Now days I rarely raise my eybrows when is comes to groundbreaking project, mainly due to that the large amount of innovation out there always serve or is created with a western perspective in mind.
It is a tech-startup there, new products there. Some very good and some that I enjoy myself and the ones who makes my life easier, sometimes a bit more enjoyable. However it often makes me wonder, do I need that new gadget, could that possible make me happier?
Due to my engagement in projects in emerging markets I’ve been studying and researching a lot about culture and society in developing countries where the need is enormous and the suffering is great. I’ve always on the search for the groundbreaking and ground-shifting ideas in these regions. Also engaging in projects with that purpose to actively change something to the better. There are alot of great initiatives out there…
But I have not seen anything quite like this before…Skateistan.
SKATEISTAN
IS A NON-PROFIT
ORGANISATION
USING SKATEBOARDING
AS A TOOL FOR
EMPOWERMENT
One of the most innovative and by far most helpful initiatives out there in one of the most complex regions of the world - Afghanistan. (They are also represented in Cambodia)
Founded by Oliver Percovich. The basic outline is to use the skateboard as a tool to empower underprivileged children in Kabul and others cities. Key objectives are education, community and leadership both for boys and girls. There is a 40% representation of girls in Skateistan. That is for me unheard of in any other initiative in this region where women are participation is very limited. But now they have an arena to participate communicate, enjoy , strengthen themselves and in the long run their communities.
I strongly urge you to watch this movie and of course support the cause by buying merchandise in the webshop.
Skateistan Movie
I will follow-up on this project on a regular basis and hopefully even try to get an interview with the initiators whom I have the outmost respect for.
I love and support this and hope you will to.