Skateistan launched their new fundraising campaign today which will help them to include even more children in their innovative programs. The campaign is called “Changing the Story” and focuses on how Skateistan’s creative, arts-based education programs help children to shape a better future for themselves.
Changing the Story aims to raise $60,000 for Skateistan’s creative education programs.
Skateistan’s largest program is called Skate and Create which combines skateboarding with creative education. Students follow an arts-based curriculum which teaches skills and topics which are not covered as part of their formal education, ranging from human rights and gender issues to recycling projects and gardening. Particularly popular lessons include students making their own shoes and bags, building clocks and imagining their own countries.
Skateistan also runs an accelerated learning program in Afghanistan called ‘Back-to-School’ which gives out-of-school children the chance to complete grades 1-3 in one year so they don’t miss their chance to attend formal education. Earlier this year, Skateistan’s biggest Back-to-School program cohort to date saw 139 out-of-school children in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif graduate and enter public school.
Changing the Story launches today with a special short film made by Blam Studio and will run until 27 June. The campaign features the stories of current Skateistan students who have benefited from its creative education. Read some of their stories below.
Pisey* is 11 and lives in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. She experienced trauma in her early life but is now learning to express herself at Skateistan. One of her favorite lessons was learning how to make her own backpack.
“I fell down many times from my skateboard, but I keep getting up and trying again. And now, I am not afraid anymore because my teacher motivated me. Skateboarding made me feel happy and forget my fear.”
Ahmad* is 13 and lives in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan, in an internally displaced people’s camp. Having fled from his hometown, Ahmad was missing out on his education but he attended the Back-to-School program at Skateistan and has now re-enrolled in public school. His favorite lesson explored the meaning of peace.
“Before I went to Skateistan, there was no chance for me to understand the value of education and how important it is, but now it’s totally different.”
Nthabiseng* is nine and lives in Johannesburg. Before she came to Skateistan she had no friends and she was always bored. Now she has a good circle of friends and is trying much harder at school. Her favorite lesson involved students making their own sandals.
“Then we learned how to make our own shoes. I didn’t think I could ever make my own shoes that I can actually wear. When I was finished, I wanted everyone to see the shoes that I had made.”
You can find out more about the campaign, read the full stories of the Skateistan students and donate at www.skateistan.org/changethestory
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