Could This Be The World's Coolest School?
July 9th 2008 06:29
War zone stories that humble and inspire us don’t usually get the coverage they deserve. For every thousand stories about suicide bombers and tragic casualties there might be a couple of column inches devoted to people who give our species a good name. For a planet so enamoured of the ‘laws of attraction’ – as the worldwide success of The Secret and books of that ilk would attest – we haven’t really figured out how to report good news. I remember a story about a guy a few years back who started a newspaper called The Good News Paper – which of course went bust due to a lack of readers.
So here’s a story that deserves a run.
Skatesitan is an organisation founded by three young Australians – two guys and a girl. The full story can be found on their site http://skateistan.org/project/ but here’s a taste:
“As soon as Australian skateboarders Oliver Percovich, Sharna Nolan and Travis Beard lay down their boards in Kabul, they were surrounded by the eager faces of children of all ages, begging them to teach them how to skate. Stretching the three boards they had, they developed an infant skate school.”
As it started to emerge that some of their students were quite talented the idea for Skateistan took flight.
“Skateistan is Afghanistan’s first dedicated co-educational skateboarding school. The school will engage with the growing numbers of urbanised youth in Kabul through skateboarding and provide new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction and education. We will initially focus on 60 students from a range of different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Student capacity will be developed in skateboarding, skateboarding instruction, project management, life skills and English. Our aim is to develop a program that empowers youth to take leadership on issues important to them and build networks that will counter current ethnic barriers.”
Given that at least 70% of Afghanistan’s population is under 25 years of age, youth oriented programs are a must. Disturbing statistics such as the fact that there are over 500 000 child drug addicts in Kabul add to the urgency of this need.
The Skateistan founders have used their own funds to start the project but are desperately in need of financial and other support. Donations can be made on the website or you can purchase one of their seriously cool T-Shirts and lend a hand to the cause.
Part of the problem? Part of the solution? It’s a choice.
So here’s a story that deserves a run.
Skatesitan is an organisation founded by three young Australians – two guys and a girl. The full story can be found on their site http://skateistan.org/project/ but here’s a taste:
“As soon as Australian skateboarders Oliver Percovich, Sharna Nolan and Travis Beard lay down their boards in Kabul, they were surrounded by the eager faces of children of all ages, begging them to teach them how to skate. Stretching the three boards they had, they developed an infant skate school.”
As it started to emerge that some of their students were quite talented the idea for Skateistan took flight.
Photo by Travis Beard - Courtesy Skatesitan
“Skateistan is Afghanistan’s first dedicated co-educational skateboarding school. The school will engage with the growing numbers of urbanised youth in Kabul through skateboarding and provide new opportunities in cross-cultural interaction and education. We will initially focus on 60 students from a range of different cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. Student capacity will be developed in skateboarding, skateboarding instruction, project management, life skills and English. Our aim is to develop a program that empowers youth to take leadership on issues important to them and build networks that will counter current ethnic barriers.”
Given that at least 70% of Afghanistan’s population is under 25 years of age, youth oriented programs are a must. Disturbing statistics such as the fact that there are over 500 000 child drug addicts in Kabul add to the urgency of this need.
The Skateistan founders have used their own funds to start the project but are desperately in need of financial and other support. Donations can be made on the website or you can purchase one of their seriously cool T-Shirts and lend a hand to the cause.
T-Shirt Image Courtesy Skateistan
Part of the problem? Part of the solution? It’s a choice.
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Comment by Joanne Fedler
I love this school, I love that there are people like this out there in the world making a difference through gentle, empowering, inclusive activities that are not about political power or money.
THis is a wonderful post.
Jo
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
I find stories of this kind truly humbling. I'm glad I took the time to write this post. Hopefully the Orble community will get behind the cause.
Thanks, as always for your encouragement Jo.
Jayne
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc
Thanks for bringing Skateistan to our attention, I would love to get involved but I am as broke as is possible until I get a new job...
If you (or Jo) want some good news, take a look at Rob Brezsny's Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings, one of my favourite books. Also check out his website, www.freewillastrology.com , which has links to heartening content updated weekly.
Have a lovely day~
Epiphanie
Comment by Jayne Kearney
Writers In Writing (and other writing)
Good news is always welcome here!! I shall check out Brezsny's book. It sounds very sweet.
Maybe you could send a link to my blog to all your wealthy friends?
Thanks for stopping by once again.
Jayne
Comment by Joanne Fedler
Jo
Comment by postmoderncritic
Postmodern Critic
Daily Inspirations
Relativity Watch
Padsoc