SKATEISTAN

Skateistan is immensely grateful for all the support we have received. What is particularly encouraging about this support is that  the majority of it comes from women. Last month, Skateistan received a large private donation from two women working in Afghanistan. Erin Chatelain of Betty Magazine, a Canadian monthly publication targeting female skateboarders, contacted Skateistan to express her support for the project. Furthermore, we are thankful to all those who donated funds for Skateistan at a farewell party in Kabul for EU political adviser, Kristoffer Nilaus Tarp. At Skateistan’s weekly skate lessons in the Macroroyan district of Kabul, often more girls turn up than boys. Halisa, an 8 year old girl who has been dubbed the “star skateboarder” by other skaters, smiles as she glides across the empty fountain in blue sandals. “I’ve been coming since the beginning”, she says with a large grin. ”Skateboarding is so interesting and different to me.”Zohra, 12 years old, speaks in clear English. She is the older sister of Fatina, a 10 year old who turned up in Macroroyan after hearing the sound of skateboards and a large crowd. Most of the girls who show up for skate lessons are younger. “I want to skate”, says Zohra, “but there are too many boys here. It’s not right for me. If it was all girls, I would be more willing to participate.” Zohra’s best friend, Meena, also 12 years old, agrees. ”I also face the same problem, because I’d like very much to skate but only with other girls.” She adds, “please get me a skateboard so I can practice myself. I can’t buy one in Afghanistan.”Fatina takes a break from skating to sit on her borrowed board in front of a garden of sunflowers and roses. “In the beginning, skateboarding was very difficult. But its getting easier each time I do it. I like it because it’s interesting and a challenge.” When asked about what her parents think about their daughter skateboarding, Fatina says both her mother and father are very happy. “They see it as a good thing. My mom especially is so happy. It’s very good for our health.” she says. Donations for Kabul’s female skateboarders can be made through the “Support us” section of the Skateistan website.Photos by Elissa Bogos

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