How Skateboarding Empowers Young Girls In Afghanistan
Channel: IntoConnection
Date: 20/04/2015

UNICEF named Afghanistan one of the “worst places to be born in the world”, and in particular for girls. When Australian Oliver Percovich moved there in 2007, he found a country full of young enthusiasts, but no outlet. 

When moving to Kabul Oliver, as a true skateboarder, dropped his board and discovered the city on four wheels. He quickly became friends with the young population. The young Afghani were fascinated by his plank on wheels, and had never seen anything similar before. Especially the girls showed a huge interest in the tricks Oliver performed. He saw a sparkle in the eyes of these kids, and naturally he decided something must be done. 

In Afghanistan girls and woman are not allowed to practice sport. However, skateboarding was so new and unknown “that nobody could say the girls could not do it yet”. He started with improvised skate sessions with a few borrowed old skateboards, but Skateistan has now grown out to a worldwide, award winning NGO. 

Skateboarding is no longer just a sport, but used as a tool for empowerment and education. The element of fun and sport brings together different social classes, ethnic groups and educates and connects a young generation. By now Skateistan has spread across the world, and engages young children in Cambodia and South-Africa as well. 

Read the full story on Skatistan on intoconnection.com


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