Last month we celebrated an array of things worldwide - from Peace Day in Afghanistan to Heritage Day in South Africa. Not only that, but Skateistan globally won the WeWork Creators award here in Berlin!

Keep scrolling down for the full details on these events and to read an inspiring account from our Cambodian Educator, Rattanak, who just returned from a staff exchange to our Skate School in South Africa.

Celebrating Heritage Day in South Africa

Last week, our female students in Johannesburg celebrated Heritage Day, a newly created public holiday that encourages the celebration of the rich culture and traditions of South Africa. Dressed in the costumes and make-up of their respective tribes, the students came together to pay homage to their heritage and embrace the diversity of beliefs, languages and traditions that make up South Africa. Represented were ethnic groups such as Zulu, Xhosa, Ndebele, Swati, Sotho, Tswana, Tsonga and Venda.

And the winner of the Berlin WeWork Creators Award is... Skateistan!

Local Update: Celebrating International Peace Day in Afghanistan

Our Skate Schools in Afghanistan hosted a special event to celebrate International Peace Day, with 92 female students and their friends and family in attendance. The day included live musical performances from students and a friendly skate competition. A member of our partner organization ASCEND, who develop young women into leaders through the sport of mountain climbing, was also invited to join the celebrations and she delivered a moving speech about their new Afghan record of climbing 5,516 meters. 

Dropping In: Cambodian Educator Rattanak Returns From South Africa

Last month, our Cambodian Educator, Rattanak, boarded a plane for the first time to visit the Skateistan team in South Africa on a global staff exchange. After an amazing trip, he documented his experience and is now back in Cambodia and preparing to share all of his learnings with his team.

Shop to Donate: The Inspiring Photo Tees

Check out these sweet photo tees awesomely modeled by our Educators Farzad and Freidon in Afghanistan! You can pick up the 'Girls Tough As Nails' Tee or the 'Four Boys' Tee from our online shop. 100% of proceeds go to supporting our Skate Schools.