One organization that I discovered that is truly remarkable is called
Skateistan. It is a creative, non-profit organization that uses
skateboarding as a tool for empowering youth to provide opportunities for education
and creative thinking that help break the cycle of poverty and exclusion.
With programs in Afghanistan and Cambodia, Skateistan is finding a way to expose these children to
outside cultural influences as well as building self confidence in a fun,
constructive learning environment.
Skateistan is geared toward kids ages 5-18, focusing on girls and
working children.I think it's great for these children to be learning how to
skateboard, the girls especially. being that girls in these areas are not
allowed to ride bicycles and are specifically excluded from traditional sorts,
I think it's wonderful that they are being provided with an outlet that they
can express themselves and have fun.
Skateistan
fights for gender equality in one of the most sexist, and gender discriminating countries in the world. Nearly
40% of Skateistan's students are girls. Unfortunately, approximately half of
Skateistan’s students work on the street and many are illiterate due to
economic pressures keeping them out of school, and I feel that it is wonderful
that the organization offers a variety of programs supporting education,
arts and leadership, alongside the skateboard lessons. Skateistan has
the ultimate goal of getting girls out of danger, off the street and enrolled
or re-enrolled into the public school system.
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