Skateistan provides Afghan children refuge, community, fun in wake of tragedy

opened its doors in Kabul as a non-profit recreation and education facility for Afghan children in October 2009. The Skateistan facility now provides classes in Skateboarding, literacy, art, computer and a myriad of other areas to Afghan boys and girls aged 5-18 from varied ethnic and economic backgrounds.

On September 8, 2012 four Skateistan students were killed in a suicide attack on the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) base. The students, like many other Afghan children, sold pencils, woven bracelets and other small items at the ISAF gate to people entering the compound, as well as to passers by.

Muftah submitted questions to the staff, students and Afghan teachers of Skateistan to ask them how the organization is recovering after the tragedy, and what being a part of Skateistan means to them:

What did Skateistan do when everyone learned Khorshid, Eeza, Nawab, and Parwana had been killed?
Communications Manager Duncan Buck: In response to the tragedy, Skateistan decided that keeping the facility open was essential. It was clear that Skateistan was not only a place of education and fun, but also a place of safety and a thriving community for youth from all social backgrounds. We felt that by continuing to provide such an environment for the youth of Kabul, our students would be able to share their own feelings, experiences and worries together.

How did the teachers and other students help one another?
Buck: In the weeks following the attack, each of our daily classes included a special memorial service for the youth who passed away, and offered a chance for the students to share their memories of their fellow students and role models. Our student support officer, who is responsible for student enrolment, went out in the days following the attack and found over 40 new students. Responses such as this to the tragedy really helped maintain the sense of community that is at the core of Skateistan and its staff and students.

What do you like best about being a student / teacher at Skateistan?
Skate Teacher Noorzai: I feel very proud that I am teaching such a new sport (skateboarding) to other kids. I love Skateistan because it is not just a place for learning but also a place that you can have fun.
Skateistan Student Ibrahim: Before I came to Skateistan I was not able to play sports; I loved sports but there were not any safe places that I could play them. I find Skateistan to be a safe and friendly environment for playing all kinds of sports, especially skateboarding. I am very excited and proud to be part of Skateistan and that I am learning new skills through skateboarding.

What does your family think about your skateboarding?
Noorzai: My family is very proud of me, especially when I show them pictures and videos of me skateboarding. When they see them it makes them happy and they encourage me a lot.
Ibrahim: They always encourage me because I love skateboarding. It is my favorite sport

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