Thank you so much for your support throughout 2016. So far this year has been a huge success and we are working with more at-risk youth than ever before. We are just weeks away from the opening of our newest Skate School in South Africa and we have been running programs in Sihanoukville in Cambodia, bringing more kids together to learn and play.
What started as regular skate sessions with local street-working kids in Kabul, has grown into four Skate Schools around the world. The first chapter of the story was providing Outreach sessions to children from all different backgrounds, so they could skate together in the streets of Afghanistan. As they were learning together and teaching each other, they were defying social divisions. It showed the power of skateboarding as a uniting force and one that can change lives.
Outreach is the first point of contact for at-risk youth with Skateistan and a way for them to access our programs and join our community. A recent girls-only session at the Troyeville bowl in Johannesburg was a great example of this when a record-breaking 41 girls turned up for a skate! Seeing Skateistan grow since day one has only reinforced my belief in skateboarding and education for youth empowerment.
This is the final week of our July fundraising campaign for Citizens of Skateistan. Thanks to the 42 new Citizens who have become part of our community so far this month. This week is focused on our Youth Leadership program. The most significant impact of Skateistan’s activities can be seen among the dozens of kids who have become Youth Leaders, volunteers or staff. Many of these youth have gone through our programs and are now giving back to the community and inspiring the younger generation.
For just $10 a month, you can make it possible for one Cambodian student to attend Outreach sessions and $80 a month means one South African student can be part of the Youth Leadership program. If you believe skateboarding has the power to change the world, please join the Citizens of Skateistan.
Help us create leaders that make a better world!
Warmest regards,
