and Partners, by creating girls only sessions and safe spaces, or through supporting women-led projects around the world, inclusivity is something we’ve always had as a guiding light. And we’re always looking for ways to improve. 

What unique skills and values do young people gain from skateboarding at Skateistan?

When life is tough, resilience and creative problem solving is key. The way in which we all deal with failure or obstructions to our goals and wellbeing defines who we are and how we move forward in spite of these things. Skateboarding, though it is not a solution to life’s problems, can give young people an outlet to develop these skills. Physical activity of the creative and dynamic sort (like skateboarding) is empowering, especially for girls.

When life is going well, having a place you can go to keep things on track, to express yourself and blow off steam, is also crucial. Our programs try to offer spaces and resources for at-risk youth to learn, play and shape their futures, through the good and the bad. 

Could you share any memorable story where Skateistan made a big difference in a young person’s life?

Farida, 14, lives in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp with her family in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan. As a young girl, Farida never went to school and was unable to read and write. She recalls a time she lost her mother in the market and didn’t know what to do, how to ask for help or even read signs. Farida felt socially isolated, “I remember the days when my relatives encouraged my parents to not allow me to study. I didn’t even have a friend to walk and talk with, to make memories with, to study with, or to share my life challenges.”

This changed once she joined the Back-to-School program, which offered Farida something she’s always wanted: to be in a space with other children and make memories together. A part of Farida that seemed closed before, was now open. 

Now I know how valuable I am. I respect myself so much. Now my family believes I have a bright future

What role do local coaches play, how are they trained, and how are they trained to support the youth?

Since 2020, Skateistan has been working to grow the number of locations we work in. Through our Partners model, we create bespoke partnerships with existing organizations. We’re currently doing so in 30+ locations. This means that the way in which coaches and educators interact with participants varies greatly, and is tailored to suit the communities they serve. 

But as an overview, Skateistan Schools and Partners offer a mixture of skateboarding tuition, creative education and emotional support and encouragement for at-risk youth everywhere.

How has TSG’s helmets and gear donation impacted the kids’ safety and confidence? 

It goes without saying that helmets and pads protect our bodies from unnecessary injury while skateboarding. But it’s often overlooked the psychological power that protection offers. Knowing that you aren’t going to hurt yourself while trying something new offers the emotional safety net we need to push beyond our comfort zone, to learn new skills and really discover where our limits lie. Padding up is a mindful moment in our sessions where participants can plan their goals for a session, and padding down gives them a moment to reflect on their achievements. As such, TSG’s support is not only one of equipment, but a gift of support that supports our participants core development. 

How can supporters and partners get involved in Skateistan’s mission?

Skateistan is raising $731,000 by the end of 2024. Our campaign is called She Leads. We Follow. and it’s a call to unite for at-risk girls and women of color all over the world. This money will provide further skateboarding and education programs. We’re talking Afghanistan, Iraq, South Sudan, Bolivia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, Kenya, the list goes on and on. In fact, by 2027, Skateistan aims to be working in 50 countries, reaching over 10,000 kids. And over half of those will be girls. But we can’t do it alone.

Across the world, gender and racial inequality remains a problem. But every child deserves a chance to live their dream. Donate today at skateistan.org, so that girls everywhere can shape their tomorrows.