Around The World: Skateistan - Australians skate into the heart of Kabul

Skateboarding in downtown Kabul, Afghanistan seems a little incongruous with the images we have of the war-torn country. But for Australian skateboarders Oliver Percovich and Sharna Nolan it was the beginning of one of the greatest gifts they could give the children of Afghanistan.

The Aussie skaters the boys were surrounded by mesmerised kids, desperate to learn the art of skating, an ideal distraction from their surroundings of damaged buildings and broken streets.

So Skateistan was launched. Inspired by the Afghani kid s ’ determination, the Aussies set up skate lessons for boys and girls. Unlike many sports the girls were prohibited from playing, skating proved non-threatening, as it had never been seen before. This both empowered the girls to do something with the boys and to value their own sporting skills and abilities.

The founders’ success with their first students prompted them to think bigger: by bringing more boards back to Kabul and establishing an indoor skateboarding venue, they would be able to teach many more youths; they would also be able to hold separate classes for girls.

The Canadian, Norwegian and German governments put up a combined $120,000, and the Afghan Olympic Committee donated land for Skateistan’s indoor center . With the support of a combined national and international team, they managed to build and open Kabul’s largest indoor sports centre, geared towards the skateboard lessons.

School is in now session at Skateistan . Classes alternate between male and female students and the timetable is divided equally between the classroom and instruction in the skate park. Lessons focus on teamwork, peace building, safety and English – all taught by both a foreign and local teacher. Skateistan’s first international volunteers arrived in Kabul in early November including Sophie Friedel , a professional mountain boarder from Germany who is working with the female students.

Recognised as a successful program that unites and focusses children in a war-ravaged country through sport, Skateistan has been given the Peace through Sport Forum award for Best Non-governmental Organisation of the Year. Executive Director Oliver Percovich received the award in Monaco in the presence of H.S.H Prince Albert II, from former world champion Joel Bouzou .

Part of the Skateistan mission is also to strive to tell a positive story about Afghan youth to send a message of hope, unity and peace to the world.

Skateistan is a great example of how giving time and using skills to activate change can make a difference. I

GIVING TIME

GIVE TO AFGHANISTAN