What are the benefits of skateboarding to youth?
Skateboarding is a non-competitive global sport requiring minimal supervision and resources. Unlike other Afghan sports, achievements in skateboarding are individual and depend on balance, creativity and personal expression. Skating can be practiced anywhere there is a smooth surface and gets young people active and engaging with each other.
What are the benefits of skateboarding in Afghanistan?
Skateboarding is a great platform for getting youth from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds engaging with each other positively. In Kabul, this is important considering recent political history and the fact that, outside of school, different ethnicities rarely mix. Skateistan’s mission is to build cross-cultural understanding and develop youth confidence, leadership and life skills.
Why is youth participation and leadership important?
With 70% of the population under 25, it is vital that development efforts in Afghanistan engage with youth immediately so they can take ownership of the problems they will soon inherit. We want to provide a safe and supportive environment where trust is built between participants and across the “western” Afghan cultural divide. We also want to develop the student’s ability to speak out about the issues that concern them and for them to present their visions for the future of their country. Our job is to give students the tools to take ownership of the problems they face through social asset building activities, youth development forums, as well as global exposure in radio, documentary and print media (with parent and community consent).
Will we involve the community when building the skate park?
Yes. Involving the local community is important for consent, and to make sure we are operating in a culturally sensitive and appropriate manner. In Australia, Europe and throughout America, local government, youth workers, parents and community groups now work directly with youth to plan safe, supervised and youth-friendly skateboarding facilities.
Can women participate in the school?
Absolutely, in fact, one of the co-founders of the school is a female skateboarder who has visions of developing an Afghan female skateboarding team. However we acknowledge there are many obstacles to teaching females and that is why community and government support is so important. Half of the students are female, giving Afghanistan the highest rate of female participation in skateboarding of any country in the world. Â
Can handicapped people participate?
Yes, we have already been working with handicapped and visually challenged Afghans. We are now developing a specialised curriculum for handicapped youth so skateboarding can be used for mobility and as sports therapy.
Will the students be safe?
Getting skateboarding off Kabul’s streets however remains our priority and the school will operate in a supervised and secure private facility that has been built with community consent. Our management will be in regular communication with ANSO (Afghanistan NGO Safety Organisation), government and local community leaders to receive regular security updates and contingency plans are being developed accordingly.
Will the school provide free tuition?
Yes, this is essential as most participants in the school cannot afford lessons. There will be no costs incurred by students for any activities at the school.
